9
DEP Level Chart
Processor
Support
BIOS DEP
Setting
OS BOOT.INI
Setting
Result
No
N/A
Any Setting
Only software-enforced DEP is available for limited
Windows system binaries.
Yes
Disabled
Any Setting
Only software-enforced DEP is available for limited
Windows system binaries.
Yes
Enabled
Always On
•
Hardware and software-enforced DEP coverage for all Windows
binaries, programs, and drivers.
•
No programs or drivers can be exempted.
•
System Compatibility Fixes (shims) for DEP do not take effect.
Always Off
•
No hardware or software-enforced DEP is available for any part
of the system.
•
The processor will not run in PAE mode unless a /PAE switch is
present in the BOOT.INI.
OptIn
(Default)
•
Hardware and software-enforced DEP coverage for limited
Windows system binaries by default.
•
Programs and drivers can be covered by both DEP and NX if
they explicitly specify to be covered (opt-in) by creating a shim.
•
This is the default configuration in the BOOT.INI.
OptOut
•
Hardware and software-enforced DEP coverage for all Windows
system binaries, programs, and drivers.
•
You can exempt programs and drivers if you explicitly specify
they are not covered (opt-out).
•
System Compatibility Fixes (shims) for DEP take effect.
