Helldivers 2 Error Code 0xc0000005: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0xc0000005
Brand
Helldivers 2
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
Error code 0xc0000005 in Helldivers 2 is an access violation crash that forces the game to close unexpectedly and return you to the desktop. It occurs when the game tries to read or write to a memory address it isn't allowed to access, which can be triggered by corrupted game files, outdated drivers, conflicting software, or hardware instability. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable through software-level troubleshooting without any professional help.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000005

  1. Restart Your PC and Relaunch the Game

  2. Verify and Repair Game Files via Steam

  3. Update Your GPU Drivers

    Avoid using Windows Device Manager to update GPU drivers — it rarely finds the latest version. Always download directly from the GPU manufacturer's website.

  4. Disable Overlays and Third-Party Software

    If you disable antivirus software for testing, only do so temporarily. Re-enable it immediately after your test session.

  5. Run the Game as Administrator

  6. Update Windows and Install Visual C++ Redistributables

  7. Adjust Virtual Memory (Page File) Settings

  8. Test and Repair Your RAM

    Power down your PC and unplug it from the wall before physically reseating RAM sticks. Handle RAM by the edges only to avoid static discharge.

  9. Lower In-Game Graphics Settings and Disable DLSS/FSR

  10. Reinstall Helldivers 2 Completely

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When to Call a Professional

If MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic consistently reports RAM errors and reseating does not resolve them, your RAM modules may be failing and should be replaced — this is a straightforward hardware swap most users can do themselves. If the crash also occurs in other games or applications and your GPU temperatures are spiking above 90°C, your graphics card may be failing and should be evaluated by a PC repair technician. If Windows itself is crashing with blue screens alongside this error, a Windows repair installation (using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool) or a full Windows reinstall may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Helldivers 2 keep crashing with error 0xc0000005?
Error 0xc0000005 is an access violation that happens when Helldivers 2 tries to read or write to a memory location it isn't permitted to access. The most common causes are corrupted game files, outdated GPU drivers, conflicting overlay software (like Discord or GeForce Experience), faulty RAM, or insufficient system permissions. Working through driver updates, file verification, and disabling overlays resolves the issue for the majority of players.
Does error 0xc0000005 in Helldivers 2 mean my PC has a virus?
Not necessarily. While some malware can cause access violation errors, 0xc0000005 in Helldivers 2 is almost always caused by software conflicts, driver issues, or hardware problems rather than a virus. However, it is a good idea to run a full scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software as part of your troubleshooting process just to rule it out.
Can bad RAM cause Helldivers 2 to crash with 0xc0000005?
Yes, faulty or unstable RAM is one of the hardware-level causes of access violation errors. If your RAM has defective cells or is running at an unstable overclock (XMP/EXPO profile), it can cause unpredictable memory access failures. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86 to check your RAM. If errors are found, try running your RAM at its default JEDEC speed (disable XMP/EXPO in BIOS) or replace the affected sticks.
Will reinstalling Helldivers 2 delete my save progress?
No. Helldivers 2 saves your progress to Steam Cloud, so uninstalling and reinstalling the game will not delete your game progress, unlocks, or stratagems. Your data will automatically sync when you log back in after reinstalling.
My GPU drivers are already up to date — why am I still getting 0xc0000005?
Having the latest drivers installed does not always mean those drivers are functioning correctly. A driver installation can become corrupted over time. Try performing a clean driver reinstall using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) — a free tool that completely removes all traces of your current GPU drivers before you reinstall the latest version. This often resolves crashes that persist even on the 'latest' driver version.

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