I just received “warning” from Smart Scan (apparently automatic scan) that my DEP (Data Execution prevention) feature in Windows 11 23H2 is disabled. I’ve checked the settings and DEP is enabled the way it’s intended by default in Windows. See attached screenshot…
EDIT:
I’ve decided to apply it and it enabled DEP for ALL apps, not just select few as default. Is this really intended behavior? No issues with DEP observed that it can be enabled for ALL apps and not just for Windows ones?
It likely is a significant performance hit. There is a reason it isn’t on by default. It’ll depend on what you’re doing if you’re going to notice it.
In related news: recently Windows had an optional update that also has something to do with DEP and a new branch predictor for Ryzen CPU’s that improved (gaming) performance by up to 30% in select scenarios. It should be standard in 24H2 when it rolls out.
I’ve actually clicked “resolve” and it changed the setting from default for Windows apps and services to ALL apps except excluded ones. Unless Avast team knows something we don’t, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Or is it?
I got the exact same two warnings. DEP is enabled for essential programs. This alert is bogus.
Also: this is the first time I’ve noticed that Smart Scan runs automatically once a month. That is new behavior that wasn’t asked to OK by me, the end user.
I find it rather sad that for years the general attitude on this board has been: “You don’t need to run periodic or manual scans, because Avast will scan everything as needed on the fly”, but then now all of a sudden a monthly Smart Scan had been made default. I can see no other reason for it other than having a monthly scare session with nonsense alerts, followed by a bunch of upsell screens. Sigh.
Yet again a step in the wrong direction. I’ve disabled the automatic scan and hope it never comes back.
Edit: I was still on 24.7 so that version does this too.