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How to Fix Modern Warfare 2 Not Launching, Crashing, or Freezing

To fix Modern Warfare 2 not launching, crashing, or freezing, you can try updating your graphics card, running the game as an administrator, or allowing it in your antivirus.

You can also try disabling overlays/conflicting programs, repairing/verifying the game files, or updating Windows.

Modern Warfare 2 features an unparalleled worldwide conflict that returns the Task Force 141 Operators.

There are highly classified missions, infiltration tactical ops, and more.

Infinity Ward provides state-of-the-art gameplay with revamped gun handling, an advanced AI system, a new Gunsmith, and many other graphical innovations.

MW2 has multiple modes like a single-player campaign, multiplayer combat, and a co-op story special Ops experience.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) not launching, crashing, freezing, or having a white/black screen.

Fix 1: Update your graphics card

Fix 2: Run Modern Warfare 2 as an administrator

  1. Navigate to your Steam library.
  2. Right-click Modern Warfare 2 > Properties > Local Files > Browse.
  3. Right-click the Modern Warfare 2 app > Properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > Enable > OK > Launch the game.

Fix 3: Allow Modern Warfare 2 in your antivirus

  • Open the Windows settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection > Allow an app through Controlled folder access > Add an allowed app > Browse all apps > select the Modern Warfare 2 app > Open.
  • Open the Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall > Change settings > Allow another app… > Browse… > select the Modern Warfare 2 app > Add.
  • Turn off Real-time protection: Open the Windows settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Real-time protection > Off.

Fix 4: Disable overlays/conflicting programs

  • Navigate to your Steam library > right-click Modern Warfare 2 > Properties > Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game > Disable.
  • Open Steam > Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache.
  • Unplug the Logitech or Thrustmaster racing wheel.
  • End the task for Razer Synapse or MSI Dragon Center.
  • Close all of your tabs to free up RAM and relaunch the game.

Fix 5: Repair/verify the game files

  1. Navigate to your Steam library.
  2. Right-click Modern Warfare 2 > Properties > Local Files.
  3. Click on “Verify integrity of game files”.
  4. Launch Modern Warfare 2.

Fix 6: Update Windows to the latest version

  1. Search for “Check for updates” using Windows Search.
  2. Update Windows to the latest version.
  3. Launch Modern Warfare 2.

Further reading

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How to Fix Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Not Launching, Crashing, or Freezing

How to Fix Ghostbusters Spirits Unleashed Not Launching, Crashing, or Freezing

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Lim How Wei

Lim How Wei is the founder of followchain.org, with 8+ years of experience in Social Media Marketing and 4+ years of experience as an active investor in stocks and cryptocurrencies. He has researched, tested, and written thousands of articles ranging from social media platforms to messaging apps.

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