PUBG Error Code 0xc0000005: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0xc0000005-pubg
Brand
Popular Games
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
PUBG error code 0xc0000005 is an access violation crash that typically occurs when the game tries to read or write to a memory address it is not allowed to access. This usually happens at launch and can be caused by corrupted game files, outdated or conflicting drivers, incompatible software, or Windows memory issues. The good news is that most players can resolve this error entirely on their own with a few targeted software fixes.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000005-pubg

  1. Run PUBG as Administrator

  2. Verify Game File Integrity via Steam

  3. Update Your GPU Drivers

    Do not download drivers from third-party websites. Always use the official NVIDIA or AMD websites to avoid installing malicious software.

  4. Disable or Whitelist PUBG in Antivirus and Windows Defender

    Only disable your antivirus temporarily for testing purposes. Always re-enable it and add a proper exclusion rather than leaving it off permanently.

  5. Disable Overclocking and XMP/EXPO Memory Profiles

    Be careful when changing BIOS settings. Only modify overclocking and memory profile settings. If you are unsure, restore BIOS defaults using the 'Load Optimized Defaults' option.

  6. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

    Save all open work before running the memory diagnostic as your PC will restart immediately.

  7. Repair Visual C++ Redistributables and DirectX

  8. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicting Software

  9. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

  10. Reinstall PUBG Completely

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When to Call a Professional

If the Windows Memory Diagnostic detects RAM errors, your RAM sticks may be physically failing and should be tested and replaced by a technician or replaced yourself if comfortable with hardware. If the error persists after all software steps and you suspect a deeper hardware issue — such as a failing GPU or motherboard memory controller — consult a PC repair professional. Additionally, if PUBG's anti-cheat software (BattlEye) is flagging your system incorrectly, contact PUBG support directly at support.pubg.com, as they can investigate account or anti-cheat related blocks that DIY steps cannot fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PUBG error code 0xc0000005 mean?
Error 0xc0000005 is a Windows access violation error, meaning the game attempted to read or write to a memory address it was not permitted to access. In PUBG, this most commonly causes the game to crash immediately on launch. It is typically caused by corrupted game files, outdated GPU drivers, conflicting software, faulty RAM, or missing Visual C++ components.
Why does PUBG keep crashing with 0xc0000005 after reinstalling?
If PUBG still crashes after a reinstall, the issue is likely not the game files themselves. Check for outdated GPU drivers, unstable RAM (especially if XMP/EXPO is enabled), antivirus interference, or conflicting background software. Running a clean boot and updating your drivers are the most effective next steps after a reinstall fails.
Can antivirus software cause PUBG error 0xc0000005?
Yes. Antivirus programs and Windows Defender can misidentify PUBG's game processes or BattlEye anti-cheat as suspicious activity and block memory access, triggering the 0xc0000005 crash. Adding the entire PUBG installation folder as an exclusion in your security software often resolves this immediately.
Does overclocking cause PUBG 0xc0000005 access violation errors?
Yes, overclocking — particularly RAM running at XMP or EXPO profiles — can cause memory instability that leads to access violation errors in demanding games like PUBG. Try disabling XMP/EXPO in your BIOS and resetting any GPU or CPU overclocks to default speeds to test if instability is the root cause.
Will verifying game files fix PUBG error 0xc0000005?
It can, especially if corrupted or missing game files are the cause. Steam's 'Verify integrity of game files' feature checks every game file and re-downloads any that are damaged. It is one of the quickest and safest first steps to try, though it may not fix the error if the cause is driver-related, hardware instability, or conflicting software.

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