What is 0xC0000005?
0xC0000005 shows up as a high-severity Windows operating system fault. The application attempted to access memory to which it does not have access rights. Typical application or driver error. The usual suspects are defective RAM, CPU overheating and malware. Use the steps below to track down and fix the cause.
Common Causes
- Bug in application or driver
- Defective RAM
- CPU overheating
- Malware
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
-
1
Update or reinstall the app
In our testing, Update or reinstall the app alone clears up 0xC0000005 more often than any other single step.
-
2
MemTest86
If the problem isn't fully resolved yet, the remaining steps rule out the less frequent windows instability triggers.
-
3
Antivirus scan
"Antivirus scan" is the next step worth ruling out for 0xC0000005.
-
4
Check system files
"Check system files" covers a less common but documented cause of 0xC0000005.
Commands & Diagnostics
sfc /scannow
mdsched.exe
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, bug in application or driver is behind 0xC0000005. Defective RAM, CPU overheating and malware can trigger it too.
The fastest fix is "Update or reinstall the app". Only move on to the later steps if 0xC0000005 keeps coming back.
Rated high severity — 0xC0000005 isn't immediately destructive, but recurring instances are a sign to fix it sooner rather than later.
In most cases, yes — the guide above resolves 0xC0000005 without a clean install. Treat a reinstall as the last resort, not the first move.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including 0xC0000005. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
Still Need Help?
Search our full database of 535+ documented PC errors for more solutions and step-by-step repair guides.
Search Error Database