COD Modern Warfare 2 Stuttering or Freezing Constantly

COD Modern Warfare 2 Stuttering or Freezing Constantly: How to FIX

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COD Modern Warfare 2 Stuttering or Freezing Constantly: If you’re encountering lags, framerate drops, stutters, or other performance issues while playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, you’re not alone. Many PC players are reporting similar frustrations with the game.

Numerous users have highlighted that the game frequently stutters or freezes during gameplay, regardless of their hardware specifications.

Additionally, some players are facing connectivity issues, such as the ‘Verify Phone Number’ error and the ‘0x00001338 (0) N Error Code,’ which prevent them from accessing the game altogether.

If you find yourself grappling with these freezing or stuttering problems, this troubleshooting guide may help you resolve the issues. The causes of these performance problems can vary widely, depending on individual PC configurations and in-game graphics settings.

Fix: COD Modern Warfare 2 Stuttering or Freezing Constantly

When considering potential causes for the issue at hand, various factors may be at play. These could include fullscreen optimizations, problems with the game files, outdated graphics drivers, an outdated game version, or even system software that hasn’t been updated.

Additionally, background applications, conflicts with overlay software, insufficient RAM, and in-game graphics settings might contribute to the problem. Other considerations include compatibility issues with your PC’s specifications, an overclocked GPU, or the game not being run with administrator privileges.

Fortunately, we have compiled a selection of effective solutions that could significantly assist you in resolving this matter. We recommend that you methodically go through each of these methods one by one until the issue is fully addressed. Now, let’s dive into the solutions.

1. Check System Requirements

It’s important to verify the system requirements for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to confirm that your PC meets the necessary specifications for compatibility.

If you discover that your current setup does not fulfill these requirements, consider upgrading the relevant hardware or software to ensure smooth gameplay. If your system is already compatible, you can proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

Minimum System Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-3570 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470

Recommended System Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10/11
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 7 1800X
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580

2. Run MW2 as an Administrator

To ensure optimal performance of the game, it’s recommended to execute the game’s executable file as an administrator on your computer. This step helps in granting the necessary permissions to the user account control, which can significantly reduce issues like crashes or failure to launch. Here’s how you can do this:

  • 1. Locate the COD: Modern Warfare 2 executable file on your computer and right-click on it.
  • 2. Choose ‘Properties’ from the context menu and navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
  • 3. Look for the option labeled ‘Run this program as an administrator’ and check the box next to it.
  • 4. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to confirm and save your changes.
  • 5. After completing these steps, proceed to launch the game.

Important Note: If you are using the Battle.net or Steam client to access Call of Duty: MW2, ensure you perform the same procedure for the respective game launcher to avoid any issues.

3. Update GPU Drivers

To ensure optimal performance and resolve any graphical issues with your program, it is advisable to check for updates to your graphics driver on your PC. Please follow these steps:

  • 1. Right-click on the Start Menu to access the Quick Access Menu.
  • 2. Select “Device Manager” from the options presented.
  • 3. Expand the “Display adapters” section by double-clicking it.
  • 4. Locate your dedicated graphics card, right-click on it, and select “Update driver.”
  • 5. Choose the option labeled “Search automatically for drivers.”

Your system will then search for any available updates. If an update is found, it will be downloaded and installed automatically. After the installation is complete, be sure to restart your PC to ensure the changes take effect.

If your system indicates that no updates are available, it’s a good idea to visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer. There, you can manually search for the latest driver version specific to your graphics card model using the provided links.

4. Update Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

To ensure that your gaming experience is seamless and free from issues caused by outdated game versions, it is advisable to check for updates on your PC. Outdated patches can lead to various conflicts that may hinder game launching or disrupt gameplay. Follow the instructions below for both Battle.net and Steam to verify and apply any necessary updates:

**For Battle.net Users:

  • 1. Launch the Battle.net (Blizzard) client.
  • 2. Click on the Blizzard logo located in the upper left corner.
  • 3. Navigate to Settings and select Game Install/Update.
  • 4. Scroll to the bottom of the settings page and enable the option to “Apply latest updates and download future patch data for recently played games.”
  • 5. Click Done to save your changes.
  • 6. Restart the Battle.net launcher to implement these updates.

The launcher should then automatically update your game to the latest version available.

**For Steam Users:

  • 1. Open the Steam client and head to your Library.
  • 2. Select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 from the list on the left.
  • 3. Steam will automatically check for any available updates.
  • 4. If an update is found, click on the Update button.
  • 5. Allow some time for the update process to complete.
  • 6. After the update finishes, it is recommended to reboot your PC to ensure all changes take effect.

By following these steps, you can enhance your gaming experience and minimize potential issues related to outdated game software.

5. Try Lowering In-Game Graphics Settings

In many cases, improper in-game graphics settings could be the root of performance issues. To ensure a smooth gaming experience, it’s important to adjust these settings according to your PC’s specifications and display capabilities.

If your system lacks the necessary power and you have configured the graphics to a higher level, you may experience significant lag or stuttering.

Therefore, it is advisable to access the game settings menu and lower the graphics options to match your PC’s performance capabilities.

6. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

By default, Windows programs include settings for full-screen optimization and DPI adjustments, which can sometimes negatively impact game performance. To resolve potential issues, you can manually disable the full-screen optimizations using the following steps:

  • 1. Navigate to the directory where COD Modern Warfare 2 is installed.
  • 2. Locate the file named ModernWarfareII.exe and right-click on it.
  • 3. From the context menu, select ‘Properties’ and then switch to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
  • 4. Check the box labeled ‘Disable Full-Screen Optimizations’ to activate this setting.
  • 5. Next, click on the ‘Change high DPI settings’ button, then check the ‘Override high DPI scaling behavior’ option.
  • 6. From the drop-down menu, choose ‘Application,’ and then click ‘Apply’ followed by ‘OK’ to confirm your changes.

After completing these adjustments, you can revisit the game to see if the issues of stuttering, lag, or freezing have been resolved.

7. Turn On Nvidia DLSS

If you are experiencing frequent stuttering or freezing while playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and you have an Nvidia graphics card, one effective solution is to enable the Nvidia DLSS feature.

This can help alleviate some of the stuttering issues you may encounter during gameplay. Additionally, the default setting for FidelityFX CAS may not provide optimal performance, so consider disabling it.

Once you have turned off FidelityFX CAS, activate DLSS and set it to the Quality mode. This should enhance your visual experience while minimizing frame rate drops.

8. Disable NVIDIA ShadowPlay

To enhance your gaming experience, consider disabling the Nvidia ShadowPlay feature in the Nvidia GeForce Experience application. This tool is designed for recording and sharing high-quality gameplay, capturing screenshots, and facilitating live streams, similar to other overlay applications.

However, it may inadvertently affect game performance in certain situations. If you are using an AMD GPU, you can disregard this step.

Here’s how to turn off Nvidia ShadowPlay:

  • 1. Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience application.
  • 2. Navigate to the Settings menu and select the General tab.
  • 3. Locate the Share option and toggle it off.
  • 4. Don’t forget to save your changes and restart your computer for them to take effect.

9. Set CPU Affinity via Task Manager

If your processor features a 6 to 12 core architecture, you can optimize performance by configuring CPU Affinity through Task Manager. This adjustment can help minimize frame drops and stuttering while playing the game. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • 2. Navigate to the Details tab, then locate the COD MW2 process (cod.exe) and right-click on it.
  • 3. Select “Set Affinity” from the context menu.
  • 4. In the CPU Affinity window, manually check the boxes for CPU cores 0, 1, 2, and 3.
  • 5. Deselect any other processors, then click OK to apply your settings.
  • 6. Finally, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Following these steps can help improve your gaming experience by reducing performance issues.

10. Verify and Repair Game Files

If you’re experiencing issues with missing or corrupted game files on your PC, it can be quite frustrating for gamers. Fortunately, you can easily verify and repair your game files to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s how to do it for both Battle.net and Steam platforms:

**For Battle.net:

  • 1. Launch the Battle.net application on your computer.
  • 2. Select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II from your game library.
  • 3. Click on the OPTIONS icon (the gear symbol), then select Scan and Repair.
  • 4. Initiate the scan by clicking on Begin Scan, and wait for the process to finish.
  • 5. After the scan is complete, close the Battle.net client and restart your computer.

**For Steam:

  • 1. Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Locate Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in your game list and right-click on it.
  • 3. Select Properties, then go to the Local Files tab.
  • 4. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
  • 5. This verification process may take some time, so please be patient.
  • 6. Once it’s finished, reboot your PC to ensure all changes take effect.

By following these steps, you can resolve any file issues and enjoy a smoother gaming experience.

11. Update Windows

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is crucial for both general users and gamers. Regular updates help minimize system errors, compatibility problems, and unexpected crashes. Additionally, the latest updates often bring new features, enhancements, and vital security fixes. To update your system, follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Win + I keys to access the Windows Settings menu.
  • 2. Navigate to Update & Security, then click on Check for updates in the Windows Update section.
  • 3. If an update is available, choose the option to Download and Install.
  • 4. The update process may take some time, so be patient.
  • 5. After the installation is complete, restart your computer to finalize the update.

12. Close Background Tasks

Background processes and applications that are not essential can significantly consume system resources such as CPU and memory, leading to decreased overall performance.

This often results in issues like system crashes, delays, and failure to load applications properly. To resolve this, it is advisable to terminate any unnecessary background tasks. Here’s how you can do that:

  • 1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  • 2. Navigate to the Processes tab.
  • 3. Identify and select each individual task that you wish to close, especially those that are consuming excessive resources.
  • 4. Click on “End Task” for each selected process to terminate it.
  • 5. After you have closed all unwanted tasks, restart your computer for optimal performance.

13. Perform a Clean Boot

Certain applications and services might automatically launch in the background when you start your Windows system, often without your knowledge. These programs can consume significant internet bandwidth and system resources. If you suspect this is affecting your performance, consider performing a clean boot to identify the problem. Follow these steps:

  • 1. Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog.
  • 2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to access the System Configuration window.
  • 3. Navigate to the Services tab and check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.”
  • 4. Click on “Disable all,” then hit Apply, followed by OK to confirm your changes.
  • 5. Next, switch to the Startup tab and select “Open Task Manager.”
  • 6. In the Task Manager window, go to the Startup tab.
  • 7. Identify any programs that have a high startup impact, select them, and click “Disable” to prevent them from starting automatically.
  • 8. Repeat this process for any additional high-impact programs.

After completing these steps, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

14. Disable Steam Overlay

If you’ve activated the Steam Overlay on your PC but find that you rarely use it, it might be a good idea to disable it.

While the Steam Overlay can be beneficial for activities like streaming, recording, or taking screenshots, many users may not find it necessary.

Disabling this feature can help alleviate some of the system’s workload, potentially enhancing overall performance.

To disable the Steam Overlay, follow these steps:

  • 1. Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Locate Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in your game list and right-click on it, then select Properties.
  • 3. In the General tab, look for the option labeled “Enable Steam Overlay while in-game” and uncheck it.
  • 4. After making this change, restart the game to check if you notice any improvements in performance.

15. Increase Virtual Memory

To enhance your gaming experience, it’s important to manually adjust the virtual memory settings on your PC. Follow these instructions to ensure that the virtual RAM is optimized for the game.

  • 1. Access the Control Panel through the Windows Start menu and navigate to “System.”
  • 2. Select “Advanced system settings” and then proceed to the “Advanced” tab.
  • 3. Click on “Settings” under the Performance section and switch to the “Advanced” tab within that window.
  • 4. Locate the “Virtual memory” section and click on “Change.”
  • 5. Uncheck the option that says “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
  • 6. Choose the “Custom size” option, and enter a higher value than your current RAM size for both the Initial size and Maximum size fields. For instance, if your system has 8GB of RAM, you would set both fields to 12000 MB.
  • – Keep in mind that RAM values should be entered in megabytes (MB). Therefore, 1GB is equivalent to 1024MB. Make sure to apply these values to the C: drive, as this is where Windows is installed.
  • 7. Once you’ve made these changes, click “OK” and restart your computer. It’s essential to reboot your system to ensure that the new settings take effect.

16. Keep the PC in Well Ventilated Area

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your PC, it’s crucial to position it in a location with ample ventilation. This will facilitate better air circulation, allowing heat to dissipate more efficiently.

If you primarily operate your computer in an air-conditioned environment, you likely won’t encounter significant overheating issues. However, it’s prudent to power down your PC at the end of each work or gaming session, especially during hot weather or after prolonged use, to allow it to cool down.

Avoid placing your computer near windows or in areas exposed to direct sunlight, as this can increase internal temperatures. Additionally, applying high-quality thermal paste to the CPU is essential for enhancing cooling efficiency.

For those utilizing a gaming rig that frequently experiences overheating during demanding tasks or resource-intensive applications, investing in a water cooling system may be a beneficial option, albeit at a higher cost. This investment can ultimately provide superior thermal management and improve overall system performance.

17. Reset BIOS Settings to Default

To enhance your system’s performance, consider resetting the BIOS settings to their optimized defaults. For detailed instructions tailored to your specific laptop or desktop model, refer to the user manual.

It’s essential to proceed with caution, as resetting the BIOS may have implications if not done correctly. Before making changes, take note of your current boot drive settings to ensure you can restore them if needed. Additionally, if your system has a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that is currently disabled, be sure to enable it.

Many laptop manufacturers offer automatic BIOS updates through proprietary software or support applications. For instance, Lenovo users can receive BIOS updates via the Lenovo Vantage application, which also provides access to driver updates when they become available.

After updating your BIOS to the latest version, check to see if the issues with stuttering, lag, or freezing in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 have been resolved.

18. Try Upgrading Physical RAM

It’s unfortunate to hear that the previous solutions didn’t resolve your issue and that your current physical RAM is inadequate for running video games effectively.

In this case, consider upgrading your RAM to at least double its current capacity, provided your computer supports RAM expansion.

Many laptops and desktops are capable of accommodating up to 8GB or 16GB of additional RAM, so it’s advisable to take advantage of this option. When purchasing new RAM, ensure that you select a compatible stick from the same generation to avoid compatibility issues.

While this upgrade may require a financial investment, it’s a one-time expense that can significantly enhance your system’s performance for years to come.

However, keep in mind that if your computer only has a single channel for RAM, you will need to replace the existing RAM stick with a new one entirely. On the other hand, if your system supports dual-channel configuration, you can combine your new RAM with the old one, such as using configurations like 4GB + 4GB or 8GB + 8GB, depending on your desired total memory.

We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

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