How to Fix Error 0xc0000005 on Windows 11 and 10

The 0xc0000005 error code is a common issue that Windows 11 and 10 users may encounter. This error can manifest in various forms, such as an application error, access violation, or a blue screen of death. It often occurs when launching an application, installing updates, or accessing specific system features. The error may stem from various causes, such as corrupted system files, memory issues, or third-party software conflicts.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the possible solutions to fix the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 11 and 10. Following these steps can address the underlying causes and prevent the error from recurring. Let’s dive into the troubleshooting process and get your system back on track.

What Is the Error 0xc0000005 and Reason Why it Occurs

Error 0xc0000005 is a Windows system error that can occur on both Windows 11 and 10. It is often referred to as an “access violation error” or an “application error,” and it typically appears when users attempt to launch applications, install updates, or use certain system features. The error message may indicate that the application was unable to start correctly or that there was an access violation.

There are several reasons why the 0xc0000005 error might occur, including:

1. Corrupted system files: Damaged or missing system files can lead to this error, as they may interfere with the proper functioning of applications and system processes.
2. Faulty memory (RAM): Defective RAM modules or incorrect memory allocation can cause access violations, leading to the error.
3. Malware or virus infections: Malicious software can corrupt system files or cause other issues, resulting in the 0xc0000005 error.
4. Incompatible or outdated device drivers: Drivers that are outdated or incompatible with your system can cause conflicts and trigger the error.
5. Third-party software conflicts: Some applications or programs may interfere with system processes or other software, causing the error to occur.
6. Incorrect system settings: Changes in system settings or registry entries can cause instability and lead to the error.

Understanding the possible causes of the 0xc0000005 error can help you diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

Troubleshoot Windows Error 0xc0000005:

Solution 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker is a built-in Windows utility that scans and repairs corrupted system files. Running SFC can help fix the 0xc0000005 error by replacing any damaged files with their correct versions.

Follow these steps to run System File Checker:

1. Press Win + X on your keyboard and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the context menu to open an elevated command prompt.
2. In the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. The System File Checker will begin scanning your system for any corrupted files. This process may take some time, so be patient.
4. Once the scan is complete, SFC will either automatically repair the corrupted files or provide you with instructions for manual repair.
5. Restart your computer after the process is finished.

If the 0xc0000005 error was caused by corrupted system files, running System File Checker should resolve the issue.

Solution 2: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause conflicts and lead to the 0xc0000005 error. To fix the issue, update your device drivers to the latest versions.

1. Press Win + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager” from the context menu.
2. In the Device Manager, expand each category and look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark or other signs of an issue.
3. Right-click on the problematic device and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen prompts to update the driver.
5. Repeat this process for any other devices with issues.
6. Restart your computer after updating the drivers.

Updating your device drivers should help eliminate any conflicts that may be causing the 0xc0000005 error.

Solution 3: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help identify conflicts with third-party software. If the 0xc0000005 error is caused by a third-party application, performing a clean boot can help you pinpoint the issue.

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
3. Navigate to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and then click “Disable all.”
4. Move to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
5. In Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab and disable all startup items by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”
6. Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
7. Restart your computer.

After performing a clean boot, check if the 0xc0000005 error persists. If the error is resolved, one of the disabled services or startup items may be the cause. You can enable each service and startup item one by one to identify the problematic application. Once you’ve found the cause, you can uninstall or update the problematic software.

Remember to revert your system configuration to normal startup mode after completing the troubleshooting process.

Solution 4: Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows components or security patches can sometimes lead to the 0xc0000005 error. Ensuring your system is up-to-date can help resolve the issue.

1. Press Win + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Under the “Windows Update” tab, click on “Check for updates.”
4. If any updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

By keeping your system updated, you can eliminate any compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities that may be causing the 0xc0000005 error.

Solution 5: Scan for Malware

Malware can corrupt system files or interfere with system processes, leading to the 0xc0000005 error. Scanning your computer for malware and removing any threats can help fix the issue.

1. Open your preferred antivirus software or use Windows Defender, which is built into Windows 10 and 11.
2. Perform a full system scan to detect any malware or viruses.
3. Follow the antivirus software’s instructions to remove or quarantine any detected threats.
4. Restart your computer after the scan and removal process is complete.

By scanning for and removing malware, you can help ensure the 0xc0000005 error does not occur due to malicious software interference

In conclusion, the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10 and 11 can be quite frustrating to deal with, but there are several solutions available to address this issue. By following the methods outlined above, such as running the System File Checker, updating device drivers, checking your RAM, installing Windows updates, and scanning for malware, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the error. Remember to always keep your system up-to-date and maintain a secure computing environment to minimize the occurrence of errors like 0xc0000005. If none of the solutions work, it may be worth considering a clean install of Windows or seeking professional assistance to identify and fix the underlying issue.