Thread: Enable or disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature in Windows Vista

How to Enable or disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature in Windows Vista?


Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is used to keep check on the malicious software running on our system. It prevents such software from running if it detects them by terminating them. By default the DEP is enabled.

Note: It is recommended that you keep the DEP enabled. You must disable it only in the case you have adequate knowledge of its working and your system is secure even if it is disabled.

You can enable or disable DEP in the following way:

1) Open Elevated Command Prompt

2) Type or copy bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx OptIn and press Enter key to enable DEP



Figure 1


OR

Type or copy bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff and press Enter key to disable DEP



Figure 2


3) You will notice a successful message

4) Close Elevated Command Prompt

5) Restart your PC for the changes to take effect

Note: To know how to check the status of the DEP click the link How to check whether the DEP is enabled or not in Windows Vista?