What is STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION?
STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION shows up as a high-severity Windows operating system fault. The application attempted to access a protected area of memory. Most often an application or driver error. Common triggers are incompatible software and malware. Work through the steps below in order.
Common Causes
- Bug in the application
- Corrupt driver
- Incompatible software
- Malware
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
-
1
Update the problematic app
As a first move, Update the problematic app handles the most common scenario behind STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION.
-
2
Reinstall the app
If it's still not resolved, work through the rest of the steps — they're aimed at rarer windows instability cases.
-
3
Run antivirus
For lingering STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION cases, "Run antivirus" is worth running through.
-
4
Check the GPU driver
"Check the GPU driver" targets corrupt driver, one of the documented causes of STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION.
Commands & Diagnostics
sfc /scannow
Frequently Asked Questions
The leading cause of STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION is bug in the application, though corrupt driver, incompatible software and malware also show up in our reports.
Most STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION reports resolve after "Update the problematic app". The rest of the guide above is there for the cases that don't.
STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION is a high-severity error. It won't damage your PC instantly, but repeated occurrences usually point to a deeper problem worth addressing soon.
In most cases, yes — the guide above resolves STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION 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 STATUS-ACCESS-VIOLATION. 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