Confirm the PC supports DirectX 12, then use Battle.net Scan and Repair or Steam's Verify integrity of game files. Launch with overlays and known conflicting utilities closed, and let shader preloading finish at the main menu. Do not force Windows 7 compatibility mode; Activision does not support Windows 7 or 8 for this game.
Confirm the PC meets Black Ops Cold War's minimum requirements and supports DirectX 12. Activision does not support Windows 7 or 8 for the game, so remove any Windows 7 compatibility-mode setting from the game executable.
2
Repair the game files
In Battle.net, select Black Ops Cold War, open the gear menu, and run Scan and Repair. In Steam, open the game's Properties > Installed Files and choose Verify integrity of game files. Wait for the check to finish before launching.
3
Test without known conflicts
Close overlays, recorders, input remappers, and unneeded performance utilities for one launch. Activision specifically lists NZXT CAM, MSI Afterburner, and Razer Cortex as possible conflicts and advises updating Razer Synapse when installed.
4
Restore ASLR only if you disabled it
If you previously disabled Windows Address Space Layout Randomization, re-enable it before retesting. Leave Windows exploit-protection defaults unchanged if you never modified them.
5
Finish shader preloading
Launch the game and remain at the main menu until Shader Preloading completes. Activision warns that entering another screen or mode stops the process and can cause performance problems.
6
Verify a clean launch
Close and reopen the game once with the same supported setup. The task is complete when Black Ops Cold War reaches the main menu and shader preloading can complete without the game closing or remaining on a blank screen.
If it does not work
If the game closes with an exact error code, include that code, the launcher, Windows version, GPU, and failure time in an Activision support request.
If a clean test works, re-enable optional overlays or utilities one at a time and leave the conflicting app closed or updated.
If other DirectX games also fail, troubleshoot the graphics driver or Windows installation rather than repeatedly reinstalling Black Ops Cold War.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows PC.
Activision's PC guide supports the DirectX 12, launcher repair, conflict, ASLR, and shader-preloading sequence used here.
