How to Fix Error Code 5: Error during Update, Launch, & More

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A quick & easy guide for solving Error Code 5's most common causes

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: September 3, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Top Fixes for Chromium-Based Web Browsers
|
• Top Fixes for Windows
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• Tips

|Show more |Show less

Are you getting the error message "Error Code 5" on your computer? This message can pop up in various places like Chrome and Chromium-based browsers such as Edge and Brave, but also in Windows when you're installing software. In Chrome, Error Code 5 usually indicates a network error. For Windows, this code means something is wrong with your permissions. Read on to learn how to get rid of Error Code 5 in your web browser and on your Windows PC.

Common Causes for Error Code 5

• In Chrome or a Chromium-based browser, Error Code 5 usually indicates a network error or a problem with your cache or cookies.
• On a Windows computer, Error Code 5 points to a problem with permissions, such as a lack of administrator privileges.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Top Fixes for Chromium-Based Web Browsers

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1. 
   1
   Refresh the page. An "Aw, Snap!" or Error Code 5 can point to network errors where Chrome had problems loading the page. See if refreshing the page helps.
2. 
   2
   Check your internet connection. If you're using a Wi-Fi connection or are on a computer, restart your router and modem by unplugging them from power for a few seconds and then plugging them back in.

   • If you're using a phone or tablet, switch between Wi-Fi and data. For example, if you're currently using data, you can connect to Wi-Fi to see if Error Code 5 goes away.
   • Check out our guide to fixing your internet connection for helpful troubleshooting tips.
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   Delete your cache and cookies. Your cache can be full or corrupted, preventing the page in Chrome from loading. The steps are different for computers and mobile devices.

   • Computer: Click ⋮ > Delete browsing data. Make sure "Cached images and files" and "cookies and other site data" are checked, then select "All time" next to "Time range." Click Delete data.
   • Android/iOS: Tap ⋮ (Android) or ••• (iOS) > Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data. Make sure "Cached images and files" and "cookies and other site data" are checked, then select "All time" next to "Time range." Finally, tap Delete data.
4. 
   4
   Close other tabs, extensions, and programs. The goal is to free memory so Chrome can load. The steps you take on all platforms are similar.

   • Close all tabs except the one giving you the error message.
   • Close any apps or programs running in the background. We have guides on closing apps on Android, iPhone, and Windows 10 that can help you further.
   • Pause any downloads.
   • Remove any unnecessary extensions. Click the jigsaw piece in your address bar, then click Manage Extensions. Click the toggle to turn off extensions you don't use.
5. 
   5
   Restart your device. Whether you're using a computer, phone, or tablet, try turning it off and back on to see if your issue is resolved.
6. 
   6
   Update Chrome. Tap the three-dot icon to open the menu, then go to the "About" page and see if there's an update available.
7. 
   7
   Check for and remove unwanted software (Mac-specific). Some malware is Mac-specific, like Ultra Search Engine and prevents Chrome from working correctly.

   • If other sites are loading fine but one isn't, the site might be the issue. You can get more help by contacting the site owner.
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Section 2 of 2:

Top Fixes for Windows

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1. 
   1
   Run your program as an administrator. Error Code 5 in Windows often means you don't have the privileges to run an app or task. To fix the error, you may need to run the program or installer as an administrator. To do this, right-click the program's icon and select Run as administrator.
2. 
   2
   Set your program to always open as an administrator. Right-click the program icon, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check the box next to "Run this program as an administrator" to always run it with admin permissions.
3. 
   3
   Make a non-admin account an administrator. If you want to give an account admin rights, open Settings > Accounts > Other user. Select the account you want to change, then next to "Account Options," select Change account type. Choose Administrator from the drop-down list and click OK.
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Tips

• If you experience Error Code 5 while you're downloading or deleting files on Windows, you don't have the correct permissions to do so. This is most common on computers given out to employees or students.
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