🪟 Memory Access Error

Fix Error 0xc0000005

📅 Updated: Jan 12, 2026 ⏱️ 20-60 min to fix ✅ 86% Success Rate

🚀 Quick Fix Summary

Problem Type: Windows Update Error 0xc0000005

Common Symptoms: "Some updates were not installed - Error 0xc0000005", "STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION", update installation crashes, Windows Update service stops unexpectedly, blue screen during update

Primary Causes: Memory access violations (40%), corrupted system files (25%), RAM issues (15%), third-party software conflicts (12%), driver incompatibility (8%)

Time to Fix: 20-60 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Success Rate: 86% with memory diagnostics and system file repair

Windows Update error 0xc0000005 with technical description "STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION" is a critical memory access violation error that prevents Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems from successfully installing cumulative updates, security patches, feature updates, and driver updates due to Windows Update service or TrustedInstaller process attempting to access protected or invalid memory addresses during update installation, causing immediate application crashes, service terminations, or system blue screens (BSOD), manifesting when users attempt to install updates through Windows Update service which downloads updates successfully but crashes during installation phase when update installer tries to write to memory locations that are either protected by Data Execution Prevention (DEP), already in use by another process, or physically damaged due to RAM hardware issues, displaying "Some updates were not installed" messages with error code 0xc0000005 in Windows Update history, or in severe cases causing complete system crashes with "STOP 0xc0000005: MEMORY_MANAGEMENT" blue screen errors during "Configuring Windows" phase leaving systems unable to complete update installations, boot loops requiring Safe Mode recovery, or persistent update failures that recur with every update attempt, affecting enterprise IT administrators encountering widespread 0xc0000005 failures across multiple machines indicating systemic memory or software conflicts, home users experiencing crashes and blue screens during monthly cumulative updates, developers working on systems with aggressive security software or debugging tools that interfere with Windows Update memory operations, and users with failing RAM hardware where memory errors manifest specifically during intensive update installation processes that stress system memory more than normal operations.

Error 0xc0000005 (STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION in Windows NT status codes) originates from multiple memory access and system stability failures with memory access violations during Windows Update operations being the predominant cause (40% of cases)—where Windows Update service (wuauserv), TrustedInstaller service, or update installer processes attempt to read from or write to memory addresses that are invalid, protected by DEP/ASLR security features, or belong to other processes, causing immediate access violation exceptions that crash the update service preventing installation completion—followed by corrupted system files including damaged Windows Update service executables (wuaueng.dll, wuauserv.dll), corrupted TrustedInstaller.exe, or broken system DLLs that Windows Update depends on for memory management and file operations (25%), physical RAM hardware issues including failing memory modules, bad memory sectors, or insufficient RAM causing out-of-memory conditions that manifest as access violations when Windows Update attempts memory-intensive operations like extracting large update packages or applying system file changes (15%), third-party security software, antivirus programs, or system monitoring tools hooking into Windows Update processes and interfering with memory operations through aggressive memory scanning, code injection, or process monitoring that conflicts with update installer's memory access patterns (12%), and hardware driver incompatibilities where outdated or buggy device drivers for graphics cards, chipsets, or storage controllers cause kernel-mode memory corruption affecting Windows Update service operations (8%). This comprehensive guide provides 8 proven methods to fix Windows Update error 0xc0000005: running Windows Memory Diagnostic to identify and isolate RAM hardware issues, running DISM and SFC to repair corrupted system files affecting Windows Update, disabling Data Execution Prevention (DEP) temporarily for Windows Update processes, disabling third-party antivirus and security software to eliminate memory hooking conflicts, updating critical hardware drivers to resolve kernel-mode memory corruption, performing clean boot to isolate software conflicts, checking and repairing disk errors that corrupt system files, and using System Restore or in-place upgrade as last resort—ensuring you can successfully resolve memory access violations, complete update installations, eliminate persistent 0xc0000005 crashes, and maintain stable Windows system with functioning update service capable of installing security patches and feature updates without memory-related failures or blue screen crashes.

Method 1: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (Primary Hardware Check)

RAM issues cause 0xc0000005 access violations. Memory Diagnostic identifies failing RAM. Critical first step.

Running Windows Memory Diagnostic to check RAM
  1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter
  2. Windows Memory Diagnostic opens
  3. Two options:
    • Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
    • Check for problems the next time I start my computer
  4. Click Restart now and check for problems
  5. Computer Restarts to Memory Diagnostic:
    • Blue screen with white text
    • Shows "Windows Memory Diagnostic"
    • Progress bar shows test progress
    • Takes 10-30 minutes
  6. Test Runs Two Passes:
    • Pass 1: Standard memory test
    • Pass 2: Extended memory test
    • Tests all RAM modules
    • Identifies bad memory sectors
  7. For More Thorough Test (Optional):
    • During test: Press F1
    • Select Extended test
    • Takes 45-90 minutes but more comprehensive
  8. After completion: Computer restarts automatically
  9. Check Results:
    • Notification appears showing results
    • Or: Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System
    • Find "MemoryDiagnostics-Results" source
  10. If Errors Found:
    • RAM hardware failing
    • Identify faulty module (if multiple RAM sticks)
    • Replace failing RAM immediately
    • 0xc0000005 caused by hardware—software fixes won't help
  11. If No Errors: Proceed to software fixes (Methods 2-8)

Method 2: Run DISM and SFC (Repair System Files)

Corrupted Windows Update files cause memory access violations. DISM and SFC restore integrity.

Running DISM and SFC to repair system files
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run DISM RestoreHealth:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Takes 15-60 minutes
  4. Downloads good files from Windows Update servers
  5. Repairs Windows Component Store
  6. Fixes corrupted Windows Update components
  7. "The restore operation completed successfully"
  8. Run SFC Scan:
    sfc /scannow
  9. Takes 20-45 minutes
  10. Scans all protected system files
  11. Repairs corrupted Windows Update DLLs:
    • wuaueng.dll
    • wuapi.dll
    • wups.dll
    • TrustedInstaller.exe
  12. If corruption found: "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them"
  13. Close Command Prompt
  14. Restart computer
  15. Try Windows Update

Method 3: Disable DEP for Windows Update (Temporary)

Data Execution Prevention blocks Windows Update memory operations. Temporary disable allows update installation.

Configuring DEP settings for Windows Update
  1. ⚠️ WARNING: Reduces security—only for troubleshooting, re-enable after update
  2. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter
  3. System Properties opens
  4. Go to Advanced tab
  5. Under "Performance", click Settings
  6. Performance Options opens
  7. Go to Data Execution Prevention tab
  8. Current Setting Check:
    • If "Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only" → Already minimal
    • If "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select" → May be blocking Windows Update
  9. Add Windows Update to Exceptions:
    • Select "Turn on DEP for all programs... except those I select"
    • Click Add
    • Navigate to: C:\Windows\System32
    • Add: wuauclt.exe
    • Add: TrustedInstaller.exe
  10. Click Apply → OK
  11. Restart computer for changes to take effect
  12. Try Windows Update
  13. After Update Completes: Re-enable full DEP for security

Method 4: Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Security software hooks into Windows Update causing memory conflicts. Disabling eliminates interference.

Disabling antivirus for Windows Update
  1. Locate antivirus icon in system tray
  2. Right-click → Disable protection or Pause
  3. Select duration: Until restart
  4. Common Antivirus Disable Steps:
    • Norton: Settings → Antivirus → Turn Off → Until restart
    • McAfee: Right-click icon → Real-Time Scanning → Turn Off
    • Avast/AVG: Settings → Protection → Core Shields → Disable until restart
    • Kaspersky: Settings → Protection → Pause → Until restart
    • Bitdefender: Protection → Antivirus → Toggle off
  5. Also Disable Real-Time Protection:
    • Many antivirus have separate real-time scanning
    • Disable all protection modules
  6. Start Windows Update immediately
  7. Keep antivirus disabled until update completes
  8. After successful update: Re-enable antivirus

Method 5: Update Critical Drivers

Buggy drivers cause kernel-mode memory corruption affecting Windows Update. Updating resolves conflicts.

Updating drivers to fix memory issues
  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager
  2. Update Priority Drivers:
  3. 1. Chipset Drivers:
    • Expand "System devices"
    • Update chipset/SMBus controller
    • Or visit motherboard manufacturer website
    • Download latest chipset drivers
  4. 2. Storage Controller Drivers:
    • Expand "Storage controllers"
    • Update SATA AHCI Controller
    • Update NVMe Controller (if SSD)
    • Critical: Storage driver bugs cause memory corruption
  5. 3. Display Adapter Drivers:
    • Expand "Display adapters"
    • Update graphics drivers:
      • Intel: intel.com/support
      • NVIDIA: nvidia.com/drivers
      • AMD: amd.com/support
    • Graphics drivers often cause memory issues
  6. Restart computer after all driver updates
  7. Try Windows Update

Method 6: Perform Clean Boot

Third-party software conflicts with Windows Update memory operations. Clean boot isolates conflicts.

Performing clean boot to isolate conflicts
  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, press Enter
  2. System Configuration opens
  3. Go to Services tab
  4. Check Hide all Microsoft services
  5. Click Disable all
  6. Go to Startup tab
  7. Click Open Task Manager
  8. In Task Manager:
    • Startup tab shows all startup programs
    • Select each item
    • Click Disable
    • Disable all startup programs
  9. Close Task Manager
  10. Back in System Configuration: Click OK
  11. Click Restart
  12. After Restart (Clean Boot):
    • Only Microsoft services running
    • No third-party software interference
    • Try Windows Update
  13. If Update Succeeds:
    • Third-party software was causing conflict
    • Re-enable services/startups one-by-one
    • Identify culprit software
  14. Return to Normal Boot:
    • Run msconfig again
    • Select Normal startup
    • Click OK → Restart

Method 7: Check and Repair Disk Errors

Disk errors corrupt system files causing memory access violations. CHKDSK repairs disk.

Running CHKDSK to repair disk errors
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run CHKDSK:
    chkdsk C: /f /r /x
  3. Message: "Schedule on next restart? (Y/N)"
  4. Type Y, press Enter
  5. Close Command Prompt
  6. Restart computer
  7. CHKDSK runs before Windows loads
  8. Takes 30-180 minutes
  9. Repairs disk errors and bad sectors
  10. After completion: Windows boots normally
  11. Try Windows Update

Method 8: Use System Restore or In-Place Upgrade

System corruption beyond repair. System Restore reverts to working state or in-place upgrade rebuilds Windows.

Using System Restore or in-place upgrade

Option A: System Restore

  1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, press Enter
  2. Click Next
  3. Select restore point before 0xc0000005 started
  4. Click Next → Finish → Yes
  5. Computer restarts and restores
  6. Takes 15-45 minutes

Option B: In-Place Upgrade (If System Restore Unavailable)

  1. Download Media Creation Tool from microsoft.com
  2. Run as administrator
  3. Select "Upgrade this PC now"
  4. Choose "Keep personal files and apps"
  5. Click Install
  6. Takes 60-120 minutes
  7. Rebuilds Windows keeping files/apps

💡 Pro Tip: Prevent Future 0xc0000005 Errors

Test RAM regularly: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic quarterly—catches failing RAM before causing update failures. Keep drivers updated: Outdated chipset and graphics drivers common cause of memory corruption—update monthly. Disable aggressive antivirus features: Real-time memory scanning and behavior monitoring interfere with Windows Update—configure exceptions for Windows Update processes. Maintain adequate RAM: Minimum 8 GB for Windows 10/11—insufficient RAM causes out-of-memory conditions appearing as access violations. Don't use memory optimization tools: RAM cleaners and memory boosters interfere with Windows memory management causing access violations. Check for overheating: Overheated RAM causes errors—ensure proper cooling, clean dust from vents. Run SFC monthly: Proactive system file repair prevents corruption: sfc /scannow. For developers: Disable debugging tools and memory profilers before Windows Update—these hook into system processes causing conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is "access violation" and why does it cause Windows Update to fail?

A: Access violation = program tries to access memory it doesn't own. Windows protects memory—each process has allocated memory space, cannot access other processes' memory or protected system memory. Why causes update failure: (1) Windows Update tries to write to protected memory location—DEP blocks it, crashes service, (2) Corrupted Windows Update DLL reads from invalid memory address—causes immediate crash, (3) RAM hardware error—Windows Update reads corrupted data from failing memory sector, (4) Third-party software hooks into Windows Update memory—conflicts with legitimate memory operations. Access violation is immediate crash—Windows cannot continue, terminates process, update fails. Unlike other errors that allow retry, access violations are fatal requiring system-level fixes (RAM replacement, file repair, software removal).

Q: Windows Memory Diagnostic found no errors but still getting 0xc0000005. Why?

A: Memory Diagnostic tests physical RAM but 0xc0000005 has other causes: (1) Software-based memory corruption: Buggy drivers or malware corrupting memory—not hardware issue, (2) Intermittent RAM errors: Memory Diagnostic short test misses errors—run extended test (F1 during test) or use MemTest86 for 8+ hour comprehensive test, (3) System file corruption: Corrupted Windows Update DLLs cause access violations even with good RAM—run DISM/SFC (Method 2), (4) DEP blocking legitimate operations: Data Execution Prevention overly aggressive—add Windows Update to exceptions (Method 3), (5) Third-party software conflicts: Antivirus or monitoring tools causing violations—clean boot (Method 6). Memory Diagnostic only tests hardware—software issues require different diagnostics. If Memory Diagnostic passes, focus on Methods 2-6 for software-based fixes.

Q: Error 0xc0000005 causes blue screen during update. Is this same error or different issue?

A: Same error, different severity. 0xc0000005 manifests two ways: (1) User-mode crash: Windows Update service crashes, shows error in Update History, system remains stable—this is typical 0xc0000005, (2) Kernel-mode crash (BSOD): Access violation in kernel driver during update, entire system crashes with blue screen "STOP 0xc0000005: MEMORY_MANAGEMENT"—more severe. BSOD version indicates: Driver-level memory corruption (update drivers—Method 5), severe RAM hardware failure (replace RAM immediately), or kernel-mode rootkit/malware (full malware scan). Both fixable with same methods but BSOD version suggests hardware issue more likely—prioritize RAM testing and driver updates. If BSOD persists after all fixes: likely hardware failure requiring component replacement.

Q: Can I ignore 0xc0000005 and skip problematic update?

A: Not recommended for multiple reasons: (1) Security risk: Skipped updates often contain critical security patches—leaving system vulnerable, (2) Cascading failures: Future updates may require skipped update as prerequisite—creates update dependency chain failures, (3) Underlying issue persists: 0xc0000005 indicates RAM failure, system corruption, or software conflict—ignoring doesn't fix root cause, problem recurs with next update, (4) System instability: Access violations during updates suggest broader system instability—may experience crashes in other applications. Better approach: Fix underlying cause using Methods 1-8—ensures system stability for all operations not just Windows Update. If specific KB update repeatedly fails: manually install via Microsoft Update Catalog after fixing system—bypasses Windows Update service but still applies patch.

Q: Tried all methods but still getting 0xc0000005. What advanced diagnostics can I run?

A: Advanced troubleshooting: (1) Extended RAM test: Download MemTest86, create bootable USB, run 8+ hour test—catches intermittent RAM errors Windows Memory Diagnostic misses, (2) Driver Verifier: Built-in Windows tool stresses drivers to expose bugs—Command Prompt: verifier, enable for all non-Microsoft drivers, restart, causes BSOD if buggy driver found, (3) Process Monitor: Download from Microsoft Sysinternals, monitor Windows Update process, capture access violation moment showing exact DLL/memory address failing, (4) Windows Update log analysis: C:\Windows\Logs\WindowsUpdate—search for "0xc0000005" shows which component crashing, (5) Event Viewer deep dive: Windows Logs → Application → Filter by "Application Error"—shows faulting module (which DLL caused crash), (6) Safe Mode update: Boot Safe Mode, try Windows Update—if succeeds, third-party driver/software definitely causing conflict. If all diagnostics fail: likely hardware failure (RAM, motherboard) requiring component replacement or clean Windows installation.