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0xC0000005ApplicationCritical

Error 0xC0000005 — STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION | Application Error Fix

Windows 10Windows 11Windows Server 2016Windows Server 2019Windows Server 2022

What Does 0xC0000005 Mean?

The instruction at a specific memory address referenced memory that could not be read or written. The thread tried to read from or write to a virtual address for which it does not have the appropriate access.

Real-World Causes

  1. 1Application bug causing null pointer dereference or buffer overflow
  2. 2Faulty or incompatible RAM modules causing random memory corruption
  3. 3Outdated or corrupted device drivers accessing invalid memory regions
  4. 4DEP (Data Execution Prevention) blocking legitimate code execution
  5. 5Malware modifying application memory space

Symptoms

  • ⚠Application crashes with 'The instruction at 0x... referenced memory at 0x...' dialog
  • ⚠Blue Screen of Death with SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION or PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
  • ⚠Programs freeze and terminate unexpectedly
  • ⚠Event Viewer shows Application Error with exception code 0xC0000005

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

  1. 1Update the crashing application to the latest version
  2. 2Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe) to test for faulty RAM
  3. 3Update all device drivers, especially graphics and chipset drivers
  4. 4Run 'sfc /scannow' from an elevated Command Prompt to repair system files

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

  1. 1Add the application to the DEP exception list via System Properties > Performance > Data Execution Prevention
  2. 2Use WinDbg to analyze the crash dump and identify the faulting module
  3. 3Run MemTest86 overnight for thorough RAM testing
  4. 4Check Event Viewer Application log for the faulting module name and offset to identify the culprit DLL

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 0xC0000005 a hardware or software problem?
It can be either. If the crash occurs consistently in one application, it is likely a software bug. If it occurs randomly across multiple programs, faulty RAM or a bad driver is more likely.
Can DEP cause this error in legitimate software?
Yes. Some older applications use techniques that DEP flags as suspicious. You can add specific executables to the DEP exception list in System Properties > Performance Settings > Data Execution Prevention.

Related Error Codes

0xC0000005STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION0xC00000FDSTATUS_STACK_OVERFLOW0xC0000374STATUS_HEAP_CORRUPTION

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.