How to Fix Exception Access Violation Error in Windows 11 or 10

Sometimes, while trying to run an application on your Windows 11/10 system, you may come across an Unhandled Exception Access Violation error. This means that a specific part of the application code tried to get access to the protected memory access code, but it failed. In this case, the access was denied and you encounter the software error. While the issue is mainly caused by software issue, the error can also pop up due to a corrupt RAM module.

Some of the Exception Access Violation errors you may come across are – Exception Access Violation Java, Exception Access Violation Kaspersky, Unhandled Exception Access Violation Visual Studio, Exception_access_violation in module ntdll.dll, odbc32.dll, or Exception Access Violation World of Warships, Overwatch, Minecraft.

In this post, we will discuss a few possible solutions that may help fix the Exception Access Violation error on your Windows 11/10 PC. Let’s see how:

 

Method 1: Disable Data Execution Prevention (DEP)

 

DEP or Data Execution Prevention is a feature that takes care of the security of your system by preventing any viruses or other external threats that can damage your PC. Additionally, it also keeps a watch if the programs on your PC are using the RAM safely and causing no harm. So, if any program is found to execute a code in a way that’s harmful for your system, DEP force shuts down the program. But, if you trust the program, you can add an exception to DEP and disable the feature for that specific program. Let’s see how:

 

Step 1: Press the Win + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to launch the Run command window.

Step 2: In the Run command text field,  type sysdm.cpl and hit Enter to open the System Properties window.



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Step 3: In the System Properties window, select the Advanced tab and then under the Performance section, click on Settings.

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Step 4: It will open the Performance Options dialogue box.

Here, go to the Data Execution Prevention tab and select the radio button next to Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.

Step 5: Click on the Add button below.

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In the Open window, browse to the list and locate the program for which you want to disable the DEP.

Step 6: Select the program and click on Open to add it to the Data execution Prevention exception list.

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Press Apply and then OK to save the changes.

 

Now, exit the System Properties window and you should not come across the Unhandled Exception Access Violation error on your Windows 11/10 PC while trying to run a program.

Method 2: Disable Antivirus and Setup Exclusions

Sometimes, certain issues like the exception violation errors can arise because the antivirus software on your system may be blocking the program. In such cases, all you need to do is to disable the antivirus temporarily and check if this helps fix the issue. So, for example, if you are using the the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus, you can turn it off to check if it helps fix the issue. Follow the below instructions to disable the Windows Defender:

 

Step 1: Search Virus & Threat Protection in the search box

Step 2: Click on Virus & threat protection.

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Step 3: Next, on the right side of the window, scroll down a bit and under the Virus & threat protection settings section, click on Manage settings.

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Step 4: In the next window, go to the right side and turn off the Real-time protection option.

 

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Step 5: Now, scroll down till the Exclusions section and click on the Add or remove exclusions link below it.

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Step 6: Next, navigate to the right side again and click on the Add an exclusion button.

From the list, select folder and browse to the game or program you are having problem with and select it to add it to the exclusion list.

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Once done, close Windows Security and check if you can now access the game or program without seeing the exception error.

Method 3: Disable User Account Control

It could be possible that you encounter the Exception Access Violation error due to a glitch in the User Account Control. In this case, you can try disabling the User Account Control and see if it helps get rid of the error. Let’s see how:

 

Step 1: Press the Win + R shortcut keys on your keyboard to open Run command.

Step 2: In the Run command search bar, type useraccountcontrolsettings and press OK.

 

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Step 3: This will open the User Account Control Settings window.

Now, on the left side, move the slider to the bottom to set it to Never notify.

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Press OK to save the changes and exit.

 

Now, try running the program and you should not come across the Exception access violation error.

Method 5: Make sure that the file isn’t set as read-only

If the file is set to read-only, this can also create issues while opening a software, application or a game. Let’s see how to possibly fix this issue, by removing the read-only status:

Step 1: Go to the desktop or find the shortcut of the program which is showing the error, right-click on it, select Show more options and then select Properties.

Step 2: In the Properties dialogue box, go to the General tab and navigate towards the bottom.

Now, next to the Attributes section, uncheck the box next to Read-only.

Press Apply and then OK to save the changes and exit.

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now, try running the program and check if the issue is fixed.

Method 6: Use the Compatibility mode

If the program is not running in compatibility mode, then this could be the reason why you encounter the Unhandled Exception Access Violation error. This is especially true for old programs. Therefore, using the compatibility mode may help get rid of the error. Let’s see how:

Step 1:  Go to the program shortcut on our desktop or wherever it is located, right-click on it.

Step 2: Next, click on Properties in the menu.

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Step 3: In the Properties window, select the Compatibility tab and then go to the Compatibility mode section.

Check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for and select a previous Windows version from the drop-down.

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Press Apply and then OK to apply the changes.

 

Now, check if the Exception Access Violation error is fixed.

Method 7: Run the Hardware troubleshooter

If all the above method fail, you can try running the hardware troubleshooter that helps fix common hardware issues. You can also use this method before you proceed with other methods to be sure the issue is not related to any hardware issues. Here’s how to run the troubleshooter:

 

Step 1: Press the Win + X keys together on your keyboard and click on run to open Run command window

Step 2: In the Run command window, type cmd in the search bar and press CTRL + Shift + Enter shortcut keys on your keyboard to launch the command Prompt window with admin rights.

Step 3: In the elevated Command Prompt window, run the below command and hit Enter:

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Step 4: This will open the Hardware and Devices window.

Go to the Advanced option below and click on it.

Step 5: Check the box next to Apply repairs automatically and press Next.

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Step 6: The troubleshooter will now start detecting any issues that may be causing the error.

If it finds any problems, it will automatically fix the issue.

Now, go back and try running the program and it should work normally.

Alternatively, try running your antivirus software to scan for any possible malware that may be causing this error. If any issues found, you can get rid of them using the software. However, if no issues found, disconnect your headset and reconnect it back to check if this helps fix the issue. If nothing works, you may try uninstalling the app and then re-install it back again to check if it’s working now.