Solved: INVALID PROCESS ATTACH ATTEMPT (0X00000005) BSOD Crash on Windows 10/11

The INVALID PROCESS ATTACH ATTENT (0x00000005) Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a frustrating error that can suddenly appear while using your Windows PC, often leading to unexpected system crashes. This error typically occurs when Windows attempts to attach to a process but fails due to security or compatibility issues. While the stop code itself doesnt indicate hardware failure, it usually points to software conflicts, corrupted system files, or problematic drivers. Below, well explain what causes this BSOD and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What Causes the INVALID PROCESS ATTACH ATTEMPT (0x00000005) Error?

The error can stem from several underlying issues, including:

Corrupted system files: Critical Windows components may become damaged due to incomplete updates, malware, or improper shutdowns.
Faulty or outdated drivers, especially graphics, chipset, or storage drivers.
Antivirus or security software interference, particularly if they aggressively monitor system processes.
Conflicting applications, such as third-party utilities or games that improperly interact with Windows processes.
Memory (RAM) issues, though less common, can trigger this error in rare cases.
Windows updates or recent changes, including driver updates or system configuration tweaks.

The BSOD may appear during normal operation, gaming, or while launching specific applications. If you see the error message with additional details (e.g., a memory address), note them downthey can help diagnose the root cause.

How to Fix INVALID PROCESS ATTACH ATTEMPT (0x00000005) BSOD

Follow these methods in order, starting with the simplest and moving to more advanced solutions.

Method 1: Restart Your PC and Check for Updates

A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches. Additionally:

Press Win + I, go to Update & Security, then click Check for updates.
Install any pending Windows updates, including optional ones.
Restart your PC after updating and check if the issue persists.

Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files are a common cause of this BSOD. Use these built-in tools to repair them:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
```
sfc /scannow
```
Wait for the process to complete (it may take several minutes). Restart your PC afterward.

Method 3: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers often trigger this error. Focus on these key components:

Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
Expand categories like Display adapters, System devices, or Storage controllers.
Right-click each device, choose Update driver, then select Search automatically for drivers.
If the issue started after a recent update, right-click the driver and select Properties. Under the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver if available.

Method 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Security Software

Some security programs (e.g., McAfee, Norton) aggressively monitor processes and may conflict with Windows. Test this:

Open your antivirus softwares settings.
Look for options like Real-time protection, Behavior monitoring, or Game Mode.
Disable these features temporarily and restart your PC.
If the BSOD doesnt reappear, enable the feature one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 5: Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK

Corrupted files on your hard drive or SSD can cause this error. Run CHKDSK to scan and repair:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:
```
chkdsk C: /f /r
```
(Replace C: with your system drive if needed.)
If prompted, type Y to confirm and restart your PC.
The scan runs on the next bootwait for it to complete.

Method 6: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, helping isolate problematic apps:

Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
Restart your PC. If the BSOD doesnt appear, re-enable services/startup items one by one to pinpoint the culprit.

Method 7: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

If RAM issues are suspected, test your memory:

Search for Windows Memory Diagnostic in the Start menu and open it.
Choose Restart now and check for problems.
Follow on-screen instructions. If errors are found, consider reseating RAM or testing with a different stick if you have multiple modules.

Method 8: Reinstall Problematic Drivers or Applications

If the error occurs after installing specific software (e.g., games, graphics drivers):

Uninstall the problematic program via Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Download the latest version from the official source and reinstall it.
If its a driver (e.g., GPU), use AMD, NVIDIA, or your motherboard manufacturers website for the correct version.

Method 9: Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If all else fails, reset Windows to default settings while keeping your files:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, choose Keep my files and follow the prompts.
This removes apps, settings, and temporary files but preserves personal data.

FAQ About INVALID PROCESS ATTACH ATTEMPT (0x00000005)

Is this error hardware-related?
Rarely, but if RAM or storage is failing, it could contribute. Use chkdsk and memory diagnostics to check.
Will a Windows update fix this permanently?
Updates often include driver fixes, so keep your system updated. If the issue persists after updating, try other methods above.
Can third-party tools like CCleaner or Registry Cleaners cause this?
Yes, aggressive system cleaners can corrupt critical files. Avoid them unless necessary, and stick to Microsofts built-in tools (sfc, DISM).
Should I replace my RAM if this error occurs?
Only if memory diagnostics report errors. Otherwise, the issue is likely software-related.
How do I find the exact cause of the BSOD?
Check the Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) for detailed error logs under Windows Logs > System. Look for entries around the time of the crash.

Final Notes

The INVALID PROCESS ATTACH ATTEMPT (0x00000005) BSOD is usually fixable with patience and methodical troubleshooting. Start with simple steps like updates and driver checks, then proceed to deeper fixes if needed. If the problem persists after trying all methods, consider seeking help from Microsoft Support or your PC manufacturer.

By following this guide, you should be able to stabilize your system and prevent future crashes. Always back up important data before making significant changes like resets or driver updates.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)