Windows error 0xc00000e5 is one of the more common error codes users report seeing. The error code usually includes a message such as “The application was unable to start correctly,” which gives you a rough idea of the cause but doesn’t offer a solution. Luckily, we can help.
Error code 0xc00000e5 denotes a problem with one or more applications. Generally, it means that the application was unable to open correctly, either when requested by the user or automatically during startup.
The error is commonly caused by your antivirus software flagging the app as suspicious, either correctly or incorrectly. It can also sometimes occur when an app can’t access required system files due to them being either missing or corrupted.
Whatever the cause, this error can be very frustrating, particularly if it appears without warning and prevents you from getting things done. Thankfully, the 0xc00000e5 error isn’t usually difficult to fix if you know the most common triggers.
How to fix the Windows 0xc00000e5 error
Because there is no single cause for error 0xc00000e5, there isn’t a single solution. But by following the troubleshooting steps below, you’ll soon be able to open apps without problem again.
- Check That Your Antivirus Isn’t the Problem
Both Microsoft Defender and third-party antivirus services, particularly Comodo and AVG, are known to cause Windows error 0xc00000e5. If you experience this error shortly after installing or updating antivirus software, this is likely the problem. Run a full virus scan, which will hopefully tell you that the error is not caused by malware on your computer. If the scan finds malware, remove or quarantine it. When you are sure your system is clear of viruses, try opening the app to check if this was the cause of the error.
- Run the App as an Administrator
Assuming your antivirus wasn’t the cause of the error, the next most likely candidate is the app being unable to access required system files. That could be because the app doesn’t have the required privileges.
- Run SFC and ChkDsk From Command Prompt
To rule out missing, corrupted, or inaccessible system files as the cause of the error, run both System File Checker (SFC) and Check Disk (ChkDsk) scans from the Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt by typing “cmd” into Windows Search. Right-click the search result and select Run as Administrator. In Command Prompt, type “SFC /scannow” and press “Enter.” When the SFC scan finishes, you will see a message telling you if corrupt files were found and fixed. If nothing was found or the corrupted files could not be repaired, you’ll see a message appropriate to each outcome.
- Install Windows Updates
By the time you reach this step, the 0xc00000e5 application error should be fixed. But making sure you keep Windows updated and all of the latest security patches applied could help you avoid similar errors in the future.
