Fix Modern Warfare Crashing on PC: Proven Steps

Modern Warfare (2019) and Warzone crashing on PC is a widespread issue caused by everything from outdated drivers and corrupted shader caches to unstable overclocks and conflicting background apps. The fix usually involves a systematic process: update your GPU drivers, clear the DirectX shader cache, verify game files, and disable overlays or overclocks. Below are the proven steps to get you back in the match.

Why Modern Warfare Crashes on PC

The game is notoriously demanding on system stability. Common culprits include:

GPU driver issues – outdated or buggy drivers are the #1 cause.
Corrupted shader cache – the game compiles shaders on first launch; a bad cache can cause crashes.
Overheating – high CPU/GPU temps lead to instability.
Unstable overclocks – even a mild OC can crash the game.
Background apps – overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience) and RGB software can conflict.
Corrupted game files – incomplete updates or antivirus interference.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Try

Work through these in order. Most users find a fix by step 3 or 4.

Update your GPU drivers. Go to NVIDIA or AMD’s website, download the latest driver, and do a “clean install” (check the box in the installer). For NVIDIA, use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode for a complete removal.
Clear the DirectX shader cache. In Windows, open Disk Cleanup, select your drive, and check “DirectX Shader Cache.” Also, in the game’s settings, set “Shader Cache Size” to “Large” (if available).
Verify game files. In Battle.net, click the game, select “Options” → “Scan and Repair.” In Steam, right-click the game → “Properties” → “Local Files” → “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
Disable overlays. Turn off Discord overlay, GeForce Experience overlay, and any other in-game overlay. Also close RGB software (iCUE, Razer Synapse) temporarily.
Remove overclocks. Set your GPU and CPU to stock clocks (disable XMP/EXPO for RAM) and test. If stable, add back one at a time.
Check temperatures. Use MSI Afterburner or HWInfo to monitor temps. If your CPU exceeds 90°C or GPU exceeds 85°C, improve cooling.
Run as administrator. Right-click the game executable and select “Run as administrator.” Also set Windows to “High Performance” power plan.
Disable fullscreen optimizations. Right-click the game .exe → Properties → Compatibility → check “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”

Common Crash Types and What They Mean

Different crashes have different fixes:

“Dev Error 6068” or “6066” – DirectX error, often due to unstable GPU overclock or corrupted shaders. Fix: reset OC, clear shader cache, update drivers.
“Dev Error 6328” – Memory error, often from XMP being unstable. Fix: disable XMP, run memtest.
“Dev Error 5759” – General crash, often fixed by updating drivers or verifying files.
Crash to desktop without error – Usually background app conflict or overheating.

Why Updating Drivers Isn’t Enough

Many players update drivers and still crash. That’s because the game’s shader compilation is sensitive to any instability. Even a factory-overclocked GPU can be unstable in this game. Also, Windows updates can overwrite driver settings. A clean driver install (via DDU) is more effective than a simple update. Additionally, the game’s own “Shader Cache Size” setting can cause crashes if set to “Small” – set it to “Large” if your GPU has 6GB+ VRAM.

Advanced: Windows and BIOS Settings

If basic steps fail, try these:

Disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (Settings → System → Display → Graphics → Default settings). Some users report crashes with it on.
Update BIOS – a newer BIOS can improve CPU stability.
Disable “Game Mode” in Windows – it can interfere with the game.
Set page file to “System managed” – a low page file can cause crashes.
Check for RAM instability – run MemTest86 overnight. Even with XMP off, some RAM sticks are defective.

When to Reinstall the Game

Reinstalling should be a last resort, but it fixes corrupted files that “Scan and Repair” misses. Uninstall the game, delete the Call of Duty Modern Warfare folder in Documents (backup your settings first), then reinstall. This also clears any corrupted shader cache. Note: the game is huge (over 100GB), so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my game crash only in Warzone, not multiplayer?

Warzone uses more memory and has a larger map, so it stresses your system harder. If multiplayer is stable, your system is borderline. Try lowering VRAM usage (Settings → Graphics → VRAM Usage Target to 70%), and ensure you have at least 16GB RAM.

Can a bad antivirus cause crashes?

Yes. Antivirus software can quarantine game files or interfere with the anti-cheat. Add the game folder to your antivirus exclusions, or temporarily disable it to test.

Will lowering graphics settings fix crashes?

Sometimes. If the crash is due to overheating or VRAM overflow, lowering settings helps. But if it’s a driver or file issue, it won’t. Try lowering “Texture Resolution” and “Particle Quality” first.

Is there a known issue with Windows 11?

Some users report crashes on Windows 11, especially with certain AMD CPUs. Microsoft and Activision have released patches, but if you crash, try disabling “Memory Integrity” (Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation). Also ensure Windows is fully updated.

Why does the game crash on the loading screen?

This is often a shader compilation issue. Wait for the shader installation to finish before entering a match. If it crashes, clear the shader cache and restart the game. Also, disable any third-party antivirus that might scan the shader files.

Does overclocking my GPU always cause crashes?

Not always, but Modern Warfare is one of the most sensitive games to GPU overclocks. Even a factory OC can be unstable. Test with the OC off. If stable, you can try a slight undervolt instead – it often improves stability.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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