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Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is a critical memory access error that occurs when an application tries to access memory that it does not have permission to use. This error typically indicates faulty RAM, corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or software conflicts. To fix it, run SFC and DISM scans, test your RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic, update or roll back drivers, and temporarily disable third-party antivirus. If the error persists, perform a clean boot or check your disk for errors. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) Happens

Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is a memory access error that occurs when an application or system process attempts to read or write to memory that it does not have permission to access. This error is similar to other system errors like Windows Error 0x80070057 (Parameter Is Incorrect) and Windows Error 0x80004005 (Unspecified Error), but it specifically points to memory access violations. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft System Error Codes reference.

When Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) appears, the system is signaling that a program tried to access memory that was either not allocated to it or was protected. This can happen due to faulty hardware (especially RAM), corrupted system files, outdated or incompatible drivers, or conflicts with third-party software. The error is commonly seen when running memory-intensive applications, games, or during system updates. It can also be triggered by incorrect registry entries or malware infections.

Before diving into fixes, ensure you are logged in with an administrator account and have a stable internet connection. If Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) occurs during a specific application, note which application is affected, as this can help narrow down the cause. For a broader overview of Windows errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) can indicate faulty hardware. If you experience frequent crashes, test your RAM immediately to prevent data loss.

1. Restart Your PC and Update Windows

A simple restart can resolve temporary memory allocation issues causing Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Before restarting, check for pending Windows updates that may include fixes for this error.

  1. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.
  2. Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
  3. Install any pending updates, especially cumulative updates.
  4. If you encounter update errors, see our guides on Windows 11 Update Stuck or Cumulative Update Failure 0x80073701.

✅ Expected Result: A restart and updated system may resolve Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) immediately. If not, proceed to the next method.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files are a leading cause of Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Running SFC and DISM repairs system files and the component store. For a complete guide, see our How to Use DISM Windows 11 article.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run DISM to repair the component store:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete (15-20 minutes).
  4. Then run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. After both scans finish, restart your PC and check if Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is resolved.

✅ Expected Result: DISM and SFC will repair corrupted files, which often resolves Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation).

3. Test Your RAM for Hardware Faults

Faulty RAM is one of the most common causes of Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Testing your memory modules can identify defective hardware that requires replacement.

  1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Select “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)”.
  3. Your PC will restart and begin the memory test. This may take 20-30 minutes.
  4. After the test completes, Windows will restart automatically. The results will be displayed on the desktop or in the Event Viewer.
  5. If errors are found, you will need to replace the faulty RAM module.
  6. If you have multiple RAM sticks, test them individually by removing all but one module.

💡 Quick Tip: For more comprehensive memory testing, use MemTest86. This third-party tool runs from a bootable USB and performs more thorough tests than Windows’ built-in utility.

4. Update or Roll Back Problematic Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can trigger Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation), especially graphics, storage, and network drivers. For a complete guide, see How to Update Drivers Windows 11.

  1. Open Device Manager (right-click Start).
  2. Expand categories and look for devices with yellow exclamation marks.
  3. Right-click each device and select Update driver.
  4. If Windows doesn’t find updates, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
  5. If the error started after a driver update, roll it back via Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.

❌ Common Mistake: Forgetting to check for driver updates after resolving Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Always keep drivers up to date.

5. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Third-party antivirus or security software can interfere with memory allocation and trigger Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Temporarily disabling it can help identify if it is the cause.

  1. Open your antivirus application.
  2. Turn off real-time protection or pause protection temporarily.
  3. Also disable any firewall or VPN that may interfere.
  4. Attempt the operation that caused the error again.
  5. If the error is resolved, add the application or file to the exclusion list.
  6. Remember to re-enable your security software after testing.

⚠️ Warning: Only disable antivirus temporarily and for testing purposes. Re-enable it immediately after troubleshooting to maintain system security.

6. Check Disk for Errors Using CHKDSK

Disk corruption can cause Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) by interfering with file operations and memory paging. Running CHKDSK identifies and repairs disk errors.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the disk check:
    chkdsk C: /f /r
  3. You will be prompted to schedule the scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
  4. Restart your PC and let the scan complete (may take 30-60 minutes).
  5. After completion, check if Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is resolved.

🔁 Alternative Solution: For SSDs, use the manufacturer’s diagnostic tool instead of CHKDSK for more accurate health reporting.

7. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicts

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, which can eliminate conflicts that cause Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation).

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services”, and click Disable all.
  3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  4. Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
  5. Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
  6. Restart your PC and test if Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) still occurs.
  7. If the error stops, gradually enable services and startup items to identify the conflicting application.

💡 Quick Tip: If the error resolves in clean boot, the culprit is likely a third-party service or startup application.

8. Repair Registry Issues

Incorrect registry entries can trigger Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). However, editing the registry manually can be risky, so use caution.

  1. Open Registry Editor (Win + R, type regedit).
  2. Backup your registry by clicking File > Export.
  3. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
  4. Check the LoadAppInit_DLLs value. If it is set to 1, change it to 0.
  5. Also check AppInit_DLLs — if it contains any entries, back them up and clear them.
  6. Restart your PC and test.

⚠️ Warning: Registry editing can cause system instability. Backup before making any changes. Only change the specific keys mentioned above.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert to a previous state. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

Check for Malware

Malware can corrupt system files and trigger Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) for Specific Applications

If the error occurs with a specific application, try disabling DEP for that application. Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Performance > Settings > Data Execution Prevention, select “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select”, and add the problematic application.

In-Place Upgrade (Repair Install)

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while preserving your files and apps. Download the Windows 11 ISO, mount it, and run setup.exe. Choose “Keep personal files and apps.” This often resolves persistent Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). This method is also effective for Windows Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase and Windows Update Error 0x80240020.

If you have exhausted all options, consider using the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant or contact Microsoft Support. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is a critical memory error that can be fixed with systematic troubleshooting. The most reliable solutions are testing your RAM, running SFC and DISM scans, updating drivers, and temporarily disabling third-party antivirus. If the error persists, performing a clean boot or an in-place upgrade will usually resolve the issue. Always ensure you have administrator privileges and backup your data before attempting advanced fixes.

Regular maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and periodically checking hardware health, can prevent Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) from recurring. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on Error 0x80070057, Error 0x80004005, and BSOD fixes.

Related Guides

FAQ

What causes Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation)?

Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is caused by faulty RAM, corrupted system files, outdated or incompatible drivers, third-party antivirus conflicts, or incorrect registry settings.

How do I fix Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation)?

Run SFC and DISM scans, test your RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic, update or roll back drivers, temporarily disable third-party antivirus, and check your disk with CHKDSK.

Can faulty RAM cause Error 0xc0000005?

Yes, faulty RAM is one of the most common causes of Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Test your RAM using Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86.

Can antivirus cause Error 0xc0000005?

Yes, third-party antivirus software can block memory access and trigger Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation). Temporarily disabling it can help identify the issue.

Is Error 0xc0000005 a hardware or software issue?

It can be both. Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is often caused by faulty RAM (hardware) but can also be triggered by corrupted system files or outdated drivers (software).

Can DISM fix Error 0xc0000005?

Yes, DISM repairs the component store and can resolve Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) if it is caused by corrupted system files.

How do I test RAM for Error 0xc0000005?

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic by typing mdsched.exe in the Start menu, or use MemTest86 from a bootable USB for comprehensive testing.

Can I fix Error 0xc0000005 without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, most cases are resolved without reinstalling. Use SFC, DISM, RAM testing, driver updates, and clean boot. An in-place upgrade is the last resort.

Is Error 0xc0000005 a virus?

No, Windows Error 0xc0000005 (Access Violation) is a system error, not a virus. However, malware can cause this error by corrupting system files.

What is the difference between Error 0xc0000005 and 0x80004005?

0xc0000005 is a memory access violation error, while 0x80004005 is a generic “unspecified error.” 0xc0000005 specifically points to memory allocation or permission issues.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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