Guide

Guide

How to Fix STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION in Chrome

How to Fix STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION in Chrome

Jan 14, 2026

Jan 14, 2026

The `STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION` (Error code: 0xc0000005) indicates that the Chrome executable tried to write to a protected memory address. In 2025, this is most commonly caused by unstable extensions injecting code into the DOM or the browser running out of addressable memory space due to heavy tab loads.

The `STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION` (Error code: 0xc0000005) indicates that the Chrome executable tried to write to a protected memory address. In 2025, this is most commonly caused by unstable extensions injecting code into the DOM or the browser running out of addressable memory space due to heavy tab loads.

The Manual Fix

The Manual Fix

  • Rename Executable (Windows): Navigate to C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application, locate chrome.exe, and rename it to chrome_new.exe. This forces Windows to build a fresh registry association.

  • Disable Hardware Acceleration: Go to Settings > System and toggle off "Use graphics acceleration" to rule out GPU memory faults.

  • Reset User Profile: Rename your Default user data folder to Default_Backup to test if a corrupted preference file is causing the violation.
  • Rename Executable (Windows): Navigate to C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application, locate chrome.exe, and rename it to chrome_new.exe. This forces Windows to build a fresh registry association.

  • Disable Hardware Acceleration: Go to Settings > System and toggle off "Use graphics acceleration" to rule out GPU memory faults.

  • Reset User Profile: Rename your Default user data folder to Default_Backup to test if a corrupted preference file is causing the violation.
  • The Automated Fix

    The Automated Fix

    SuperchargeBrowser reduces the total memory footprint of the browser. By suspending inactive tabs, it lowers the probability of memory address conflicts and renderer process instability, which are primary triggers for access violations.

    SuperchargeBrowser reduces the total memory footprint of the browser. By suspending inactive tabs, it lowers the probability of memory address conflicts and renderer process instability, which are primary triggers for access violations.

    Technical Root Cause


    This error is a General Protection Fault. It happens when code within the Chrome Renderer process attempts to access a memory address that it does not have permission to write to. While often a bug in Chrome's code or a graphics driver, it is exacerbated by "Resource Pressure." When Chrome fights for RAM with the OS, memory pointers can become corrupted.



    The Extension Vector


    Unstable legacy extensions that inject complex scripts into every frame are frequent culprits. They attempt to modify the DOM before it is ready, triggering the violation.



    The Automated Solution


    By running a clean, native suspension cycle (chrome.tabs.discard), SuperchargeBrowser ensures that tabs sitting in the background do not consume memory addresses. This reduces the surface area for errors. We also do not inject content scripts into pages unless necessary, minimizing the risk of DOM conflicts.

    Technical Root Cause


    This error is a General Protection Fault. It happens when code within the Chrome Renderer process attempts to access a memory address that it does not have permission to write to. While often a bug in Chrome's code or a graphics driver, it is exacerbated by "Resource Pressure." When Chrome fights for RAM with the OS, memory pointers can become corrupted.



    The Extension Vector


    Unstable legacy extensions that inject complex scripts into every frame are frequent culprits. They attempt to modify the DOM before it is ready, triggering the violation.



    The Automated Solution


    By running a clean, native suspension cycle (chrome.tabs.discard), SuperchargeBrowser ensures that tabs sitting in the background do not consume memory addresses. This reduces the surface area for errors. We also do not inject content scripts into pages unless necessary, minimizing the risk of DOM conflicts.