What is Modern Warfare 3 0x887a0005 Error Code and How to Fix?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) seems to be problematic in multiple ways, as players are having a tough time launching the title or even connecting to the matchmaking process. Meanwhile, multiple players encounter the COD Modern Warfare 3 0x887a0005 Error Code on the PC version while trying to launch the game, irrespective of the Steam or Battle.net client. Whenever this specific error occurs at your end, you won’t be able to log into the multiplayer sessions in any way.

Though there is no perfect reason yet behind this error code, several players have found some workarounds useful enough to try fixing the 0x887a0005 error code. As per multiple reports, it occurs quite frequently for some players when they try to pick up a loadout or get into the map loading screen. In some cases, the game also refuses to get past the Activision splash screen, which kicks out players with the 0x887a0005 error code.

What is Modern Warfare 3 0x887a0005 Error Code and How to Fix?

Whenever the Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (2023) crashes on the PC version, the error code 0x887a0005 appears with an error notice that says, “The application has unexpectedly stopped working.” This kind of error might occur due to several potential reasons, such as an overclocked CPU/GPU, conflicts with third-party in-game overlay apps, insufficient game permission with admin, an outdated game patch version, corrupted game files, and more.

Fortunately, we’ve provided you with some workarounds that should be useful. Make sure to follow all troubleshooting methods until the error has been fixed. So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into it.

1. Reboot the PC

Restarting your computer before performing any other workarounds is highly recommended because a normal reboot of the system can fix multiple issues like temporary glitches or cache data. Go to the Start menu > Click the Power icon > Select Restart.

2. Run COD MWIII as an Administrator

You should run the Call of Duty Modern Warfare III game application as an administrator on Windows to allow the system user account control permission. Without having the permission, some applications might not work properly. To do this:

• Right-click on the COD: MWIII application on your PC.
• Select Properties > Click on the Compatibility tab.

• Enable the Run this program as an administrator option.
• Now, click on Apply > Select OK to save changes.
• Once done, run the game to check for the error.

3. Check for COD MWIII Updates

Sometimes an outdated game patch version can trouble you a lot due to some stability issues or bugs. It’s recommended to check for the game updates manually by following the steps below.

Battle.net:

• Open Battle.net.
• Click on Game Library > Choose Modern Warfare III.
• Now, click on the cog wheel icon.
• Select Check for Updates.
• Make sure to download & install the update, if available.

Steam:

• Open Steam > Go to Game Library.
• Right-click on Modern Warfare III.
• Select Properties > Click on Updates.
• Head over to Automatic Updates.
• Select Only update this game when I launch it.
• It’ll automatically install updates whenever available.

4. Scan and Repair the Game Files

Sometimes corrupted or missing game files on the PC might also trouble you while starting the game. It’s always better to verify and repair the game files by following the steps below on your PC to avoid errors.

Battle.net:

• Open Battle.net > Click on Modern Warfare III.
• Select the Cog Wheel icon next to the Play button.
• Now, select Scan and Repair > Wait for the repair to complete.

Steam:

• Open the Steam client > Go to Library.
• Right-click on Modern Warfare III in your library.
• Go to Settings and select Properties.
• Click on Local Files > Select Verify integrity of game files.
• Wait for the process to complete.

5. Update the Graphics Driver

You should try to update the graphics driver manually by following the steps below. It’ll eventually fix an outdated graphics driver version or corrupted driver.

Recommended Update:

• Press the Win+X keys > Click on Device Manager from the list.
• Double-click on Display Adapters.
• Right-click on the dedicated graphics card that you use.

• Select Update Driver > Click on Search automatically for drivers.
• If there is an update available, it’ll automatically download & install the latest version.
• Once done, restart the computer to apply changes.

Manual Update:

If you can’t find any pending updates, head over to the official website of the respective graphics card brand below and search manually for the latest update. Do remember that you’ll always have to search for the latest driver version and specific for the model you’re using. If a new version is available for the graphics card, download the driver and install it on your PC. You can jump to the link below to do so:

• Nvidia GPU
• AMD GPU
• Intel GPU

6. Install DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

Sometimes, an outdated DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables version can also ruin the overall gaming experience. You should try updating DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables on the PC to avoid graphical glitches or errors with video games.

• Visit the official Microsoft DirectX download page.
• Download and install the latest version.
• Now, navigate to the Visual C++ Redistributables download page.
• Download and install the latest version on the PC.

7. Disable NVIDIA ANSEL

Multiple reports claim that disabling the NVIDIA ANSEL option was useful enough on the system if you’re using an NVIDIA graphics card. By doing so, you’ll be able to fix the issue to some extent.

• Go to the following directory on your PC:

c:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nv_dispi.inf_amd64_d223212c0a2275b5\NvCamera\

• Delete the NvCamera folder > Search for cmd in the Start menu.
• Now, run Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type NvCameraEnable.exe off in the CMD window and hit Enter.
• Exit the Command Prompt and reboot the PC to apply changes.

8. Turn Off In-Game Overlay

Multiple reports are claiming that third-party overlay applications on Windows might consume higher system resources that can cause game-launching issues or errors. It’s better to disable third-party overlay apps by following the steps below.

Discord Overlay:

• Open Discord > Click on the gear icon at the bottom.
• Go to Overlay from App Settings.
• Turn on – Enable in-game overlay.
• Go to Games > Choose Modern Warfare 3.
• Turn Off – Enable in-game overlay.
• Finally, restart the system to apply changes.

Xbox Game Bar:

• Open Windows Settings by pressing the Win+I keys.
• Now, click on Gaming > Go to Game Bar.
• Turn Off – Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using Game bar.

Game Mode:

• Press the Win+I keys to open Windows Settings.
• Now, click on Gaming > Go to Game Mode.
• Set Game Mode to Turn Off.

Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

• Open Nvidia GeForce Experience.
• Go to Settings > Head over to General.
• Turn Off – In-Game Overlay.
• Once done, restart the PC to apply changes.

Other Overlays:

You’ll also find some other third-party overlay applications that you can uninstall or disable temporarily to check if the problem has been fixed or not.

• MSI Afterburner
• Rivatuner Statistics
• Third-party RGB software
• Any other keyboard & mouse customizing software
• Other overclocking apps
• Screen recording or broadcasting apps

9. Try Changing In-Game Upscaling

Well, upscaling the in-game settings might be helpful to avoid in-game errors. Upscaling algorithms can improve the in-game graphics or textures with the dedicated graphics card that you’re using. But sometimes it can be problematic with the latest video games.

• Launch Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (2023) on your PC.
• Then head over to the Settings menu > Click on Graphics.
• Select Quality > Choose Quality Settings.
• Now, change the Upscaling/Sharpening option.
• Save changes and run the game again.

10. Turn Off On-Demand Texture Streaming

The On-Demand Texture Streaming feature in Call of Duty video games does offer an improved texture quality and better visual experience up to some extent. However, if you’re facing any kind of graphical glitches or startup errors, make sure to disable the on-demand texture streaming feature manually by following the steps below.

• Open the Steam or Battle.net client on the PC.
• Go to Library > Launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
• Go to in-game Settings > Click on Graphics > Select Quality.
• Open the Quality Settings menu > Head over to Details & Textures.
• Turn Off the On-Demand Texture Streaming option.

11. Optimize Games and Apps in the NVIDIA GeForce Experience

NVIDIA GeForce Experience does have an inbuilt games & apps optimization feature that you can use. It’s not necessary to use the same for everyone. But if your video games are prone to crashes or graphical errors then we’ll recommend you to optimize games & apps in the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app by following the steps below.

• Open the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application on your PC.
• Go to the Settings menu > Click on GAMES & APPS on the left side.
• Now, enable the Automatically optimize newly added games and applications option.
• Once done, relaunch the game to check for the issue.

12. Delete Shaders Cache

Most of the Call of Duty titles are prone to have shaders cache issues on the system which eventually affects the gaming performance and issues with the game launching. Try to delete the shaders cache manually for the COD Modern Warfare 3 game.

• Open File Explorer by pressing Win+E.
• Go to the Call of Duty Modern Warfare III installation folder.
• Locate the shadercache folder from the installation directory as follows (respective to the client):

Battle.net: ...\Call of Duty\_retail_\shadercache

Steam: ...\steamapps\common\Call of Duty HQ\shadercache

• Delete the shadercache folder items completely.
• Once done, launch the game and wait for the shadercache to automatically create.

13. Disable XMP Profile

You can try to disable XMP Profile manually from the BIOS menu on your computer because sometimes any kind of incorrect configuration can trouble you a lot. If you’re using an AMD chipset then you should disable the XMP Profile option as it only works for the Intel chipsets. Depending on which chipset you’re using, follow the user manual to boot into the BIOS menu and perform the same action.

14. Force Use DirectX 11

You can also try force using the DirectX11 version on the specific COD MWIII game manually by directly adding it in the command line argument (launch options). It might help in fixing multiple issues with the game crashes or launching errors up to some extent.

For Steam:

• Run Steam and go to your Steam Library.
• Right-click on COD MWIII.
• Select Properties > Under the General tab, click on Set Launch Options.
• Add -d3d11 inside the launch options field.
• Now, save the changes, and restart your PC.

For Battle.net:

• Launch the Battle.net launcher.
• Click on Options.
• Next, select Game Settings.
• Select Additional command line arguments by ticking the checkbox.
• Now, type -d3d11 in the command field.
• Click on Done.

15. Set the FPS Limit to 90

Multiple players have suggested that limiting the FPS cap to 90 or lower may come in handy. Reducing the higher FPS limit will improve gaming performance in low-end or mid-range configurations. It’ll also eliminate game-launching crashes. Head over to the game settings menu and set a FPS limit.

16. Turn Off Antivirus Protection

Additionally, it’s suggested to turn off the Windows Defender antivirus protection on your PC to ensure there is no antivirus software blocking the game files from running properly.

• Press the Win+I keys to open Windows Settings.
• Click on Update & Security > Click on Windows Security from the left pane.
• Now, click on the Open Windows Security button.
• Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
• Click on Manage Settings.
• Just Turn Off the Real-time Protection toggle.

• If prompted, click on Yes to proceed further.

Note: If you’re using any other third-party antivirus program on your PC then just turn off the real-time protection feature.

17. Disable Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall basically prevents unauthorized ongoing connections from the PC to online servers. You can try turning it off temporarily to check for the issue again.

• Open the Start Menu > Search and open Windows Defender Firewall.

• Now, click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane.

• Turn Off all the Private, Domain, and Public Network Settings options.
• Finally, click on OK to save changes.

18. Reinstall COD Modern Warfare 3

If none of the workarounds come in handy then make sure to uninstall and reinstall the COD Modern Warfare III (2023) game on your PC. Sometimes issues with the game installation directory may cause multiple conflicts. You should uninstall and reinstall the game by following the steps below.

For Steam:

• Open the Steam client on your PC.
• Go to Library > Right-click on COD MWIII.
• Select Uninstall > Click on Delete to confirm.
• Wait for the uninstallation process to complete.
• Exit the Steam client > Open File Explorer.
• Copy & paste C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common on the address bar.
• Press Enter to search for the location.
• Go to the COD MW3 folder > Delete the folder completely.
• Reboot the PC to apply changes.
• Finally, open Steam > Reinstall the COD MWIII game again.

For Battle.net:

• Open the Battle.net client.
• Select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III from the left panel.
• Choose the Options menu on the left side.
• Click on Uninstall Game > If prompted, confirm the uninstallation process.
• Once done, close the Battle.net launcher, and reboot the PC.
• Open Battle.net again and reinstall COD: MW3.
• Click on the Options menu > Select Modify Install.
• Select the mode that you want to install and select Confirm.
• Hit Start Install and wait for it to complete.
• Finally, launch the game to check for the 0x887a0005 error again.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For additional queries, you can comment below.