Record the exact DirectX error, confirm Windows and the PC meet Modern Warfare's requirements, then repair the game files and test with overlays and known monitoring conflicts closed. Use DxDiag to record the DirectX and display-driver state. On Windows 10 or 11, DirectX is updated through Windows Update; do not download a third-party DirectX installer or force undocumented launch arguments.
Launch Modern Warfare once and copy the full DirectX message and time. Note whether it appears before the logo, at the main menu, or in a match. Confirm the PC meets Activision's current operating-system and hardware requirements before changing files.
2
Save a DxDiag report
Open Start, type dxdiag, and select DxDiag. On the System tab, note the Windows and DirectX versions; on Display, note the graphics adapter, driver date, and any reported problem. Choose Save All Information if Activision Support will need the report.
3
Repair the game files
In Battle.net, select Modern Warfare and choose the cog beside Play > Scan and Repair > Begin Scan. In Steam, open Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files. Wait for the check and any reacquired download to finish.
4
Remove unsupported overrides and conflicts
Remove custom Modern Warfare command-line arguments you previously added, then close overlays, recorders, third-party input remappers, and hardware-monitoring tools for one test. Activision lists NZXT CAM, MSI Afterburner, and Razer Cortex among possible conflicts.
5
Apply current Windows and driver updates
Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install the offered Windows updates, then use the graphics-card vendor's official installer for the driver version Activision currently recommends. Restart Windows when prompted. Do not install DirectX from an unofficial download site.
6
Verify two launches
Start Modern Warfare, remain on the main menu until shader preloading completes, then close it normally and launch again. Reaching the menu twice without the same DirectX message confirms the repaired baseline.
If it does not work
If DxDiag reports a display-driver problem, address that driver or hardware state before reinstalling the game.
If the error returns only when an overlay or monitoring tool is active, update or leave that tool closed for Modern Warfare.
If you previously disabled Windows ASLR, restore it as Activision directs; do not disable Windows protections to work around the crash.
If the supported baseline still fails, use Activision's clean-boot procedure and submit the exact error, crash time, launcher, and saved DxDiag report to Activision Support.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Source-checked against current Activision and Microsoft guidance. The exact DirectX crash was not reproduced on the review machine.
