Fix Windows Error 0xc0000005: Access Violation (6 Methods)

Error 0xc0000005 crashes programs or triggers a Blue Screen of Death when software tries to access memory it’s not allowed to use. It’s one of the most common Windows errors, showing up during app launches, game sessions, and Windows updates.

#Common Causes of Error 0xc0000005

The error means a program tried to read or write a memory address it doesn’t have permission to access.

This error has both hardware and software roots. Faulty RAM is the most consistent hardware trigger, while corrupted system files are the most common software cause. SFC often turns up corrupted files when an access violation keeps recurring.

The specific causes include:

• Faulty or failing RAM modules causing random memory access errors
• Corrupted Windows system files that programs depend on
• Outdated or incompatible drivers creating memory conflicts
• Malware infections damaging system files and memory structures
• Failed Windows updates leaving the system in an inconsistent state

This error is different from 0xc00d36c4 (media codec issue) or 0x0000007b (boot device error). Each has its own causes.

#How Do You Fix Error 0xc0000005?

Start with the RAM test since hardware issues are the hardest to diagnose through trial and error. If RAM checks out, move to software fixes.

#Fix 1: Test Your RAM

Open the Start menu and type Windows Memory Diagnostic. Click Restart now and check for problems. The test runs during the next boot and takes about 10-15 minutes.

If the diagnostic flags errors on a memory module, replacing that stick usually clears the crashes. When errors appear and you have more than one stick installed, remove them one at a time and rerun the diagnostic after each change, so you can isolate the single faulty module instead of replacing all of your RAM at once.

#Fix 2: Run SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files are the most common software cause. Open Command Prompt as administrator:

sfc /scannow

If SFC reports unrepairable files, run DISM first and then SFC again:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

On a Windows 11 PC throwing 0xc0000005, SFC can find and repair the corrupted files, and the error often clears after a reboot. According to PCMag’s system repair guide, running DISM before a second SFC pass catches files that SFC can’t repair on its own.

#Fix 3: Update Your Drivers

Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager). Look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click the flagged device and select Update driver.

Pay special attention to graphics drivers and chipset drivers since these interact with memory the most. If hunting down each driver manually feels tedious, a driver updater like Driver Easy scans the system and fetches current versions in one pass. An outdated Nvidia graphics driver is a common culprit for 0xc0000005 crashes in games, and updating to the latest version usually stops them.

#Fix 4: Run a Full Malware Scan

Malware corrupts system files and causes access violations. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan and click Scan now.

A trojan infection can modify system DLLs and trigger access violations. After removing the infection and running SFC to repair the damaged files, the 0xc0000005 errors typically stop. Consider using Malwarebytes alongside Windows Defender for a more thorough scan.

#Fix 5: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, helping identify which program causes the conflict.

Type msconfig in the Start menu and open System Configuration. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all. Go to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, and disable all startup items. Restart your PC.

If the error disappears in clean boot, enable services one by one until you find the culprit.

#Fix 6: Adjust Data Execution Prevention (DEP)

DEP blocks programs from running code in memory regions marked as non-executable. Some legitimate programs trigger 0xc0000005 because of overly strict DEP settings.

Open System Properties (right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings). Click Settings under Performance. Go to the Data Execution Prevention tab and try switching to Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only.

#Is Error 0xc0000005 Related to Specific Programs?

Yes. If the error only happens when launching one particular application, that program is likely the cause. Try these steps:

1. Reinstall the program with a fresh download
2. Run as administrator (right-click > Run as administrator)
3. Check for program updates from the developer’s website

For example, 0xc0000005 often stops after updating an older Adobe Photoshop build that had been failing on launch, since the patched version no longer touches the restricted memory region. According to Wikipedia’s overview of access violations, this kind of fault happens when a process reads or writes memory outside the range the operating system granted it.

If you’re seeing related errors in programs like Outlook, check our guides on Outlook error 0x8004060c and error 0x80048002.

#Repairing Windows Without Reinstalling

If none of the above fixes work, try an in-place Windows repair. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps intact.

Download the Microsoft Media Creation Tool and select Upgrade this PC now. According to Microsoft, this option reinstalls Windows and repairs corrupted system components while keeping your personal files and apps in place. The process usually takes 30-60 minutes. For more details, see our guide on repairing Windows 10 without a CD.

#Symptoms and Impact of Error 0xc0000005

The error shows up in different ways depending on what triggered it. Application crashes are the most common: a program freezes, shows the 0xc0000005 code, and closes. Blue Screens happen when a system process or driver is affected. Failed installations occur when Windows Update or a setup wizard hits the access violation during file extraction.

If you’re seeing the error intermittently (every few hours or days), faulty RAM is the most likely cause. If it’s consistent with one program, the issue is software-specific.

#Preventing Future Access Violations

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic once per quarter if you experience intermittent crashes. Keep drivers updated and run sfc /scannow after any failed Windows Update since incomplete updates corrupt system files.

For related issues, check our guide on error 0x80040610.

#Bottom Line

Test your RAM first with Windows Memory Diagnostic. If that passes, run SFC/DISM to repair system files and update your drivers. These three steps fix the majority of 0xc0000005 errors. For program-specific crashes, reinstall or update the affected application.

#Frequently Asked Questions