How to Fix Exception Access Violation Error on Windows 11

Can’t seem to resolve the Exception Access Violation error on Windows 11?

It’s 2023, yet many Windows users still face similar errors on their Windows 11 PC as in the previous OS versions. One example of this is the Exception Access Violation error which often leads to the Blue Screen of Death.

The issue usually occurs when an installed program tries to breach the authorization or memory allocated to it. The probable reasons behind this include outdated drivers, malware attacks, damaged program files, corrupted Windows registry, and more.

If you wish to fix this problem by yourself, simply follow along!

1. Disable User Account Control (UAC).

The User Account Control feature ensures that the programs in your computer only make changes to the computer when given administrative privileges. Although it’s a security feature, it can sometimes interfere with certain applications and refuse even the necessary permissions needed to run the program.

Therefore, disable the UAC feature by following the steps below:

1. In Windows Search, type ‘Control Panel’ and click Open from the right pane.
2. When the window opens, click on Security and Maintenance.
3. Next, click on the Change User Account Control settings from the left sidebar.

4. Then, drag the slider down to Never notify and click OK to save these changes.

5. Finally, choose Yes on the User Account Control prompt.

Now restart your computer and check if the problem is now resolved.

2. Scan Your PC for Viruses or Malware. 

As stated earlier, the Exception Access Violation error may occur due to a virus threat or a malware attack. For this reason, the next thing you need to do is scan your computer for any potential threats.

If you have any third-party antivirus program, use it to scan your computer. Otherwise, follow the steps below to utilize the default Windows Firewall Defender:

1. Launch the Settings app, then go to the Privacy & security tab from the left pane.
2. On the right side, click on Windows Security.
3. Next, go to Virus & threat protection.
4. This will open a new window. From there, click on Scan options.

5. Finally, choose Full scan and click on the Scan now button to start the process.

In the scan detects malicious software or virus, remove it to free your system of the error.

3. Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter. 

Windows come with in-built troubleshooters that help diagnose and fix any detected issues within your computer’s software and hardware. In your situation, we recommend running the hardware and device troubleshooter that scans your system’s RAM, graphics card, etc.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Begin by pressing the Windows key + R to access the Run utility.
2. Type ‘msdt.exe – id DeviceDiagnostic’ and hit the Enter key.
3. In the pop-up window, click on the Advanced link.
4. Next, ensure the Apply repairs automatically option is checked, then click Next.

The scan will then begin and run for a few minutes. Afterward, it will provide you with the results and fixes, if any.

4. Perform SFC and DISM Scans.

Corrupted Windows files are another reason you may have trouble running programs on your computer. But don’t fret, built-in Windows command-line tools like SFC and DISM scans can help diagnose, repair, and replace system files and Windows images.

You can run these scans by following the steps below:

1. First, type ‘cmd’ in Windows Search and click on Run as administrator from the right pane.
2. When the prompt opens, type the following command for SFC scan and hit the Enter key:

sfc /scannow

3. Afterward, restart your PC and check if the issue is now eliminated. In case it persists, run the following commands one by one for the DISM scan:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Again, restart your PC to check if the Exception Access Violation Error on Windows 11 is fixed. Otherwise, continue reading.

5. Disable Data Execution Prevention. 

DEP or Data Execution Prevention, is another one of Windows’ safety features that prevent any malicious activity from happening on your computer. This includes ensuring that all programs using the RAM do not harm your system.

So, if any application is suspected of executing an unauthorized or harmful code, DEP shuts it down before it damages the system. However, if you trust the program, you can add it to the DEP exception list to continue running it.

Here’s how:

1. Launch the Run utility by pressing the Windows key + R.
2. Type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and click OK.
3. In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
4. Now, click on the Settings button under the Performance section.

5. In the next window, go to the Data Execution tab.
6. Then, choose the Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select option and click on Add.

7. Browse the executable file of the application you wish to add to the DEP exception list and click Open.
8. Save the changes by clicking on OK.

Once done, exit all the windows and restart your PC to check if the issue has been resolved. Otherwise, move to the next method.

6. Ensure the Program Shortcut Isn’t Set to Read-Only. 

Sometimes, if the program file is set to read-only, it may also cause Exception Access Violation error. To solve this issue, you must change the program shortcut’s status from the desktop. 

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Start by right-clicking on the program’s shortcut from your PC desktop. 
2. Next, click on Properties. 
3. Once the dialogue box opens, choose the General tab from the top. 
4. Then, uncheck the box next to Read-only. 

5. Finally, click on Apply, then OK to confirm the changes. 

Once you’re finished, run the program again, and the error should be gone.

7. Run Compatibility Mode. 

As mentioned earlier, the Exception Access Violation error on Windows 11 usually occurs when the running program isn’t compatible with your current Windows OS. To fix this, you can run the program in compatibility mode to resolve the issue. 

The feature provides a similar environment to the selected older Windows version so that the environment doesn’t conflict with the application. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Begin by right-clicking on the problematic program and choosing Properties.
2. In the pop-up window, go to the Compatibility tab.
3. Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose Windows 8 from the drop-down menu.

4. Lastly, click Apply, then OK to save these changes.

Relaunch the program and check whether the problem persists. If so, continue to the next method.

8. Reinstall the Problematic App.

Not fixed yet? It’s possible the application files may be damaged or corrupted. In that case, the only resort is to delete and reinstall the program on your computer. In doing so, you will renew all your apps’ data.

Here’s how to uninstall an app on Windows 11:

1. Launch Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
2. Go to the Apps tab and click on Installed apps.
3. Scroll through the list of applications to locate the problematic one.
4. Next, click the three dots next to the app and choose Uninstall.

Keep in mind that this method will also delete all the settings and data of the application. However, some applications may provide some ways to save and restore your data.

And that’s it! This marks the end of our guide on how to fix the Exception Access Violation error on Windows 11. Hopefully, this article was able to help you fix the issue. For questions, kindly leave them in the comment section below.

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