Minecraft Exit Code 0xC0000005: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
Exit code 0xC0000005
Brand
Minecraft
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
Minecraft Exit Code 0xC0000005 is a native crash caused by an access violation — meaning the game attempted to read or write to a memory address it wasn't allowed to access. This typically points to corrupted game files, incompatible mods, outdated or broken graphics drivers, or a conflict with third-party software like antivirus programs. Because the crash happens at the system level, it abruptly closes Minecraft without warning and requires targeted troubleshooting to resolve.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code Exit code 0xC0000005

  1. Restart Minecraft and Your PC

  2. Disable or Remove All Mods

    Back up your entire .minecraft folder before removing mods to avoid losing world saves or configuration files.

  3. Update Your Graphics Card Driver

    Do not download drivers from third-party sites — always use the official GPU manufacturer's website to avoid malware.

  4. Verify and Repair Game Files via the Minecraft Launcher

  5. Update Java (Java Edition Only)

  6. Add Minecraft as an Exception in Your Antivirus or Security Software

    Only exclude trusted application folders. Do not disable your antivirus entirely, as that leaves your PC vulnerable.

  7. Adjust Java Memory Allocation (JVM Arguments)

  8. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

    Save all open work before running the memory diagnostic, as it requires a full system restart.

  9. Perform a Clean Reinstall of Minecraft

    Deleting the .minecraft folder will erase all worlds, settings, and mods. Always back up your saves folder first.
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When to Call a Professional

If Windows Memory Diagnostic returns hardware errors and reseating your RAM sticks does not resolve the issue, your RAM module may be physically failing and will need to be replaced — consult a PC repair technician. Similarly, if your GPU driver repeatedly corrupts or your graphics card produces artifacts alongside this crash, the GPU itself may be defective and should be evaluated by a hardware technician. If you are unable to perform driver reinstallation or system-level troubleshooting, a local IT professional can perform these steps safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Minecraft Exit Code 0xC0000005 mean?
Exit Code 0xC0000005 is a Windows access violation error, meaning Minecraft tried to read or write to a section of memory it was not permitted to access. This causes an immediate native crash. The root cause is usually a corrupt game file, incompatible mod, outdated graphics driver, or interference from antivirus software.
Can mods cause Exit Code 0xC0000005 in Minecraft?
Yes, mods are one of the most common triggers for this error. An outdated mod, a mod built for a different Minecraft version, or two mods that conflict with each other can cause memory access violations. Remove all mods and test the game first, then re-add them one by one to find the culprit.
Does Exit Code 0xC0000005 only happen on Java Edition?
No. While it is more commonly reported on Java Edition due to mod usage and JVM memory configurations, Bedrock Edition on Windows can also produce this crash code. On Bedrock, the fix typically focuses on updating the Microsoft Store app, updating GPU drivers, and running a Windows Store apps troubleshooter.
Will allocating more RAM to Minecraft fix Exit Code 0xC0000005?
Not necessarily — and over-allocating RAM can actually make this crash worse. If you allocate more RAM than your system can provide, Windows may deny the memory request and trigger an access violation. Set your Minecraft RAM allocation to a realistic amount: typically 2-6 GB depending on your system, and never more than half your total installed RAM.
How do I find the crash log to diagnose Exit Code 0xC0000005 further?
Minecraft saves crash reports in the .minecraft\crash-reports folder. Open File Explorer, navigate to %appdata%\.minecraft\crash-reports, and open the most recent .txt file. Look for lines starting with 'Description' and 'Caused by' — these will point to the specific mod, class, or system component that triggered the access violation, helping you narrow down the exact fix needed.

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