Apex Legends Error Code 0xc0000005: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0xc0000005
Brand
Apex Legends
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
Apex Legends error code 0xc0000005 is an access violation crash that occurs when the game tries to read or write to a memory address it is not allowed to access. This typically points to corrupted game files, outdated or conflicting drivers, incompatible software such as antivirus or overlays, or faulty RAM. The crash is rated high severity because it prevents the game from running at all and requires direct troubleshooting to resolve.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000005

  1. Restart Your PC and Relaunch Apex Legends

  2. Verify Game File Integrity

  3. Update Your GPU Drivers

    Do not download drivers from third-party sites. Always use the official manufacturer website to avoid malware or incompatible drivers.

  4. Disable Overlays and Third-Party Software

  5. Add Apex Legends as an Antivirus Exception

    Only add the game folder as an exception. Do not disable your antivirus entirely, as this exposes your system to security risks.

  6. Run Apex Legends as Administrator

  7. Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat

  8. Check Your RAM for Errors

    Before reseating RAM, shut down your PC completely and unplug it from the power outlet. Ground yourself by touching a metal part of the case to discharge static electricity before touching any components.

  9. Update Windows and DirectX

  10. Perform a Clean Reinstall of Apex Legends

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When to Call a Professional

If Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 confirms RAM errors and reseating the sticks does not resolve them, you likely have a hardware failure. At that point, contact a PC repair technician to test and replace faulty RAM modules. Similarly, if the crash only occurs during graphically intensive moments and you suspect a failing GPU, a technician can run stress tests and confirm whether your graphics card needs to be replaced. Reach out to Respawn Entertainment support (help.ea.com) if the error persists after all software steps, as it may indicate a game-side bug requiring a patch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error 0xc0000005 mean in Apex Legends?
Error 0xc0000005 is a Windows access violation error, which means a program tried to read or write memory it was not permitted to access. In Apex Legends, this causes the game to crash because either the game files are corrupted, a driver or background application is interfering with the game's memory access, or there is a hardware issue such as faulty RAM.
Can antivirus software cause Apex Legends error 0xc0000005?
Yes. Antivirus programs frequently flag Easy Anti-Cheat or Apex Legends game files as suspicious and block their memory operations, directly triggering the 0xc0000005 access violation. Adding the Apex Legends installation folder and Easy Anti-Cheat folder as exclusions in your antivirus settings is a common and effective fix.
Does error 0xc0000005 mean my RAM is broken?
Not necessarily, but faulty RAM is one possible cause. The error can also be caused by corrupted game files, driver conflicts, or interfering software. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 to test your RAM specifically. If no errors are found, focus on the software-based fixes such as verifying game files, updating drivers, and disabling overlays.
Will reinstalling Apex Legends fix the 0xc0000005 crash?
A clean reinstall can fix the error if it is caused by corrupted game files that the built-in repair tool failed to replace. However, if the root cause is a driver conflict, antivirus interference, faulty RAM, or another system issue, reinstalling the game alone will not solve it. Work through the other troubleshooting steps first before committing to a full reinstall.
Does error 0xc0000005 affect only Apex Legends or other games too?
Error 0xc0000005 is a general Windows error and can affect any program, not just Apex Legends. If you are seeing this crash in multiple games or applications, it strongly suggests a system-level problem such as faulty RAM, a corrupted Windows installation, or a problematic driver rather than an Apex Legends-specific issue. In that case, run a full memory test and consider using the Windows System File Checker by running 'sfc /scannow' in an administrator Command Prompt.

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