Fix Call Of Duty Not Launching On Steam: Simple Solutions

12 min read 11-15- 2024
Fix Call Of Duty Not Launching On Steam: Simple Solutions

Table of Contents :

Experiencing issues with Call of Duty not launching on Steam can be frustrating, especially when you're eager to dive into gameplay. Whether it's a persistent error message or a game that simply refuses to start, various factors can affect your experience. In this article, we will explore several simple solutions to help you fix the problem and get you back in the action. 🎮

Understanding the Problem

When you attempt to launch Call of Duty on Steam, you might encounter a range of issues, from the game failing to open to crashing unexpectedly. Common symptoms include:

  • The game appears to start but then closes abruptly.
  • A black screen appears without any further progress.
  • Steam shows the game as “running” but nothing happens.

Possible Causes

There are various reasons why Call of Duty might not launch properly, including:

  1. Corrupted game files.
  2. Insufficient system requirements.
  3. Outdated drivers.
  4. Conflicting software (such as antivirus).
  5. Incompatibility with Windows settings.
  6. Issues with Steam itself.

Simple Solutions to Fix Call of Duty Not Launching

1. Verify Game Files

One of the first steps you should take is to verify the integrity of the game files. This process will check for any missing or corrupted files and replace them automatically. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open your Steam client.
  2. Go to your Library.
  3. Right-click on Call of Duty and select Properties.
  4. Navigate to the Local Files tab.
  5. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Steam will take a few minutes to check and repair any issues. 🔄

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can often lead to game launch issues. Follow these steps to ensure your drivers are up to date:

  • For NVIDIA Users:

    1. Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
    2. Go to the Help menu and select Check for Updates.
  • For AMD Users:

    1. Open the Radeon Settings by right-clicking on your desktop.
    2. Select Check for Updates.

You can also download the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer's website. After updating, restart your computer and try launching the game again. 🖥️

3. Adjust Launch Options

Sometimes specific launch options can help the game run correctly. Here’s how to set them:

  1. Go to your Steam Library.
  2. Right-click on Call of Duty and select Properties.
  3. In the General tab, find Launch Options.
  4. Enter the following command:
    -windowed -noborder
    
  5. Close the properties window and try launching the game again.

This command forces the game to start in windowed mode, which can help resolve certain launch issues.

4. Check System Requirements

Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements to run Call of Duty. Here’s a quick overview of typical system requirements:

<table> <tr> <th>Requirement</th> <th>Minimum</th> <th>Recommended</th> </tr> <tr> <td>OS</td> <td>Windows 10 (64-bit)</td> <td>Windows 10 (64-bit)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Processor</td> <td>Intel Core i3-4340 or AMD FX-6300</td> <td>Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Memory</td> <td>8 GB RAM</td> <td>12 GB RAM</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Graphics</td> <td>NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7950</td> <td>NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DirectX</td> <td>Version 11</td> <td>Version 11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Network</td> <td>Broadband Internet connection</td> <td>Broadband Internet connection</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Storage</td> <td>At least 175 GB available space</td> <td>At least 175 GB available space</td> </tr> </table>

If your system does not meet these requirements, consider upgrading your hardware before trying to launch the game again. ⚙️

5. Disable Overlays

Overlays from applications like Discord or NVIDIA can interfere with game launches. Here’s how to disable them:

For Discord:

  1. Open Discord and navigate to User Settings.
  2. Scroll down to Game Overlay.
  3. Toggle the switch off for “Enable in-game overlay.”

For NVIDIA:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. Go to Desktop and uncheck the Enable Desktop Composition.

Once you’ve disabled any overlays, try launching Call of Duty again. 💻

6. Check Firewall/Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software may block the game from launching. To resolve this, you can either add the game to the allowed list or temporarily disable your antivirus software.

  1. Open your antivirus software.
  2. Find the option to add an exception or allow a program.
  3. Locate the Call of Duty executable file (usually found in the Steam directory) and add it.

After making these changes, restart your PC and attempt to launch the game once more. 🚫

7. Run as Administrator

Running the game with administrator privileges can sometimes resolve launch issues:

  1. Navigate to your Steam installation folder (commonly found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\).
  2. Find the Call of Duty game executable file.
  3. Right-click on it and select Run as Administrator.

This grants the game the necessary permissions to run, potentially avoiding any issues with launching. ⚡

8. Reinstall the Game

If all else fails, a complete reinstallation may be your best option. Follow these steps to uninstall and then reinstall:

  1. Open your Steam Library.
  2. Right-click on Call of Duty and select Manage > Uninstall.
  3. After uninstallation, restart your computer.
  4. Go back to your Library and install the game again.

Make sure you have a stable internet connection during the installation process to avoid further issues. 📦

Important Note

Before you attempt to reinstall, ensure you back up any saved data or game settings you wish to keep.

9. Update Windows

Keeping your operating system up to date is crucial for game performance and compatibility. To check for updates:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Click on Check for updates.

Download and install any available updates, then restart your PC. Once updated, try launching Call of Duty again. 🆕

10. Seek Support

If you’ve tried all these solutions and are still experiencing issues, it may be time to seek professional support. You can contact Steam Support or check community forums for additional assistance. Sometimes, others may have experienced similar issues and can provide unique solutions. 🤝

Conclusion

In summary, Call of Duty not launching on Steam can stem from several issues, but by following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot and resolve most common problems. Always remember to verify game files, keep your drivers and Windows updated, and configure your settings properly. If you are still having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Steam support community for help. With a little patience and effort, you'll be back to gaming in no time! 🎉