0xc0000005High0xc0000005 application error
What this error means
The 0xc0000005 application error usually means Windows tried to start a program, but something blocked it from reading or writing the memory it needed. In plain terms, the app crashed before it could open properly or it closed soon after launch. You may see it when opening a single app, after a Windows update, or when a damaged file, driver, or security tool is interfering.
Common causes
- 1A damaged or incomplete app installation
- 2Outdated or faulty device drivers
- 3Corrupted system files or Windows components
- 4Security software or malware interfering with the app
- 5Bad memory settings or failing RAM
How to fix it
- Restart your PC. A simple restart can clear temporary problems that cause the app to fail as soon as it opens.
- Close other heavy apps and try again. If your computer is low on memory, other programs can make this crash more likely. Close browsers, games, and other large apps, then reopen the affected program.
- Install the latest Windows updates. Updates often include fixes for stability and compatibility issues that can trigger
0xc0000005. After updating, restart your computer and test the app again. - Update the app and its related drivers. If the problem started after a recent change, install the newest version of the app. Also update your graphics and other device drivers from the PC manufacturer or device maker, since driver problems can cause application crashes.
- Repair Windows system files. If other apps are also misbehaving, damaged Windows files may be involved. Use Quickfix AI's repair guidance to check and repair system files, then restart when prompted.
- Scan for malware and remove anything suspicious. Some malware blocks programs from starting normally. Run a full Windows security scan and follow the recommended cleanup steps if anything is found.
- Reinstall the affected app. If the crash happens in only one program, uninstall it and install a fresh copy from the official source. This can replace missing or corrupted files that cause the memory access failure.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Close resource-heavy apps
- On Windows open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc); on macOS open Activity Monitor.
- Sort by CPU or memory usage.
- Quit apps you don't need that are using excessive resources.
Update your drivers (Windows)
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the affected device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
Run System File Checker and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
sfc /scannowand let it complete. - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Restart your PC.
Scan for malware (Windows)
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Full scan.
- Quarantine or remove anything detected, then restart.
When to seek help
Get professional help if 0xc0000005 appears every time you open the same app even after reinstalling it, if multiple programs start crashing, or if Windows itself becomes unstable. You should also seek help sooner if the issue began after a hardware change, if you see other signs of failing memory such as random restarts or blue screens, or if a malware scan finds threats that keep returning.
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