What Causes Modern Warfare 4 to Get Stuck on the Loading Screen and Its Fixes

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is the latest entry in Activision’s Modern Warfare series, bringing new multiplayer action, weapons, maps, modes, and other content to Call of Duty players. However, PC players can occasionally run into technical problems, and one of the more frustrating issues is Modern Warfare 4 getting stuck on the loading screen.

The problem can appear while initially launching the game, loading into the main menu, connecting to online services, or entering a multiplayer match. Sometimes the loading screen simply takes much longer than usual, while in other cases, the game doesn’t progress at all.

There isn’t necessarily a single reason behind this problem. Server congestion, an unstable internet connection, corrupted game files, outdated graphics drivers, background applications, or even system compatibility issues can prevent Modern Warfare 4 from loading correctly.

Activision also requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for Modern Warfare 4 on PC, so the game’s security requirements should also be considered when troubleshooting startup or loading problems.

What Causes Modern Warfare 4 to Get Stuck on the Loading Screen?

Before jumping into the fixes, it’s useful to understand what might be causing the problem. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Server Issues: Call of Duty servers can experience heavy traffic, outages, or maintenance. This can cause unusually long loading times, particularly while connecting to multiplayer services.
• Internet Connection Problems: An unstable or slow internet connection can prevent the game from communicating properly with Activision’s servers.
• Corrupted Game Files: Missing or damaged Modern Warfare 4 files may prevent certain game components from loading.
• Outdated Game Version: Running an older game build can cause compatibility and connectivity problems after a new update is released.
• Graphics Driver Problems: Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers can cause loading issues, crashes, graphical problems, and poor performance.
• Insufficient System Resources: Modern Warfare 4 requires a reasonably capable PC. Limited RAM, VRAM, CPU performance, or storage can contribute to extremely long loading times.
• Background Applications: Recording software, overlays, hardware monitoring tools, and other applications can sometimes interfere with Call of Duty.
• Windows Security Software: Firewall or antivirus software may occasionally block game or launcher components from connecting properly.
• TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot: Modern Warfare 4 requires both security features on PC. Incorrectly configured security settings can prevent normal access to the game.
• Overclocking or System Instability: An unstable CPU, GPU, RAM overclock, or undervolt can cause games to freeze during loading.
• Overheating: High CPU or GPU temperatures can result in reduced performance, freezing, crashes, or unexpected restarts.
• Account or Online Service Issues: Problems connecting your Activision account or reaching Call of Duty online services can leave the game waiting indefinitely.

Fix: Modern Warfare 4 Stuck on Loading Screen on PC

If Modern Warfare 4 remains on the loading screen for several minutes without making any progress, try the troubleshooting methods below one by one.

We recommend testing the game after completing each method. This way, you’ll know which solution actually resolved the problem.

1. Restart Modern Warfare 4 and Your PC

Start with the simplest solution.

If the game appears frozen on the loading screen, close Modern Warfare 4 completely.

Then:

• Open the Start menu.
• Click the Power icon.
• Select Restart.
• Wait for Windows to restart.
• Launch Modern Warfare 4 again.

Restarting clears temporary system data and processes that may have become stuck during a previous gaming session.

You should also restart Battle.net or Steam before launching the game again.

2. Check Modern Warfare 4 System Requirements

Make sure your computer meets at least the minimum hardware requirements.

Activision currently lists the following specifications for Modern Warfare 4 on PC. The game also requires an SSD, broadband internet, DirectX 12 compatibility, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot.

Intel Arc graphics cards also require Resizable BAR, while the currently supported processors need the AVX instruction set.

If your system meets these requirements, continue with the next method.

3. Check the Modern Warfare 4 Server Status

Before changing anything on your computer, check whether Call of Duty’s servers are actually working.

Activision recommends checking the Modern Warfare 4 online service status first when experiencing connectivity problems. If an outage or maintenance alert is active, you’ll generally need to wait until services are restored.

Check Activision Online Services

If the servers are working normally, the problem is more likely related to your PC, game installation, or network.

4. Run Modern Warfare 4 as an Administrator

Windows permissions can occasionally prevent a game or launcher from accessing files it needs.

Try running the game with administrator privileges.

• Navigate to the Modern Warfare 4 installation directory.
• Find the game’s executable file.
• Right-click the executable.
• Select Properties.
• Open the Compatibility tab.
• Enable Run this program as an administrator.
• Click Apply and then OK.

Launch the game again and check whether it gets past the loading screen.

5. Update Modern Warfare 4

Make sure you’re running the latest available game version.

An outdated installation may conflict with the current servers or contain bugs that have already been fixed.

Battle.net:

• Open Battle.net.
• Select Call of Duty.
• Click the gear icon beside the Play button.
• Select Check for Updates.
• Install any available update.

Steam:

• Open Steam.
• Go to Library.
• Select Call of Duty.
• If an Update button appears, click it.
• Wait for the download and installation to finish.

Restart the launcher afterward and try again.

6. Verify and Repair the Game Files

Corrupted or missing files are another possible reason why Modern Warfare 4 gets stuck during loading.

Fortunately, both Steam and Battle.net can check your installation without requiring you to reinstall the entire game.

Battle.net:

• Open Battle.net.
• Select Call of Duty.
• Click the gear icon beside Play.
• Select Scan and Repair.
• Start the scan.
• Wait until the process finishes.

Steam:

• Open Steam.
• Go to Library.
• Right-click Call of Duty.
• Select Properties.
• Open Installed Files.
• Select Verify integrity of game files.
• Wait for Steam to complete the verification.

If damaged or missing files are detected, the launcher should replace them automatically.

7. Check Your Internet Connection

Because Modern Warfare 4 relies heavily on online services, an unstable connection can leave you sitting on a loading or connecting screen.

Run an internet speed test and check whether your connection is stable.

If you’re experiencing problems:

• Restart your router.
• Disconnect unnecessary devices from your network.
• Stop large downloads or streaming.
• Try another network if available.
• Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet.

Activision specifically recommends a wired Ethernet connection for online Call of Duty gameplay because Wi-Fi performance can vary considerably.

8. Restart Your Router

Even when your internet appears to be working, restarting the router can resolve temporary connection or routing problems.

Turn off the router and disconnect its power cable.

Wait around 30 seconds, reconnect the power, and allow the router to start completely.

Reconnect your PC and launch Modern Warfare 4.

Activision also lists restarting the router among its basic connection troubleshooting recommendations.

9. Check TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

Modern Warfare 4 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on PC.

To check TPM:

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type tpm.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Check that TPM is ready for use.
5. Verify that the specification version is 2.0.

To check Secure Boot:

1. Press Win + R.
2. Type msinfo32.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find BIOS Mode.
5. Check Secure Boot State.

For Secure Boot, your PC should be using UEFI rather than Legacy BIOS, and Secure Boot should be enabled. Activision also specifies GPT rather than MBR for the disk partition style when configuring Secure Boot.

If these settings aren’t enabled, consult your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s documentation before changing BIOS settings.

10. Accept the Call of Duty UAC Security Prompt

Modern Warfare 4 may display a Windows User Account Control prompt when setting up its TPM-related security checks.

Activision says the prompt may reference CODBrokerInstaller.exe or, in some cases, enrollaik.exe. Refusing or closing the required prompt can prevent access to Modern Warfare 4.

If you recognize the prompt as part of your legitimate Call of Duty installation, allow it to proceed.

Restart the game afterward.

11. Update the Graphics Driver

An outdated GPU driver can cause loading problems, crashes, graphical corruption, and other performance issues.

Activision recommends keeping your graphics driver updated for Modern Warfare 4.

You can download drivers directly from your graphics card manufacturer:

• NVIDIA Drivers
• AMD Drivers and Support
• Intel Download Center

Install the appropriate driver for your graphics card and restart Windows.

12. Allow Shader Preloading to Finish

Call of Duty may need to compile or preload shaders after a game update, graphics driver update, or fresh installation.

If shader preloading is still running, allow it to finish before joining a multiplayer match.

Avoid repeatedly closing the game while shaders are being prepared.

Once the process reaches 100%, restart Modern Warfare 4 and check whether loading performance improves.

13. Close Background Applications

Programs running alongside Modern Warfare 4 consume RAM, CPU, GPU, and storage resources.

Press:

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

to open Task Manager.

Under Processes, close unnecessary third-party applications that are consuming significant resources.

This can include:

• Web browsers
• Recording software
• Other game launchers
• RGB utilities
• Hardware monitoring tools
• Download applications

Avoid closing Windows processes unless you know exactly what they do.

Activision also recommends shutting down unnecessary background applications when troubleshooting Modern Warfare 4 crashes and freezes.

14. Disable Overlay Applications

Overlays can interact directly with the game’s graphics rendering and sometimes cause loading or stability problems.

Temporarily disable overlays from applications such as:

• Discord
• Steam
• Xbox Game Bar
• NVIDIA App
• MSI Afterburner
• RivaTuner Statistics Server
• Screen recording software

Activision specifically warns that third-party overlays, input-remapping tools, and recording software can interfere with gameplay or even the game’s boot process.

Restart Modern Warfare 4 afterward.

15. Lower the In-Game Graphics Settings

If Modern Warfare 4 gets stuck while transitioning into a match rather than at the initial startup screen, your graphics settings may be too demanding for your hardware.

Try reducing:

• Texture Quality
• Shadow Quality
• Particle Quality
• Volumetric effects
• Screen-space effects
• VRAM-heavy settings

You can also temporarily disable V-Sync and use Fullscreen mode to see whether anything changes.

If the game becomes stable, gradually increase the settings afterward.

16. Update Windows

Windows updates include compatibility fixes, security components, drivers, and system libraries that modern games depend on.

To update Windows:

• Press Win + I.
• Open Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Download and install all available important updates.
• Restart the PC.

Windows 10 users should pay particular attention to this step because Activision requires Windows 10 version 22H2 or later for the current Call of Duty security requirements.

17. Check DirectX

Modern Warfare 4 requires DirectX 12 compatibility.

To check your DirectX information:

• Press Win + R.
• Type dxdiag.
• Press Enter.
• Allow the DirectX Diagnostic Tool to load.

Windows generally handles modern DirectX components through Windows Update, so make sure your system is fully updated.

18. Install or Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Damaged Microsoft Visual C++ runtime files can sometimes prevent Windows games from loading correctly.

You can repair existing Visual C++ Redistributables through:

Settings → Apps → Installed Apps

Alternatively, download the supported packages directly from Microsoft.

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Downloads

Restart your computer after installing or repairing the packages.

19. Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus

Windows Security or third-party antivirus software may occasionally block a game executable or launcher component.

Instead of permanently disabling security protection, check whether Modern Warfare 4 or Battle.net/Steam has been blocked.

You can also temporarily disable real-time protection as a troubleshooting test.

If the game starts working afterward, re-enable your security software and add the legitimate game installation directory to its exception or allowed-app list.

Don’t leave antivirus or firewall protection permanently disabled.

20. Reset CPU, GPU, and RAM Overclocking

If you’ve overclocked or undervolted your CPU, GPU, VRAM, or system memory, temporarily return everything to its default configuration.

A system can appear perfectly stable during normal Windows usage but fail under the heavier workload of a game.

This also applies to tuning performed through software such as:

• MSI Afterburner
• AMD tuning tools
• Intel tuning utilities
• Motherboard overclocking applications

Launch Modern Warfare 4 using stock settings and see whether the loading problem disappears.

21. Keep Your PC Cool

Overheating can cause severe performance degradation, freezes, crashes, and unexpected shutdowns.

Make sure your computer has sufficient airflow.

Check that:

• CPU and GPU fans are spinning.
• Air vents aren’t blocked.
• Dust hasn’t accumulated heavily.
• The CPU cooler is functioning correctly.
• Your laptop isn’t being used on a surface that blocks ventilation.

Activision also recommends keeping your PC or laptop in a cool and well-ventilated location when troubleshooting Modern Warfare 4 stability problems.

22. Perform a Clean Boot

If another Windows application is interfering with Modern Warfare 4 but you don’t know which one, a clean boot can help identify the conflict.

• Press Win + R.
• Type msconfig.
• Press Enter.
• Open the Services tab.
• Enable Hide all Microsoft services.
• Click Disable all.
• Click Apply.
• Open Task Manager from the Startup section.
• Disable unnecessary startup applications.
• Restart your PC.

Now launch Modern Warfare 4.

If the game loads normally, gradually re-enable your programs until you identify the conflicting application.

23. Sign Out and Back Into Your Activision Account

If the loading problem appears while connecting to online services rather than when initially launching the game, refresh your Activision login session.

Sign out of your Activision account and then sign back in.

Also verify that the correct Steam or Battle.net account is linked to your Activision account.

Avoid repeatedly unlinking and relinking accounts unnecessarily. If you suspect an account-specific problem, use Activision’s account support options instead.

24. Reinstall Modern Warfare 4

If none of the above methods work, consider reinstalling the game.

Try file verification first because reinstalling Modern Warfare 4 requires downloading a large amount of data.

Battle.net:

• Open Battle.net.
• Select Call of Duty.
• Open the game options.
• Select Uninstall.
• Restart your PC.
• Open Battle.net again.
• Reinstall Modern Warfare 4.

Steam:

• Open Steam.
• Go to Library.
• Right-click Call of Duty.
• Select Manage → Uninstall.
• Confirm the removal.
• Restart the PC.
• Reinstall the game through Steam.

After installation, allow the game and shaders to finish setting up before entering a match.

25. Contact Activision Support

If Modern Warfare 4 continues getting stuck on the loading screen after trying everything above, there may be a game-side bug, account issue, or hardware-specific compatibility problem.

Activision currently provides dedicated Modern Warfare 4 support for connectivity, performance, crashes, security requirements, and bug reporting.

Modern Warfare 4 Support

When reporting the issue, provide as much information as possible, including your PC specifications, Windows version, graphics driver version, launcher, and exactly where the loading screen becomes stuck.

Conclusion

Modern Warfare 4 getting stuck on the loading screen can be caused by anything from a temporary server problem to damaged game files, network instability, outdated graphics drivers, background applications, or PC configuration issues. Start with the simpler solutions such as restarting the game, checking the servers, verifying the game files, and updating your graphics driver before moving on to the more advanced methods.

It’s also important not to overlook the newer TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements for Modern Warfare 4. If your PC doesn’t meet these security requirements, you may encounter problems accessing the game or its online modes.

If the problem continues even after reinstalling the game, contacting Activision Support and reporting the issue with your system details is the best next step