FIX: 0xC0000005 in Windows installation. (Solved)

A few days ago I encountered the error code 0xc0000005 while trying to install Windows 11 or Windows 10 on a desktop computer with an NVME (M.2) disk. After solving the problem, I wrote this guide for all other users who are facing error 0xc0000005 in Windows installation.

Symptom: After you click “Install Now” in the Windows Setup window, or later in the Windows Install process and usually in the “Getting files ready for installation” phase, the Windows installation fails and stops with error 0xc0000005:

‘Install Windows: Windows installation encountered an unexpected error. Verify that the installation sources are accessible, and restart the installation. Error code: 0xC0000005’

How to fix: Windows Installation fails with error 0xC0000005 on Windows 10/11.

Method 1. Clean Disk using DISKPART.

The first common cause of error 0xc0000005 when installing Windows is that the installer cannot prepare the disk for Windows to install. To fix this issue, proceed and completely remove from the disk any partitions, volumes and hidden sector information using the “DISKPART” tool. (This was the solution in my case).

1. Reboot the computer.

2. In Windows Setup screen press SHIFT + F10 to open command prompt.

3. In command prompt window, give the following commands in order:

• select disk 0

4. Close the command prompt window, and then click Next and continue to Windows installation.

5. Windows should now install normally without the 0xc0000005 error. If the error persists, continue to method 2.

Method 2. Create Windows Installation USB disk as Administrator.

For some strange reason, sometimes the Windows installation error 0xc0000005 is resolved if you run the Media Creation Tool and create the Windows installation USB as an administrator. So, try to recreate the Windows USB install disk as Administrator and see if the solves the 0xc0000005 error.

1. Right-click on the “MediaCreationTool_Winxx.exe” file and select Properties. *

* Note: Do not select the “Run as Administrator” option from the right-click menu, because you may get the error “0x80070002 – 0xA001B” at the end of the USB creation process.

2. In Compatibly tab, check the option Run this program as an administrator. and click OK.

3. Finally, double-click to open MediaCreationTool_Winxx.exe, click Yes at the ‘User Account Control’ prompt, and follow the remaining steps to create the USB disk. Then use the created USB to install Windows on the machine where the 0xC0000005 error occurs while installing Windows.

Method 3. FIX Error 0xc0000005 by Checking & Replacing Hardware.

Another cause of the 0xc0000005 error is a faulty hardware, specifically the RAM, CPU or motherboard. To troubleshoot the error follow the steps below in order and if you make changes in any step, try to see if you can install Windows:

1. Ensure that you have plugged correctly all the Power cables in the motherboard.
2. Confirm from the Motherboard manual that you have installed the Memory DIMM(s) in the correct Channel(s) and Sockets.
3. If you have more than one memory DIMMS, remove them all of them. Then insert only one of the DIMMs and try to install Windows again. If you experience the same error, remove the DIMM you inserted and insert the other one.
4. Check CPU temps in BIOS. Usually, it should be less than 50-55 degrees Celsius. If not, remove and reinstall the heatsink and the thermal paste.
5. Disconnect all other SATA drives (if you have any), and leave only the M.2 drive you want to install Windows on.
6. Restore BIOS Settings to defaults to remove any overclocking’s you have made. Alternatively, clear CMOS settings using the Clear CMOS header (Jumper).
7. If you have an SATA SSD disk, try to install Windows on that disk. If the installation ends without problem, replace the M2 disk.
8. Update the BIOS. (Read the instructions on Motherboard’s manufacturer support site on how to update the BIOS).
9. If after following the above steps you still face the error 0xc0000005 in Windows Install, then probably your CPU* or Motherboard is defective and you have to replace them.

* Note: If you have a 13th or 14th series Intel i9 processor, especially the Intel i9 13900k and 14900k, then this is probably the problem because many users in reddit have reported that these Intel CPU’s cause systems to crash with BSODs and displays the error 0xc0000005 during Windows installation.

That’s it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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