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
• Fix 3: Allow Modern Warfare 2 in your antivirus
• Fix 4: Disable overlays/conflicting programs
• Fix 5: Repair/verify the game files
• Fix 6: Update Windows to the latest version

Fix 1: Update your graphics card

• For Nvidia: Visit https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/geforce-experience/download/ > Download Now > open the app > sign up or log in > Drivers > Download.
• For AMD: Visit https://www.amd.com/en/support > Download > open the app > follow the on-screen instructions to 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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