Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a security feature that monitors how programs use your computer’s memory. It marks specific areas as 'non-executable', preventing viruses from hiding malicious code in locations reserved only for data. Because some older, legitimate programs use memory in a similar way, DEP can sometimes mistakenly block them from running.
The instructions below will walk you through adding an exception for a specific program in Windows.
In the taskbar search field, search for 'Control Panel' and then open it.
From the 'Control Panel', click on 'System and Security'.
From the 'System and Security' page, click 'System'.
Locate and click on 'Advanced System Settings'.
Under the 'Advanced' tab, find the 'Performance' section and click 'Settings'.
Switch to the 'Data Execution Prevention' tab.
Select the option: 'Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select'.
Click Add, browse to the .exe file of the program causing issues, and click Open.
The default location for games is C: > Program Files (x86) > GAME NAME
Click 'Apply and then OK. You will likely need to restart your computer for changes to take effect.