Experiencing Call of Duty crashes? Solve it by updating your graphics drivers, verifying game file integrity, and closing unnecessary background apps. This guide explores common causes and provides troubleshooting steps for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Understanding Why Call of Duty Crashes

Call of Duty crashes often stem from these problems:

  • Software Conflicts: Corrupted game files, outdated GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD), and conflicting applications.
  • Hardware Issues: Overheating (CPU/GPU), insufficient RAM, or failing hard drive/SSD.
  • Network Instability: Intermittent internet or packet loss (especially in multiplayer).
  • Game Bugs and Glitches: Patches from Activision address these, look for error codes like “DirectX Unrecoverable Error” or “Dev Error 6039”.
  • System Requirements: Inadequate hardware leads to crashes.

Troubleshooting Steps

Safety First: Before making any hardware changes, ensure your device is powered off and unplugged.

1. Check Minimum System Requirements (PC Only):

  • Verify your PC meets the minimum and recommended specs for your Call of Duty title. Check Activision’s website. Key components:
    • CPU: (e.g., Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600)
    • GPU: (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 470)
    • RAM: (Typically 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended)
    • Operating System: (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit)
    • Free Disk Space: Sufficient space for install/updates.
    • DirectX Version: (Often requires DirectX 12)

2. Update Your Graphics Drivers (PC Only):

3. Verify Game File Integrity:

  • Corrupted files cause crashes. Use the game launcher to verify:
    • Battle.net: Right-click the game, select “Scan and Repair.”
    • Steam: Right-click the game, “Properties,” “Local Files,” “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
  • On PlayStation/Xbox, reinstall the game.

4. Close Unnecessary Background Applications (PC Only):

  • Background apps consume resources and conflict. Close unnecessary programs, especially those with overlays (Discord, MSI Afterburner).

5. Monitor System Temperatures:

  • Overheating causes crashes. Use MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to display temperatures. If high (GPU > 80°C, CPU > 90°C), improve cooling.

6. Adjust Graphics Settings:

  • Lower settings to reduce hardware load. Reduce resolution, texture quality, shadow details; disable ray tracing.

7. Check for Windows Updates (PC Only):

  • Keep Windows updated for bug fixes and performance improvements.

8. Update DirectX (PC Only):

  • Ensure you have the latest DirectX version from Microsoft’s website.

9. Run as Administrator (PC Only):

  • Right-click the game’s executable and select “Run as administrator.”

10. Contact Activision Support:

  • If crashes persist, contact Activision Support with system specs, error codes, and crash details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Call of Duty keep crashing on my PC?

Common causes include outdated graphics drivers, corrupted game files, your PC not meeting minimum specs, overheating, or conflicting background applications. Follow the troubleshooting steps in this guide.

How do I update my graphics drivers for Call of Duty?

Visit the NVIDIA or AMD website to download the latest drivers for your graphics card. During installation, choose the “clean installation” option to remove old driver files that may be causing conflicts.

Will lowering my graphics settings actually help with Call of Duty crashes?

Yes, lowering graphics settings can significantly reduce the load on your GPU and CPU, which can help prevent overheating and crashes. Experiment with different settings to find a balance between visual quality and stability.