6 Quick Ways To Fix GTA 5 0xc0000005 Error On Steam 2023

Have you been eagerly waiting to dive into the exciting world of Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5), only to be greeted by a frustrating error message that says “0xc0000005”? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

The 0xc0000005 error is a common issue faced by GTA 5 players on the Steam platform. In this article, we will explore the causes of this error and provide you with effective solutions to get you back to enjoying the game in no time.

GTA 5 is an immensely popular open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Games. However, like any complex software, it is susceptible to errors and technical glitches.

One such error is the 0xc0000005 error, which can prevent the game from launching or cause it to crash unexpectedly. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try to fix this issue and get back to playing GTA 5 smoothly.

Understanding the 0xc0000005 Error in GTA 5

The 0xc0000005 error is a Windows application error that indicates an access violation. It usually occurs when a program tries to access a memory location it is not allowed to access, resulting in a crash.

In the case of GTA 5, this error can occur due to various reasons, such as corrupted game files, incompatible hardware or software, outdated graphics drivers, or conflicts with antivirus/firewall programs.

Common Causes of the 0xc0000005 Error

To effectively troubleshoot the 0xc0000005 error in GTA 5, it is essential to understand its common causes. Some of the most prevalent causes include:

1. Corrupted game files: If the game files of GTA 5 are corrupted or incomplete, it can lead to the 0xc0000005 error.
2. Outdated graphics drivers: Incompatible or outdated graphics drivers can cause conflicts with the game and result in the error.
3. Antivirus/firewall interference: Overly aggressive antivirus or firewall settings may block certain game files or processes, triggering the error.
4. Incompatible or conflicting software: Other software running on your system, such as

Method 1: Run GTA 5 as an Administrator

Running GTA 5 with administrative privileges can help resolve permission-related issues that may be causing the 0xc0000005 error. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the GTA 5 shortcut or the game’s executable file.
2. Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
3. Launch the game and check if the error persists.

Method 2: Verify Game Files Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files can trigger the 0xc0000005 error. Steam provides a built-in feature to verify the integrity of game files. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Open the Steam client and go to your library.
2. Right-click on “Grand Theft Auto V” and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
3. In the properties window, navigate to the “Local Files” tab.
4. Click on the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” option.
5. Wait for the process to complete and let Steam fix any corrupted files it finds.
6. Launch the game again and see if the error is resolved.

Method 3: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can often cause errors in games. To update your graphics drivers, follow these steps:

1. Identify the manufacturer and model of your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080).
2. Visit the official website of the graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD).
3. Navigate to the “Drivers” or “Support” section.
4. Enter your graphics card model and download the latest driver compatible with your operating system.
5. Install the downloaded driver and restart your computer.
6. Launch GTA 5 and check if the error persists.

Method 4: Disable Antivirus/Firewall

Sometimes, overprotective antivirus or firewall settings can interfere with the game’s processes and trigger the 0xc0000005 error. Temporarily disabling these security software can help identify if they are the culprits. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your antivirus software or firewall settings.
2. Locate the options to disable or turn off the protection temporarily.
3. Disable the antivirus or firewall and launch GTA 5.
4. If the error no longer occurs, consider adjusting the settings of your security software to allow GTA 5 to run without issues. Alternatively, you can switch to a different antivirus/firewall solution.

Method 5: Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

GTA 5 relies on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables to run correctly. If these libraries are corrupt or outdated, it can lead to the 0xc0000005 error. Reinstalling them can resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
3. Scroll down and locate all the entries starting with “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.”
4. Right-click on each entry and select “Uninstall.”
5. Once uninstalled, visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest version of the Visual C++ Redistributables.
6. Install the downloaded files and restart your computer.
7. Launch GTA 5 to check if the error is fixed.

Method 6: Disable Overclocking

If you have overclocked your CPU or GPU, it’s possible that it’s causing instability and triggering the 0xc0000005 error. Disabling overclocking can help resolve the issue. Here’s what you can do:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key during the boot process (usually Del, F2, or F10). 2. Look for settings related to CPU or GPU overclocking.

3. Disable any overclocking options or revert them to their default settings.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
5. Launch GTA 5 and check if the error persists.

Method 7: Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot helps identify if any third-party services or programs are conflicting with GTA 5. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. In the General tab, select “Selective startup” and uncheck the box next to “Load startup items.”
4. Go to the Services tab and check the box next to “Hide all Microsoft services.”
5. Click on “Disable all” to disable the remaining third-party services.
6. Go to the Startup tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
7. In the Task Manager, disable all the listed startup programs.
8. Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
9. Click on “Apply” and then “OK.”
10. Restart your computer and launch GTA 5 to see if the error is resolved.

Additional Fixes for Advanced Users

For advanced users who are still experiencing the 0xc0000005 error in GTA 5, here are some additional fixes that may help:

Fix 1: Disable DEP (Data Execution Prevention)

Data Execution Prevention is a Windows security feature that can sometimes interfere with game processes. Disabling it for GTA 5 can be a potential solution. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter to open the System Properties window.
3. Go to the “Advanced” tab and click on “Settings” under the “Performance” section.
4. In the Performance Options window, go to the “Data Execution Prevention” tab.
5. Select the option “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.”
6. Click on “Add” and navigate to the GTA 5 installation directory.
7. Select the game executable file (GTA5.exe) and click on “Open.”
8. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
9. Launch GTA 5 and check if the error is resolved.

Fix 2: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Inadequate virtual memory can cause issues with game performance and lead to errors like 0xc0000005. Adjusting the virtual memory settings can potentially fix the problem. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter to open the System Properties window.
3. Go to the “Advanced” tab and click on “Settings” under the “Performance” section.
4. In the Performance Options window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
5. Under the “Virtual memory” section, click on “Change.”
6. Uncheck the box next to “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
7. Select the drive where GTA 5 is installed and choose the option “Custom size.”
8. Set an initial size and maximum size for the virtual memory. A general recommendation is to set both values to the same value, which is the size of your RAM (e.g., if you have 8GB of RAM, set the size to 8192MB).
9. Click on “Set” and then “OK” to save the changes.
10. Restart your computer and launch GTA 5 to see if the error is resolved.

Fix 3: Disable Windows Defender Exploit Protection

Windows Defender Exploit Protection is a security feature that can sometimes interfere with game processes. Disabling it for GTA 5 may help resolve the error. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Click on “Virus & threat protection” in the left-hand menu.
3. Under “Virus & threat protection settings,” click on “Manage settings.”
4. Scroll down to the “Exploit protection” section and click on “Manage exploit protection settings.”
5. In the Exploit Protection window, switch to the “Program settings” tab.
6. Click on “Add program to customize” and navigate to the GTA 5 installation directory.
7. Select the game executable file (GTA5.exe) and click on “Open.”
8. Scroll down and locate the “Code integrity” section.
9. Toggle the switch next to “Code integrity checks” to turn it off.
10. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
11. Launch GTA 5 and check if the error persists.

Fix 4: Disable Steam Overlay

The Steam Overlay feature may conflict with GTA 5 and result in the 0xc0000005 error. Disabling it can be a potential solution. Here’s how:

1. Open the Steam client and go to your library.
2. Right-click on “Grand Theft Auto V” and select “Properties” from the drop-down menu.
3. In the properties window, uncheck the box next to “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”
4. Click on “Close” to save the changes.
5. Launch GTA 5 and see if the error is resolved.

Fix 5: Disable MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner Statistics Server

If you have MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner Statistics Server installed to monitor or overclock your graphics card, they might be causing conflicts with GTA 5. Try disabling them temporarily to see if it resolves the error. Here’s how:

1. Locate the MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner Statistics Server icon in the system tray (near the clock).
2. Right-click on the icon and select “Exit” or “Close.”
3. Launch GTA 5 and check if the error persists.

FAQs

FAQ 1: What does the 0xc0000005 error mean? The 0xc0000005 error is a Windows application error that indicates an access violation. It occurs when a program attempts to access a memory location it is not allowed to access.

FAQ 2: How can I fix the 0xc0000005 error in GTA 5? To fix the 0xc0000005 error in GTA 5, you can try running the game as an administrator, verifying game files integrity, updating graphics drivers, disabling antivirus/firewall, reinstalling Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, disabling overclocking, performing a clean boot, disabling DEP, adjusting virtual memory settings, disabling Windows Defender Exploit Protection, disabling Steam Overlay, or disabling MSI Afterburner/RivaTuner Statistics Server.

FAQ 3: Can I fix the 0xc0000005 error by reinstalling the game? Reinstalling the game can sometimes resolve the 0xc0000005 error if the issue is related to corrupt game files. Before reinstalling, it’s recommended to verify the integrity of game files through the Steam client.

FAQ 4: Why is the 0xc0000005 error specific to the Steam version of GTA 5? The 0xc0000005 error can occur in any version of GTA 5, not just the Steam version. The troubleshooting methods mentioned in this article can be applied to any version of the game.

FAQ 5: I’ve tried all the methods, but I’m still experiencing the 0xc0000005 error. What should I do? If none of the methods mentioned in this article have resolved the error, you may want to consider contacting Rockstar Games support or seeking assistance from the GTA 5 community forums. They can provide further guidance and help troubleshoot the specific issue you’re facing.