How to fix
Forza Horizon 5 error 0xc0000005
on Windows

I was excited to finally get my hands on Forza Horizon 5, and, to my disappointment, I couldn't play it properly. It crashes every ten to thirty minutes - there are no freezes or error messages; it simply stops working and disappears from my screen. I checked the Event Viewer and saw that every crash is coming with the 0xc0000005 error. Any ideas?

Forza Horizon 5, a product of Microsoft's creative endeavors, was launched on November 1, 2021. It's a popular racing game available on several platforms, including the Microsoft Store and Steam. Despite its widespread acclaim, some users have faced challenges in playing the game due to an error known as 0xc0000005.

It's important to note that this error doesn't manifest directly when the game fails to launch or unexpectedly crashes. Instead, this particular error code is typically discovered through the Event Viewer, a component of Microsoft's Windows OS that provides detailed information about system events.

The 0xc0000005 error is a common Windows system error that interferes with application operation. There are various reasons why this error may occur. It could be due to outdated drivers, which can struggle to support the sophisticated requirements of a modern game like Forza Horizon 5. Alternatively, it might result from software conflicts, where other programs running on your computer interfere with the game.

Hardware problems, such as inadequate RAM or a defective hard drive, could also lead to the 0xc0000005 error. Similarly, third-party overlays - additional software components that add functionality or visual effects - can sometimes conflict with the game and cause this error.

The steps to identify and resolve these issues are laid out in detail below this article. Although addressing these issues can seem daunting, it's a necessary process to ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience.

As part of this process, the [d1] PC repair tool could prove beneficial. It won't directly resolve the 0xc0000005 error but helps fix corrupted system files, resolve registry issues, and clean up system junk. All these features might indirectly contribute to resolving the error and enhancing your Forza Horizon 5 gaming experience.

General checks to make

• Forza Horizon 5 is a graphic-intensive game that requires powerful hardware. Before playing or even purchasing the game, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements to run the game. 
• If you are on the lower end of the system requirements, change video settings to medium or even low.
• Lock your game at 60 FPS.
• Disable V-Sync.
• When playing games, a lot of problems could arise from inappropriate conditions for your computer - too hot room temperatures, accumulated dust inside the PC, or its placement on the carpet/too small slot in the desk. In other words, your device needs to be properly ventilated because it can easily overheat.
• Scan your system for malware - use any reputable third-party tool or employ Microsoft Defender/Microsoft Security Scanner.
• Make sure that you are logged in to Microsoft Store with the same account you have purchased the game with.

Fix 1. Disable third-party overlays

Third-party overlays might interfere with the game's operation, causing the error. Disabling these can help eliminate any potential conflicts.

• Open a third-party application (like Discord or Steam).
• Go to the settings menu.
• Look for an Overlay tab or similar.
• Disable the overlay feature.
• Try running Forza Horizon 5 again.

Fix 2. Run Windows Store App troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed for Windows Store apps, like Forza Horizon 5. Running this tool can identify and automatically fix common issues that might be causing the 0xc0000005 error.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list and click Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• The troubleshooter will automatically scan your system for potential problems and display any issues it finds.
• If the troubleshooter finds any issues, it will provide recommended solutions - apply them as necessary.

Fix 3. Temporarily disable third-party security software

Third-party security software, while essential for protecting your PC, can sometimes interfere with certain games and cause errors. Temporarily disabling these applications can eliminate possible conflicts and allow Forza Horizon 5 to run smoothly. According to the official website, the following security apps may hinder the proper operation of the game:

• Trend Micro Maximum Security
• Comodo Antivirus
• Sophos
• Emisoft Anti-Malware
• Avira
• Avast
• Bitdefender Firewall
• AVG

Fix 4. Install all Windows updates

Ensuring your system is up-to-date with all Windows updates can solve many issues, as updates often include fixes for bugs that might be causing the error.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click Check for updates and wait.
• If optional updates are available, install them too.
• Once everything is installed, reboot your system.

Fix 5. Reset Windows Store cache

Cached data can sometimes cause issues with apps downloaded from the Windows Store. Clearing this cache can help resolve these problems.

• In Windows search, type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
• Wait till a black window shows up – do not interact with it or close it.
• Once it's gone, Microsoft Store should restart.

Fix 6. Reset Windows update components

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• User Account Control should pop up – click Yes.
• Run the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"
  rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc
• Restart your system.

Fix 7. Repair or reset Microsoft Store

• Right-click on Start and pick Apps & Features.
• Scroll down to locate Microsoft Store and click Advanced options.
• Click Terminate and Repair.
• If that does not help, try the Reset option instead.

Fix 8. Repair corrupted system files with SFC and DISM

The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) are Windows tools that can identify and repair corrupted system files. Run it as follows:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type this command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait for the scan to finish.
• As soon as the scan finishes, Windows will report whether integrity violations were found and if they could be fixed. Regardless of the outcome, use these commands next, pressing Enter after each:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Close down the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Fix 9. Run Check disk

The Check Disk utility can detect and repair problems with your hard drive, which could be causing the 0xc0000005 error.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• When the User Account Control window shows up, click Yes.
• In the new window, type in the following command and press Enter:
  chkdsk c: /f
  (Note: use chkdsk c: /f /r /x command if you are using SSD as your primary partition)
• If you receive an error, type in Y, close down Command Prompt, and restart your computer.
• Wait till the scan is finished - you can then find the results in the Event Viewer.

Fix 10. Run Memory diagnostics

Faulty RAM can cause a variety of errors, including 0xc0000005. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can help identify problems with your RAM.

• Type Memory in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Windows Memory Diagnostics result.
• Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended) (note that your PC will restart immediately).The
• A memory test will run during startup and display any detected errors - this might take a while.
• Replace or repair faulty RAM module(s) if errors are found.

Fix 11. Update or reinstall your graphics drivers

Faulty or outdated graphics drivers can lead to performance issues with graphics-intensive games like Forza Horizon 5. Updating or reinstalling these drivers can ensure they're functioning properly and are compatible with the game.

To update drivers, you should either download and install them manually from your device manufacturer's website (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel), although this process might be confusing for some. If that's the case, you can always employ an automatic driver updater such as [rev id="DriverFix"], which will automatically detect your graphics card specifications and install the appropriate driver.

If updating drivers didn't work, you can try reinstalling them. Here's how:

• Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Display adapters section.
• Right-click on your graphics card and select Uninstall device.
• Tick the Delete the driver software for this device checkmark and click Uninstall.
• Reboot your system.
• Then, use one of the methods above to install the later driver for your system.

For a more comprehensive guide, you could check our dedicated How to reinstall Graphics drivers in Windows? article.

Final words

Forza Horizon 5 seems to be a problematic title, and multiple forums, including those of the game and Microsoft, are flooded with people who are baffled about the 0xc0000005 error, which prevents them from playing the game (or even launching it in some cases).

Multiple reports state that, despite trying all the solutions, none of them were helpful, and the game continued to crash. If you are in this position, we recommend you keep an eye on updates for Windows, BIOS, drivers, and the game itself.