It’s no secret that Windows is one of the best and most popular operating systems out there. However, as with all great things, it has flaws. For instance, one popular problem we’ve been seeing a lot online is the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10. When you start having issues with your Windows device, it pays to have a bit of know-how when it comes to the various types of troubleshooting methods you have at your disposal. Fortunately, the Windows community fosters the sharing of valuable information about fixing different types of system errors.
In this article, we’ll focus on defining the 0xc0000005 error and list a few easy-to-follow fixes to help you with this annoying Windows error. Read on to find out more!
What is the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10?
The most frustrating thing about the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10 is that it’s pretty vague. While it’s true that this type of error almost always happens whenever users try to open an application on Windows, determining where the issue stems from is a little more complicated. In general, the 0xc0000005 error typically pops up during these three scenarios:
- Windows Installation Error: “Windows installation encountered an unexpected error.”
- You may encounter this type of Windows 10 error whenever you are trying to install your Windows operating system or whenever you are updating to the latest patch. Most likely, this is caused by a corrupted hard drive, RAM issues, or registry flaws.
- Application Launch Error: “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000005)”
- As the name suggests, this type of Windows 10 error hinders users from opening applications. This 0xc0000005 error is usually caused by invalid or incomplete DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files which could be caused by faulty drivers or viruses.
- Access Violation Error: “Exception: access violation (0xc0000005)…”
- This error occurs when a program in Windows 10 tries to reach a location that is not assigned for its use. Access violation errors may also pop up whenever there are registry issues as well as RAM and hardware problems.
8 proven methods to fix the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10
Like most Windows 10 errors, the fix that you should use depends on what type of error you are currently experiencing. The good news is that there are several different methods that you can employ to fix this frustrating error. We’ve compiled some of the best troubleshooting solutions to help you deal with the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10.
Method 1: Scan Your Computer for Malware
Malware can be a simple reason why you’re experiencing the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10. It’s important to note that viruses and other malicious programs can affect your system and cause a plethora of Windows errors. Before trying more complicated fixes, make sure to scan your computer with an antivirus tool.
Here is how to perform a scan with the built-in Windows Defender:
- Begin by launching Settings.
- Choose Update & Security.
- On the left side of the new window, choose Windows Security and then select Virus & threat protection.
- Once a new window opens, locate and select Scan options.
- Tick Full scan and then click Scan now.
Method 2: Run System Restore
Since the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10 can be caused by driver-related errors or recent changes to your system, you can use System Restore to revert your device back to a previously known stable state. Here’s how to use System Restore:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard or select the Start button.
- Type “Control Panel” in the search box and select the app.
- Click System and Security.
- Choose System.
- On the right side of the window, click System protection
- There will be a pop-up window where you can select System Restore.
- From there, you will be able to choose your preferred restore point or a Windows-recommended restore point.
- Now that you’ve selected your preferred restore point, give your system a few minutes to restore your settings.
- After System Restore is completed, you may be asked to restart your computer for the fix to take effect.
Method 3: Check Your RAM
More often than not, the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10 is due to faulty RAM. If you think RAM is the main cause of this pesky error, you can try replacing it and see if it fixes the issue.
Method 4: Perform an SFC Scan
System File Checker, or SFC, is a Command Prompt command used to scan and restore corruptions in your system’s files. This built-in Windows tool can also be used to fix corrupted system files that may be causing the 0xc0000005 error. If you’re wondering how to use System File Checker, check out our step-by-step guide below:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard or select the Start button.
- Type “run” and click on the app.
- Once the Run window opens, type “cmd” to open Command Prompt.
- Now that you’re in the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and hit the Enter key.
- Once you press Enter, your system will immediately start scanning for corrupted files and repair any errors that may have been found
- Remember, do not exit the Command Prompt window until the verification process has been completed
Note: If you run into an SFC /Scannow error when starting the scan, don’t worry. We have written dedicated articles on what to do if SFC scannow is not working, including:
- Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform The Requested Operation
- Windows resource protection could not start the repair service
Method 5: Repair Your Registry
From recent changes to the Registry Editor to malware infections, a corrupted registry is the most common cause of Windows errors. Registry errors may even lead to serious problems in your system and could even prompt a reinstallation of Windows 10. To avoid the hassle of reinstalling your operating system, perform the following steps:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- Type “regedit” and hit Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows.
- Open LoadAppInit_DLLs and change the value from 1 to 0.
- Click OK to confirm the changes.
- Close the Registry Editor Window and reboot your device.
Method 6: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
It’s a known fact that antivirus software can sometimes cause compatibility issues within your system. It can affect executable files for a number of programs and prevent them from starting. To ensure that your antivirus software is not the cause of the 0xc0000005 error, try disabling it. If it worked, we recommend that you switch to another antivirus program so as not to leave your system unprotected.
Method 7: Check Your BCD
Another common cause of the 0xc0000005 error on Windows 10 is faulty boot configuration data (BCD) due to a virus or malware infection. You can try repairing it and check if it fixes this error. Here’s how you can repair your BCD:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- Once the Run app pops-up, type “cmd” and hit Enter.
- Once Command Prompt opens, type the following commands one by one and hit Enter:
- Del D:\Windows\System32\xOsload.exe
- Del D:\Windows\System32\xNtKrnl.exe
- Del D:\Windows\System32\Drivers\oem-drv64.sys
- attrib c:\boot\bcd -h -r -s
- ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old
- bootrec /rebuildbcd
Method 8: Turn off Data Execution Prevention
Deactivating the Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature of a particular program can also fix the 0xc0000005 error.
What is the DEP?
The DEP is an integrated Windows security feature that prevents damage to your computer from a plethora of harmful security threats. As the name implies, the DEP prevents malicious threats to execute code that may harm your device’s programs and files. In some cases, the DEP may accidentally cause access problems like 0xc0000005 and prevent you from opening certain applications.
The simplest solution is to deactivate your system’s DEP and see if that fixes the issue. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a quick guide:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
- Once the Run app pops-up, type “sysdm.cpl” and hit Enter.
- Expect the System Properties window to open and click Advanced.
- From there, navigate to the Performance section and click Settings (this will open the Performance Options window).
- Locate the Data Execution Prevention tab and tick off the “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select” option.
- Click Add and search for the executable file of the program you are trying to open.
- Click Apply to save changes and then click OK.
- Try to reopen the program or application that you are trying to run to see if this method has fixed the issue.
Key Takeaway
There are many ways that you can respond to the 0xc0000005 Error on Windows 10. The key is to remain calm and act quickly to mitigate the risk of data loss and hardware damage to your device. If you have another fix that was not mentioned in this article, please leave it in the comments section below!
