How to Fix Call of Duty DirectX Error

Call of Duty games can crash with a DirectX error that displays messages like “DirectX encountered an unrecoverable error” or “DEV ERROR.” Here are all the methods to fix DirectX errors in Modern Warfare, Warzone, and other Call of Duty titles.

Method 1: Update GPU Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are the most common cause of DirectX errors in Call of Duty games.

1. For NVIDIA: Open GeForce Experience and install the latest Game Ready driver.
2. For AMD: Open AMD Software and install the latest driver.
3. Restart your PC after installing the driver.
4. Launch the game and check if the error is resolved.

Method 2: Repair Game Files

Corrupted game files can cause DirectX errors when the game tries to load damaged textures or shaders.

1. On Steam: Right-click the game, Properties, Installed Files, Verify integrity of game files.
2. On Battle.net: Click the gear icon next to Play, then Scan and Repair.
3. Wait for the process to complete.
4. Launch the game.

Method 3: Update DirectX

An outdated DirectX installation can cause compatibility errors with newer games.

1. Open Windows Settings, then Windows Update.
2. Install all available updates, as DirectX updates are included with Windows updates.
3. You can also download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft’s website for additional legacy DirectX files.
4. Restart your PC.

Method 4: Lower Graphics Settings

High graphics settings can push your GPU beyond its limits and trigger DirectX errors, especially with ray tracing enabled.

1. Launch the game and go to Settings, then Graphics.
2. Reduce the overall quality preset to Medium or Low.
3. Disable Ray Tracing if it is enabled.
4. Reduce the render resolution to 100% or lower.
5. Set the VRAM usage target below your GPU’s maximum capacity.

Method 5: Delete Shader Cache

Corrupted shader cache files are a frequent cause of DirectX errors. Deleting them forces the game to rebuild shaders from scratch.

1. Close the game and its launcher completely.
2. Navigate to Documents/Call of Duty (the exact folder name depends on the game version).
3. Delete any folders named “shadercache” or similar.
4. Also go to the in-game Settings and select Restart Shaders Installation if available.
5. Launch the game. It will recompile shaders which may take a few minutes.

Method 6: Disable GPU Overclocking

GPU overclocking can cause instability that triggers DirectX errors, even if the overclock is stable in other games.

1. Open your overclocking software (MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision, etc.).
2. Reset all clock speeds and voltage settings to default.
3. Close the overclocking software.
4. Launch the game and test for stability.

Method 7: Run as Administrator

Running the game with administrator privileges can resolve permission-related DirectX errors.

1. Navigate to the game’s installation folder.
2. Right-click the game executable and select Properties.
3. Click the Compatibility tab.
4. Check Run this program as an administrator.
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Launch the game.

Method 8: Increase Virtual Memory

Running out of system memory can cause DirectX to fail. Increasing virtual memory provides extra resources.

1. Search for “Advanced system settings” in the Start menu.
2. Click the Advanced tab, Settings, Advanced, then Change under Virtual Memory.
3. Uncheck Automatically manage and set Custom size: Initial 8192, Maximum 16384.
4. Click Set, OK, and restart your PC.

Method 9: Reinstall the Game

If nothing else works, a clean reinstall removes all corrupted files and shader caches.

1. Uninstall the game through your launcher or Windows Settings.
2. Delete any remaining game files from the installation directory.
3. Delete the game folder in Documents as well.
4. Reinstall the game and launch it.