How to Fix Error Code: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION?

1.What Does Error Code: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION Mean?

Error code: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION occurs when a browser or application attempts to access memory; it does not have permission to use it. In short, the program tries to read or write protected system memory, and Windows immediately blocks the action to prevent instability or security risks.

This error is most reported in browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Chromium-based applications. It may appear as a page crash, a blank screen, or a message indicating that the site can’t be reached.

2.What is the Cause of STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION?

The STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error can be triggered by several underlying issues, especially in modern browsers that rely heavily on cached data and extensions. Common causes include corrupted cookies or cached files, particularly related to Google or YouTube accounts.

Browser extensions may also conflict with page scripts, causing Chrome or Edge to mis-handle memory requests. Outdated browser versions, buggy updates, or renamed executable files can also trigger the error. In some cases, antivirus software or system-level changes interfere with how the browser accesses memory. This is why many users specifically encounter the issue while watching videos

3.How Do I Fix Error Code: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION?

Understanding the meaning and causes of this error can help us fix it fast. The methods below address the most common root causes, starting with the simplest and safest options.

Fix 1: Delete YouTube and Google Cookies

Corrupted cookies are one of the most frequent triggers of memory access error. These cookies store login and session data, and when they become damaged, browsers may crash while accessing them. Removing only Google-related cookies often resolves the issue without affecting other sites.

• Open Chrome or Edge and click the three-dot menu, then go to "Settings” and choose “Privacy and security” and open “Third-party Cookies”.

• Scroll down and click “See all cookies and site data," then search for “google.com” and “youtube.com” one by one.

  

• Remove all related cookies by clicking “Delete all data” after the search results and then restarting the browser.

If corrupted cookies were the cause, clearing them usually fixes the error immediately without further troubleshooting.

Fix 2: Reset Settings on Chrome

Browser settings can become unstable after updates, experiments, or configuration changes. Resetting Chrome restores default settings while keeping bookmarks and saved passwords intact. This often resolves deep configuration conflicts that lead to memory access errors.

• Open Chrome and go to “Settings" by clicking the "Options/3-dots" button from the top right.

• Scroll down and click “Reset Settings” from the left side menu.

  

• Select “Restore settings to their original defaults” and confirm by clicking “Reset Settings” and restarting Chrome.

  

A reset clears hidden misconfigurations and is one of the most effective fixes for persistent STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors.

Fix 3: Change the Name of the Chrome.exe Executable

In rare cases, Chrome’s executable file name can conflict with system policies or security software. Renaming the executable forces Chrome to rebuild certain runtime references, which can eliminate access violations.

• Right-click the "Chrome Desktop Shortcut" and click the "Open File Location" option.

• Locate the "chrome.exe" file and right-click it, then select “Rename”.

  

• Rename this file to anything like “chrome1.exe” and try running it again.

This workaround is surprisingly effective when other fixes fail, especially on Windows systems with strict security settings.

Fix 4: Toggle off Extensions

Extensions run background scripts that can interfere with page rendering and memory usage. Even trusted extensions may become incompatible after browser updates. Disabling them helps identify whether an extension is triggering the error.

• Go to “chrome://extensions” in the address bar on your Chrome browser.

• Turn off all extensions using the “Toggle Switch” at the bottom right.

  

• Restart the browser and test the affected website. Re-enable extensions one by one to find the one causing the issue for you.

If the error disappears after disabling extensions, removing the problematic one permanently prevents future crashes. Sometimes, this method can also resolve ERR_FILE_NOT_FOUND error and Google Error 400.

Fix 5: Update Your Browser

Outdated browsers may contain bugs that cause improper memory handling. Google and Microsoft regularly release fixes for crashes, security flaws, and compatibility issues. Keeping your browser updated ensures it works correctly with modern websites.

• Open your browser’s settings and go to “About Chrome" at the bottom of the left pane, or similar for the Edge browser.

  

• Allow the browser to download and install updates and restart after the update completes.

A browser update often resolves this error by patching known memory access bugs.

Extra Tips: Fix Drive or Partition Issues after STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION Errors

In some cases, the STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION error may point to deeper issues with your system’s storage, such as corrupted partitions, bad sectors, or file system inconsistencies. These underlying problems can cause applications to behave unpredictably or crash when they try to read from or write to damaged areas of your drive.

If you suspect your hard drive or partition has encountered errors, using a dedicated tool to check and repair disk structures can help prevent recurring crashes and improve system stability. 4DDiG Partition Manager offers a powerful Partition Repair feature that can:

• Detect and fix file system errors on your drive
• Repair partition table issues that may cause data access conflicts
• Resolve bad sectors that could lead to crashes and access violations

• Download and open 4DDiG Partition Manager. If the partition you want to recover is located on an external hard drive, make sure to connect the device to your computer first. In the left-side menu, choose “Partition Recovery”, then select the disk that contains the missing partition and click “Quick Scan” to begin.

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• If the target partition does not appear after the quick scan, try running a Deep Scan instead. If the partition is still not detected, you can proceed with a Full Scan for a more thorough search.

  

• The full scan may take some time depending on the disk size, so please wait patiently. Select the partition(s) you wish to recover. Keep in mind that restoring partitions will overwrite existing ones, so be sure to confirm before continuing. Click “Sure”, then select “Start Recovery” to move forward.

  

• After the partition has been successfully restored, click “Finish” to complete the process.

  

Conclusion

The error code: STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION can look problematic, but in most cases, following the step-by-step fixes outlined above, you can resolve the error safely and restore normal browsing behavior. Regular browser maintenance and updates are the best long-term fixes against STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors appearing again. However, if the error continues to appear or is accompanied by system instability, it may indicate underlying disk or partition issues.

In such cases, using 4DDiG Partition Manager can help you diagnose and repair file system errors, damaged partitions, or bad sectors that may be triggering access violations. Addressing these deeper storage-related problems not only helps eliminate persistent errors but also improves overall system stability.