If you’re getting the 0xc0000005 error when you are trying to launch an application or a game, do not worry.
You are not alone! Many Windows users reported the exact same issue, majorly when they attempted to run a program or update the OS.
The error code 0xc0000005 pops up for several reasons, including insufficient RAM, attempts to access unintended or damaged memory locations, malware, and corrupted files.
In this article, we’ll enlighten you with common causes behind the error and possible fixes to repair the same.
Common causes for the error 0xc0000005
Access violations: The error is likely to occur when the program you want to run is attempting to access files or folders that don’t have permission or are unintended to access.
RAM: RAM is where your computer stores the memory of running processes. So faulty or insufficient RAM can stop you from accessing the file, resulting in a 0xc0000005 error.
Corrupted files: Your system might have corrupted data that causes the 0xc0000005 error by preventing the programs from accessing the required resources to run as intended.
Incompatible software: Are you facing the error code 0xc0000005 after installing the new software? This may be because the software you installed is not designed for the Windows OS or need additional hardware configuration to function properly.
Malware: Malware in your system could cause the 0xc0000005 error by modifying the files or programs to access the memory location that they should not.
Driver issues: Drivers are little bits of software that let your operating system command your hardware devices on what to do. So, corrupted or incompatible drivers in your system could cause access violations or conflicts leading to the error 0xc0000005.
I know your big question is how to solve the 0xc0000005 error. There’s no single method to fix the error 0xc0000005, as the root cause of this error in your case might be different from the others.
So, without any further delay, join me as I show you the right do-it-yourself troubleshoot to resolve the error 0xc0000005.
Reinstall the Application or Program
If the application you’re trying to launch is producing the error 0xc0000005, or if you somehow suspect that the program you’re attempting to access is causing the 0xc0000005 error, then that software might not be compatible with your OS or fault in its installation itself.
Hence, the best way to fix the error code 0xc0000005, in this case, is to delete and reinstall the program.
Check issues with RAM
When RAM is low or corrupted, Windows slaps you with the error 0xc0000005 whenever you try to run a process or access files.
This could be happening because of insufficient RAM in your system that doesn’t have enough space to take up a new process or, the files you want to use are attempting to access corrupted memory.
You can run a memory diagnostic check to detect errors in the RAM by following the below-mentioned steps.
Open the Windows Memory Diagnostic app by searching it on the Windows search bar.
Before clicking on Restart now and check for problems (recommended), remember to save your work as this method closes all the running tasks.
Now the system automatically begins the restart. Once done, it scans the RAM and displays the results to you.
If you get some instructions to fix the memory errors, follow the flow if they are handy, but replace the RAM if you encounter some serious errors.
Scan for Malware
Injected viruses in your system may direct programs to access memory locations that they shouldn’t, resulting in a 0xc0000005 error.
Furthermore, the malware in your system doesn’t just limit you to the 0xc0000005 error. It can cause really serious problems if you ignore it.
If running an antivirus doesn’t help you with the error 0xc0000005, it can save you from many other potential risks.
So, you lose nothing in a malware check. It’s always a win-win game.
You can either use an antivirus software of your choice to run the scan, or simply follow the below steps that use Windows built-in tool to detect viruses.
Step 1: Search for Windows Security in the Windows search bar.
Step 2: Select Virus and threat protection in the new window.
Step 3: Scroll for scan options and click on it.
Step 4: Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and initiate the scan by clicking on the scan now button.
If the check finds the malware, click on start actions that you find in the results report to start removing the virus from your device.
However, if the report is clean with no virus in your device, go with the following fix.
Turn Off DEP
DEP is a security feature that’s built right into Windows. By marking certain areas of your computer memory as ‘non-executable’, the tool ensures that no code or program runs in particular memory locations, preventing malware to access these locations.
However, some applications are not compatible with this feature enabled on Windows, which leads to the error 0xc0000005. So turn off the DEP for the specific program and see if it works.
Step 1: Hold the Windows button and press r to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and click ok to open System Properties.
Step 3: Switch to the Advanced tab and click on the settings button.
Step 4: Navigate to the Data Execution Prevention tab in the new prompt of Performance Options.
Step 5: Choose Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select:
You can disable DEP for specific programs by adding them as shown below.
Step 6: Click on the Add button and enter the executable file name of the program you wish to disable DEP for.
Step 7: Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Run SFC
Corrupted, damaged, or missing files in your system could cause the error 0xc0000005. Running an SFC check detects the faulty ones and replaces them with the right versions.
Open the command prompt in run as administrator mode. To do this, you can either click Windows+r, enter cmd in the dialog box and press Control + Shift + Enter or directly search for command prompt in the Windows Search bar and right-click on it to choose Run as administrator.
Choose Yes in case the pop-up asks you to allow command prompt to make changes to your device.
Type SFC/scannow in the prompt and press enter.
Restart your system and check if the error still persists.
Update Device Drivers
Corrupted, Outdated, or incompatible drivers in your device may lead to the error 0xc0000005. So, let’s fix them with this method.
- Open Device Manager by searching it in the Windows search bar.
- Expand Disk drivers to see a list of available drivers in the drop-down menu.
- Right-click on each of them and select Update driver.
Do this for all the drivers that you suspect may be causing this error. If you’re unsure, try updating all of them.
If you find it time-consuming, employ a driver updating software to do this for you. Check out these best driver updaters to pick the right one.
Modify Registry Files
Back up your registry files before attempting this fix.
Step 1: Press Windows+r and input regedit to the dialog box.
Step 2: Fix the path to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
Step 3: Double-click on LoadAppInit_DLLs and change the value from 1 to 0.
Step 4: Click OK to apply the changes.
System Restore
If you’re unsure of the faulty software you’ve installed, or improper changes you’ve made to the settings, restoring your system is a great way to overcome the error 0xc0000005 but remember it only works if you’ve created a system restore point earlier.
Step 1: Type system restore in the Windows search bar and click on Create a restore point.
Step 2: Click on the System Restore button.
Step 3: Choose Recommended restore and click next and then finish.
Best Practices to Avoid the Error 0xc0000005
Keep your software up-to-date: Make sure all your applications, programs, software, and operating systems are updated to avoid the error 0xc0000005.
Employ antiviruses: Viruses and malware in your system causes numerous errors and 0xc0000005 can be one of them. Hence, utilize reliable antivirus software to prevent 0xc0000005 from occurring.
Driver updates: Having outdated or faulty drivers in your system sometimes leads to the error 0xc0000005. So, update them on a regular basis to ensure error-free computing.
Memory checks: Keep regular checks on your RAM to be sure your memory is functional and not corrupted. You can leverage Window’s built-in memory diagnostic tool for this.
Wrapping Up
I personally recommend you try sfc scan and disabling DEP methods, as they worked for me when this annoying error was bothering me.
I’m sure you can wipe out the error with the mentioned fixes. However, you can try cleaning up the temporary files if all of the above-mentioned methods are ineffective.
You may also read some best ways to fix Windows Error Code 0x80070057 and Error Code 0x800704cf.