How to fix exception error code 0xc0000005 in Windows?
Welcome to Blackview store, which offers budget Windows 11 laptop, wifi 6 mini PC, intel i9 mini pc, intel i5 mini pc, intel n95 mini pc, and more. Hope the guide helps.
Windows error code 0xc0000005 is one of those messages that can instantly derail your workflow. It often appears without much context—sometimes during app launches, sometimes at system startup, and sometimes right in the middle of something important like gaming or file operations. What makes it especially frustrating is that it isn’t tied to a single cause, which means a one-size-fits-all fix rarely works.
The good news is that this error is well understood, and in most cases it can be resolved with a structured approach. By understanding what the error means and applying fixes tailored to your Windows version and usage scenario, you can eliminate it permanently rather than just suppressing the symptom.
What is Windows error code 0xc0000005?
Error code 0xc0000005 is commonly known as an Access Violation error. In simple terms, it means that a program or system process tried to read from or write to a memory location it wasn’t allowed to access. When Windows detects this, it immediately stops the operation to protect system stability.
This error can surface in many forms, such as:
-
Application crashes on startup
-
“The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000005)”
-
Blue screen or sudden app termination
-
Game crashes or freezes
The underlying causes typically fall into a few categories:
-
Corrupted system files or application files
-
Faulty or outdated drivers
-
Conflicts with antivirus or security software
-
Memory issues (RAM or virtual memory)
-
Incorrect system permissions or registry corruption
Because Windows 11 and Windows 10 manage memory, security, and updates slightly differently, it’s best to approach troubleshooting separately for each system.
How to fix error code 0xc0000005 in Windows 11
Windows 11 emphasizes stricter security and memory protection, which can expose problems that previously went unnoticed. Start with the steps below, moving from simplest to more advanced.
1. Run System File Checker and DISM
Corrupted system files are a leading cause of this error.
-
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
-
Run:
-
After it completes, run:
These tools scan and repair damaged Windows components that could be triggering memory access violations.
2. Update Windows and device drivers
Windows 11 relies heavily on up-to-date drivers, especially for graphics and chipset components.
-
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
-
Update GPU drivers directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel if possible
-
Update chipset and storage drivers from your device manufacturer
Outdated drivers can easily cause access violations when interacting with protected memory.
3. Temporarily disable antivirus or security software
Third-party antivirus tools sometimes block legitimate memory access.
-
Temporarily disable real-time protection
-
Try launching the affected application again
If the error disappears, add the app to the antivirus exclusion list instead of leaving protection disabled.
4. Check memory integrity and virtual memory settings
Windows 11 includes advanced memory protection features.
-
Go to Windows Security → Device security → Core isolation
-
Temporarily disable Memory integrity and restart
Also verify virtual memory:
-
Open System → Advanced system settings
-
Under Performance, click Settings → Advanced
-
Ensure virtual memory is set to Automatically manage paging file size
5. Perform a clean boot
This helps identify background software conflicts.
-
Open System Configuration (msconfig)
-
Disable all non-Microsoft services
-
Restart and test again
If the error stops, re-enable services gradually to find the culprit.
How to fix error code 0xc0000005 in Windows 10
Windows 10 remains widely used, but its flexibility also means more room for conflicts—especially with older software.
1. Check for problematic Windows updates
Some cumulative updates can introduce compatibility issues.
-
Go to Settings → Update & Security → View update history
-
If the error began after an update, uninstall the most recent one
-
Pause updates temporarily until a stable patch is released
2. Reinstall or repair the affected application
If the error only occurs with one app, the issue may not be system-wide.
-
Uninstall the application completely
-
Reinstall it using the latest version
-
If available, use the app’s built-in Repair option
Avoid restoring from old backups that may contain corrupted files.
3. Check RAM for errors
Faulty memory is a classic trigger for access violations.
-
Press Win + R, type
mdsched.exe -
Choose Restart now and check for problems
If errors are found, reseating or replacing the RAM may be necessary.
4. Adjust Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
DEP prevents code from running in protected memory regions, but some older apps don’t play nicely with it.
-
Open System → Advanced system settings
-
Under Performance, open Settings → Data Execution Prevention
-
Add the problematic application to the exception list
This step should be used cautiously and only for trusted software.
5. Scan the system for malware
Malware often tampers with memory and permissions.
-
Run a full scan using Windows Defender
-
Follow up with an offline scan if possible
Removing hidden threats can immediately resolve recurring 0xc0000005 errors.
Fix exception code 0xc0000005 when playing games in Windows 11
Gamers frequently encounter exception code 0xc0000005 due to the intense memory and GPU usage modern games demand. In Windows 11, this is often tied to graphics drivers and security features.
Update or roll back GPU drivers
-
Install the latest stable GPU driver
-
If the issue started after a recent update, roll back to the previous version
Avoid beta drivers unless required by the game.
Disable overlays and background tools
Overlays from Discord, Xbox Game Bar, or GPU utilities can interfere with memory access.
-
Disable all overlays temporarily
-
Close background monitoring or overclocking tools
This alone resolves the issue for many players.
Verify game files
Corrupted game assets are common after crashes or interrupted updates.
-
Use Steam, Epic Games, or other launchers to Verify integrity of game files
-
Re-download any missing or damaged components
Adjust compatibility and admin settings
-
Right-click the game executable
-
Enable Run as administrator
-
Try Compatibility mode for Windows 10 if the game is older
This grants the game appropriate permissions and memory access.
Disable memory integrity (testing only)
As with general Windows 11 fixes, temporarily disabling memory integrity can confirm whether it’s the cause. If confirmed, look for game updates or patches rather than leaving it disabled long-term.
Final thoughts
Error code 0xc0000005 may look intimidating, but it’s essentially Windows telling you that something crossed a memory boundary it shouldn’t have. Whether the cause is a corrupted file, an aggressive security feature, or a misbehaving driver, the solution almost always comes down to restoring proper access and stability.
By addressing the issue methodically—starting with system integrity checks, then isolating software conflicts, and finally tuning memory and security settings—you can resolve this error on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Once fixed, systems typically remain stable, and applications or games that previously crashed run without further interruption.