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Modern Warfare 4 PC preloading starts October 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time for players who digitally pre-purchased the game on PC. Campaign Early Access begins October 16, while the full game launches October 23 at midnight local time. Activision lists 115 GB of required SSD space for PC, with additional capacity potentially needed for mandatory updates.
When does the MW4 preload start?
The PC preload window opens at 9:00 a.m. PT on October 15, 2026. This applies to digital PC pre-purchases. The preload lets eligible buyers download the game before launch, but it does not make the full game playable before its scheduled release windows.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 | Standard Edition | PlayStation 5 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II - PlayStation 5 | $33.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 Elite Edition (PS5) | $31.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Call Of Duty: Vanguard (PS5) (PS5) | $92.25 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Call of Duty Modern Warfare III PlayStation 5 | $39.49 | Buy on Amazon |
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Campaign Early Access begins on October 16. The full game releases on October 23 at midnight local time. “Midnight local time” means the release moment is determined by the local launch schedule for your region, so the time shown in your launcher can differ from the Pacific Time preload announcement. Service outages, maintenance and other network problems can also delay actual play time.
Can you install Modern Warfare 4 before launch?
Yes, if you digitally pre-purchase the PC version. Once the preload window opens, select Modern Warfare 4 in the supported PC launcher and start the installation. Keep the launcher open long enough for the download and file verification to finish, then leave the computer powered on or use the launcher’s normal resume process if you pause it.
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- Complete a qualifying digital PC pre-purchase.
- On or after October 15 at 9:00 a.m. PT, open the launcher where you bought the game.
- Open your game library and choose Modern Warfare 4.
- Select the install or preload option and choose an SSD with enough free space.
- Allow the download, unpacking and file checks to complete before launch day.
- Install any required update when prompted; updates can require more free space than the base requirement.
Digital pre-orders on supported platforms receive Campaign Early Access from October 16 PT. Activision also confirms physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X through select retailers. A physical purchase is a different delivery method from the PC digital preload, so the exact installation timing depends on the platform and retailer’s distribution process.
How large is the MW4 download?
The official minimum PC requirement is 115 GB of storage on an SSD. That is a capacity requirement for the PC installation, not a guarantee that every platform, launcher or edition will display exactly 115 GB as its download size. Activision warns that mandatory updates may require additional storage.
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- Call of Duty: Modern Wafare II PS5
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is the sequel to 2019’s blockbuster Modern Warfare.
- Featuring the return of the iconic, team leader Captain John Price, the fearless John "Soap" MacTavish, the seasoned Sergeant Kyle "Gaz” Garrick, and the lone wolf himself, fan favorite Simon “Ghost” Riley, players will witness what makes Task Force 141 the legendary squad it is today.
- Some features may require an internet connection and an online subscription
No official platform-by-platform final download-size table is established in the available launch information. Console figures and launcher-specific numbers should therefore be treated as provisional unless they appear in the platform’s own listing. Before starting the preload, aim to have more than the stated 115 GB free so the installer can unpack files and apply updates without stopping for lack of space.
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- The required capacity can include installed game data rather than only compressed download data.
- Updates may need temporary working space while files are replaced or expanded.
- Optional content, language packs and later additions can change the footprint.
- Different platforms use different packaging and compression methods.
What PC hardware and internet connection are required?
Activision’s minimum PC specification calls for 64-bit Windows 10, 8 GB of RAM, specified minimum CPU and GPU hardware, DirectX compatibility, broadband internet and an SSD with 115 GB available. Check the complete minimum CPU and graphics-card list in the official PC requirements before buying or installing; the storage number alone does not establish whether a computer can run the game.
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A continuous internet connection is required for Multiplayer, including Private Matches, and for DMZ. Activision says Modern Warfare 4 uses texture streaming across all game modes to deliver high-quality visuals while reducing the amount kept permanently on the hard drive. As a result, installing the game does not remove the need for a reliable connection during those modes.
Is MW4 a separate download or part of Call of Duty HQ?
The full game launches as part of the connected Call of Duty experience alongside Warzone. That connected structure should not be confused with the Beta. Activision states that the Beta is a separate install: find it in the platform storefront and download it independently rather than expecting it to arrive automatically as a regular Call of Duty update.
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- Includes PS5 version of game
In practical terms, the full-game preload is tied to an eligible purchase and the platform’s Call of Duty installation flow, while the Beta follows its own storefront listing and download. Installing one does not establish that the other is installed.
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Installation options by platform
| Platform | Purchase or install route | Timing and access |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Digital pre-purchase and launcher preload | Preload October 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. PT; Campaign Early Access October 16; full launch October 23 at midnight local time |
| PlayStation 5 | Digital purchase or confirmed physical edition | Supported digital pre-orders receive Campaign Early Access; physical editions are available through select retailers |
| Xbox Series X | Digital purchase or confirmed physical edition | Supported digital pre-orders receive Campaign Early Access; physical editions are available through select retailers |
The 115 GB SSD figure is the published PC requirement. It should not be copied as a confirmed final console download size.
Preload problems and quick fixes
The preload button is missing
Confirm that the account owns a digital PC pre-purchase and that the date has reached October 15 at 9:00 a.m. PT. A different edition, account or storefront listing can prevent the preload option from appearing.
The installer says there is not enough space
Free additional SSD capacity beyond 115 GB, close other applications, and remove unused files. The installer may need temporary room for extraction and mandatory updates.
The download finishes but the game will not connect
Verify that the launcher completed file checks and that the computer has broadband access. Multiplayer, Private Matches and DMZ require a continuous internet connection, so a completed installation alone does not guarantee access during an outage or maintenance period.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
