Modern Warfare 4 PC requirements are now available, so you can check your computer before committing to a download or purchase. This guide brings the essential hardware details and preload dates together, then walks you through a practical preparation checklist.
Fact-checked on October 2, 2026. This is a preparation guide based on official announcements, not a hands-on performance review. The game has not launched yet, and we do not provide unofficial installers or leaked builds.
Release and preload dates at a glance
- PC preload: October 15, 2026, at 9 AM Pacific time, for eligible digital pre-purchases.
- Campaign early access: October 16 for eligible digital pre-orders.
- Full release: October 23, 2026, at midnight local time.
- PC stores: Xbox on PC, Battle.net and Steam.
For Italy and the UK, the announced preload time converts to 6 PM CEST and 5 PM BST on October 15. Preloading is preparation, not permission to play the full game early.
Minimum versus recommended PC requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10, 64-bit | Windows 11, 64-bit |
| CPU | Ryzen 5 1400 / Core i5-6600 | Ryzen 5 3600 / Core i7-8700K |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| AMD GPU | Radeon RX 470 | Radeon RX 6600 XT |
| NVIDIA GPU | GTX 970 / GTX 1060 | RTX 3060 Ti |
| Intel GPU | Arc A580 | Arc B580 |
| Video memory | 3 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 115 GB SSD | 115 GB SSD |
Both configurations require current Windows updates. Activision describes the recommended setup as targeting 90 FPS in multiplayer at High settings. That is a publisher target, not a guarantee for every computer. Check the official PC announcement for additional requirements, driver guidance and the separate ray-tracing specification.
How to check what is inside your PC
Start with an inventory rather than guessing from the age or price of the computer. Microsoft explains that Windows includes the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Search for dxdiag, open it, and review its System tab. The tool provides information about DirectX components and drivers; you can also save a report for troubleshooting. See Microsoft’s DirectX guidance.
Our suggested comparison is one component at a time: processor, graphics card, memory and storage. Copy the full model names into a private note. A label such as “Core i7” or “GeForce” is incomplete because different generations can have very different capabilities.
Mark each row as a match, an unknown or something to investigate. If a component is not explicitly listed, do not treat a similar-looking name as proof. Check the manufacturer’s information or seek a reliable comparison before spending money on an upgrade.
Check TPM and Secure Boot before changing anything
Activision requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for this PC release. Its support guide describes checking TPM with tpm.msc and checking Secure Boot in System Information with msinfo32.
If a check indicates something is disabled or unsupported, use Activision’s official security requirements guide and your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s instructions. Firmware menus vary, and incorrect changes can cause system problems. Do not copy BIOS settings from an unrelated computer.
Our recommendation is to resolve this well before launch day. Keep a note of the exact message you see and the computer model. That gives technical support something concrete to work with, instead of a vague report that the game “does not run.”
Prepare storage without deleting useful files
Treat the storage figure as a planning checkpoint. Before starting a download, review the intended installation drive and decide which old games you genuinely no longer use. Avoid deleting unfamiliar Windows folders to make room.
Keep important documents and game saves out of a rushed cleanup. If you are moving an existing game, follow that launcher’s normal library-management process. Our advice is to leave practical headroom rather than filling the drive to its last available gigabyte.
Plan downloads around your connection and household use. A wired connection may be convenient where available, but do not buy networking equipment simply to meet a deadline. The useful first step is to know which launcher you will use and where you want the files installed.
Use the official store and check the edition
Choose your store deliberately. Check the account, edition, region and final price before any purchase. A third-party page promising an early “full PC download” is not a substitute for the official release.
Pre-ordering is optional. If you are uncertain about performance, waiting for launch reviews and independent benchmarks is a reasonable choice. A preload date should help you plan, not pressure you to buy immediately.
For general Windows preparation, read our Windows 11 safe update guide. If you are comparing another upcoming game purchase, our GTA 6 release and safe pre-order guide covers a separate release.
Your launch-week checklist
Record your hardware, compare it with the published requirements, check security status, choose the installation drive and confirm the correct store account. Revisit the official announcement shortly before preload day in case details change.
After release, evaluate how the game behaves on your own system before changing many settings at once. Keep notes, adjust one thing at a time and avoid random “FPS boost” executables. A clear baseline makes troubleshooting easier and helps you distinguish a hardware limitation from a setting you changed.