Game doesn't start - Access is Denied (0x5)

This happens in some rare cases where Windows Security decides to interfere with Steam. Here is how to fix it:

• Open Windows Security
• Scroll down to the “Virus & Threat Protection settings” section and click on “Manage Settings.”
• Click on “Add an exclusion” and then choose “Folder.” Navigate to the directory where Steam is installed, which is typically “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.” Select the Steam folder and click “Select Folder.”
• After adding the Steam folder, it will appear in your list of exclusions. This means Windows Security will no longer scan this folder, helping to prevent the “Access is Denied 0x5” error.
• To ensure the changes take effect, restart your computer. Click on the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose “Restart.”
• Once Windows Security is open, find “Virus & Threat Protection” on the left-hand side of the window and click on it.