Azure Arc Guest Configuration gc_worker.exe crashes in coreclr.dll with 0xc0000005

365AdminMK 0 Reputation points
2026-10-26T14:48:34.33+00:00

We are experiencing repeated crashes of gc_worker.exe on an Azure Arc-enabled Windows Server.

Error details:

  • Faulting application: gc_worker.exe
  • Faulting module: coreclr.dll
  • CoreCLR version: 8.0.3026.36720
  • Exception code: 0xc0000005
  • Azure Connected Machine Agent: 1.68.03532.3282

I have completely uninstalled and reinstalled the Azure Connected Machine Agent, but the issue persists. Full gc_worker.exe crash dumps have also been captured.

As a temporary workaround, I disabled Guest Configuration using azcmagent config set guestconfiguration.enabled false. The main Azure Arc agent remains Connected, with HIMDS and the Extension Service running normally.

Has anyone encountered this gc_worker.exe/coreclr.dll crash, and is there a known fix or recommended remediation?

Azure Arc
Azure Arc

A Microsoft cloud service that enables deployment of Azure services across hybrid and multicloud environments.

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  1. Zoha Fatima 675 Reputation points
    2026-10-27T05:07:48.7533333+00:00

    Hi 365AdminMK,

    Since reinstalling the Azure Connected Machine Agent did not resolve the gc_worker.exe crash, the issue may involve the Guest Configuration component or its .NET runtime. The exception 0xc0000005 indicates an access violation but does not identify the root cause.

    I recommend:

    Confirm that the Guest Configuration component is up to date.

    Review C:\ProgramData\GuestConfig\arc_policy_logs\gc_agent.log for errors immediately before the crash.

    Since you have crash dumps, open an Azure Support case and provide the dumps, Event Viewer details, agent version, and timestamps for engineering analysis.

    Disabling Guest Configuration is a temporary workaround, but it stops policy compliance evaluation and enforcement.

    Thank you, and feel free to respond back for more assistance.

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