0xc0000005 — Access violation – How to Fix
The error code 0xc0000005, also known as “Access violation,” occurs when a program tries to access memory that it isn’t allowed to. This can cause applications to crash, prevent programs from launching, or even trigger blue screen errors. The problem is often tied to hardware instability, driver conflicts, or corrupted files, but it can also point to faulty RAM or unstable system overclocks.
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Causes
The most common causes of error 0xc0000005 include:
- Faulty or unstable RAM modules
- Overclocked or misconfigured memory (XMP/EXPO settings)
- Corrupted or outdated drivers, especially GPU drivers
- Damaged or missing system files
- Application-specific corruption, such as broken game or program installations
- Malware infections altering memory processes
Fixes
Roll back or clean install GPU/driver changes
If the error started after updating drivers or hardware, roll back to a previous version. Use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove GPU drivers and reinstall the latest stable release. Conflicting or corrupted drivers are a leading cause of memory access errors.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest
Bad RAM is a frequent culprit. To test it:
- Press Win + R, type
mdsched.exe, and restart to run Windows Memory Diagnostic. - For deeper testing, download MemTest86 and create a bootable USB.
- Test each RAM stick individually if errors are reported.
Replace faulty memory modules if needed.
Verify or repair application files
If the error happens only in a specific game or app, corrupted installation files may be to blame. Most platforms (like Steam, Epic Games, or Microsoft Store) allow you to verify and repair program files. Run the integrity check and redownload missing or corrupted data.
Disable RAM overclocks (XMP/EXPO)
Overclocked memory can trigger access violation errors if unstable. Enter the BIOS, disable XMP/EXPO, or revert RAM settings to stock speeds. Test stability again with applications or stress tests. If the problem disappears, the overclock was unstable.
Run SFC and DISM
Corrupted system files can also cause memory access errors. Run these commands in an elevated terminal:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These tools repair damaged files and restore the Windows system image.
Additional checks
- Malware scan: Run a full antivirus scan to ensure malware isn’t interfering with memory processes.
- Check for overheating: Monitor GPU and CPU temps. Overheating hardware can behave unpredictably and cause memory access errors.
- Reseat RAM and GPU: Improperly seated hardware may cause intermittent memory errors. Power off, remove modules, and reinstall securely.
Conclusion
The 0xc0000005 — Access violation error signals that an application tried to access restricted memory. Most of the time, this comes down to hardware instability, driver conflicts, or corrupted files. By rolling back drivers, testing RAM, verifying app files, and running repair tools like SFC and DISM, users can usually pinpoint and fix the issue. If hardware proves faulty, replacing RAM or restoring stable settings often resolves the problem for good.
Have a different error code? Figure out how to fix it with our free Windows error code decoder.