How to fix UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005) in Windows 10/11

Players experiencing this issue often see the error message 'UnityPlayer.dll causing an Access Violation (0xc0000005)' in the Event Viewer log.

Some players reported that the UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005) crashes games every 10-15 minutes. Therefore, it is essential to fix the error so that you can play the game without interruption again. This is how you can fix 'UnityPlayer.dll causing an Access Violation (0xc0000005)' error in Windows 10 and 11.

Method 1: Reinstall Citrix Workspace

The most documented successful solution to the UnityPlayer.dll (0xc0000005) error is to reinstall Citrix Workspace. An instance of Citrix Workspace has a conflicting driver that causes UnityPlayer.dll (0xc0000005) to crash.

Uninstalling or reinstalling the application with the latest version of Citrix Workspace has resolved this error for many players. If you already have Citrix Workspace installed, try reinstalling it as follows:

1. Start the Settings uninstaller tool using a method in the instructions for opening Apps & Features on Windows.

2. Click the three-dot menu button for the Citrix Workspace app.

3. Select the application's Uninstall option.

4. Press the second Uninstall button to confirm. If you don't need Citrix Workspace, you can stop here.

5. To reinstall the latest version of Citrix apps, open the Citrix Workspace Microsoft Store page in your browser.

6. Click the Get in Store app button, then select the Open Microsoft Store button that appears in the pop-up menu.

7. When the Microsoft Store opens, click the Get button for Citrix Workspace.

Method 2: Disable Citrix Virtual Bus Enumerator

The Citrix Virtual Bus Enumerator driver for Citrix software is known to cause the game to crash UnityPlayer.dll (0xc0000005). Users said disabling that driver fixed the UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005). You can disable Citrix Virtual Bus Enumerator with Device Manager as follows:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

2. Then double-click the System devices category there.

3. Find and right-click the Citrix Virtual Bus Enumerator (or Citrix Indirect Display Adapter) to select the Disable device option.

4. Select Yes when asked to confirm.

5. You can re-enable the Citrix Virtual Bus Enumerator when needed by right-clicking on it in Device Manager and selecting the Enable device option.

Method 3: Turn off any third-party antivirus programs

Third-party antivirus software can also cause the UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005) by incorrectly flagging the UnityPlayer DLL file. To make sure that doesn't happen, temporarily turn off your antivirus software. You can disable most third-party antivirus software by right-clicking the system tray icon for them and selecting disable protection in the context menu.

If you don't have third-party antivirus software installed, try turning off Windows Security. Then, try playing games to see if the problem still occurs.

If turning off antivirus software's protection helps, don't disable it completely. You will be able to set exceptions for games in your antivirus software settings. Add all games with UnityPlayer.dll (0xc0000005) errors and UnityPlayer DLL files to the exception list, then re-enable the antivirus utility.

Method 4: Disable any firewalls

Firewalls can also cause access violation problems by blocking game files. So, try playing the error game with Windows Defender Firewall turned off. You can disable that firewall as follows:

If you have any third-party firewall software installed, consider removing or at least temporarily disabling it. Go to your firewall software's settings to find the option to disable it. Turn off firewall software before you start gaming.

Method 5: Reinstall your graphics card driver

Incompatible or corrupted graphics drivers can also cause UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005). Therefore, you should uninstall and then reinstall the GPU driver.

Method 6: Clean boot Windows PC

Although you may not have any software open on the taskbar while playing a game, background applications, third-party services, and other processes may still conflict with the game. Clean booting Windows is a standard troubleshooting method for game crash errors like UnityPlayer.dll (0xc0000005). Performing a clean boot may disable a conflicting background service or application that causes the UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005).

To perform a clean boot, you need to disable all startup items and third-party services. After performing Clean Boot, try playing games that encounter UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005).

Method 7: Disable XMP Extreme Memory Profile

XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) is a high-performance RAM setting available for PCs that support it. Some players said they were able to fix the UnityPlayer.dll (0xc0000005) error by disabling XMP on their PCs. However, that option is only accessible in BIOS (Basic Input Output Settings).

Exactly how you can access the BIOS will vary depending on your PC model. Entering the BIOS usually involves pressing a hotkey that can be changed during system startup. The article recommends that you look at your PC's online or offline instructions for details on how to enter the Windows BIOS and configure settings there.

Once in the BIOS, find the Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) setting by pressing the arrow keys to navigate. You can find the XMP setting on the main screen in the BIOS, or that option may be included in the RAM or overclocking section.

Once you find the XMP option, choose to disable it if it is currently enabled. Then, make sure you choose to save your new settings before exiting the BIOS.

The potential solutions above will likely prevent the UnityPlayer.dll error (0xc0000005) from crashing your Windows game. It's impossible to be completely certain, but these are the fixes that many players have used to resolve the issue. Hopefully one of them will resolve the UnityPlayer.dll (0xc0000005) error on your PC.

Marvin Fry

Update 25 October 2023