Error code 0xc0000005 is a common gaming issue that occurs for some players when they try to start games. The error message for this gaming issue says, “The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000005).” Many players report they can’t start and play Valorant because of that error code. However, this is a general Windows software error that can affect other PC games as well. This is how you can fix the 0xc0000005 error for Valorant and other Windows 11/10 PC games.
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Run the Game as an Administrator
First, try setting Valorant, or another affected game, to run with administrative rights. Applying this potential fix will give your game more thorough system access for everything it needs. You can set Valorant and other games to run as an administrator like this.
- Right-click your desktop shortcut for Valorant or other affected game and select Properties. If you don’t have a desktop shortcut, right-click the EXE (application) file to start the game in its installation folder and select Properties.
- Select Compatibility within the tab bar.
- Click Run this program as an administrator to add a tick to the checkbox for that setting.
The Compatibility settings
- Select Apply > OK to set the options selected.
Run the Game in Compatibility Mode
If running the game as an administrator doesn’t work, try setting it to start in compatibility mode. You can do this by opening the Compatibility tab for the game as covered in steps one and two of the previous resolution. Select the Run this program in compatibility mode > Windows 8 options. Press Apply to set the compatibility mode option you’ve selected.
Temporarily Disable Antivirus Shields and Firewalls
One of the most widely confirmed ways to fix error code 0xc0000005 for Valorant is to disable third-party antivirus shields and firewalls before playing the game. To disable an antivirus shield, right-click its system tray icon and select an option for temporarily turning it off. Look through the settings tabs in any third-party security app to see if includes a firewall you can disable.
If you don’t have a third-party antivirus tool installed, try disabling Microsoft Defender within Windows Security. The same applies to Windows Defender Firewall, which this Microsoft page tells you how to turn off. Then start Valorant or any other affected game with the antivirus and firewall disabled.
The Real-time protection setting
If this works, it’s recommended to turn on your PC’s antivirus shield and firewall after playing the affected game. Or you can try creating exclusions for the affected games. Most antivirus apps and firewalls include exclusion lists to which you can add program EXE files and files.
Change the DEP Setting in Windows
Some Valorant players say they fixed error code 0xc0000005 by changing how DEP is set in Windows. DEP (Data Execution Prevention) is a security feature that can conflict with Valorant and other games. Try changing how DEP is set like this.
- Hold the Windows logo key and press R to bring up Run.
- Enter sysdm.cpl into Run and hit Enter to execute.
- Click Advanced > Settings (for performance) in the System Properties window.
- Select the Data Execution Prevention tab.
- Click the radio button for the Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select option.
The Turn on DEP for all programs
- Press Apply > OK in the Performance Options window.
- Click OK when asked about restarting your PC.
Scan and Repair System Files
Error code 0xc0000005 can sometimes occur because a game cannot access missing or corrupted system files. Running a System File Checker scan is one of the best ways to fix corrupted Windows files on a PC. You can do that by executing an sfc /scannow command as outlined on this Microsoft page.
The System File Checker command
Reinstall Your Game
Finally, try reinstalling Valorant, or any other affected game, if nothing else fixes the 0xc0000005 error on your PC. Doing this will also reinstall the Vanguard anti-cheat software for Valorant. You can reinstall Valorant like this:
- Press the Windows + S keys, and input apps & features in the search box.
- Click Apps & features to view that part of Settings.
- Select the Uninstall option for Valorant in Apps & features.
Apps & features in Settings
- To reinstall Valorant, open the Riot Client software.
- Click on the Valorant game in Riot Client software.
You can also reinstall many other affected games with Steam or Epic Games software. Find the games within the Epic or Steam Library tabs and select the Uninstall options for them. Then select to install them again within Epic Games or Steam.
The potential solutions covered here have worked for many Valorant players who’ve needed to fix error code 0xc0000005. However, they’re also potential resolutions that can feasibly resolve the same gaming issue when it occurs for other Windows PC games. So, try applying those possible fixes whenever the 0xc0000005 error spoils your gaming fun.
