There is no universal manual folder-deletion procedure for clearing the Call of Duty shader cache on Steam in the official guidance reviewed. If shaders are still preloading, let the game finish; if you suspect damaged game files, use Steam’s file-verification tool. Steam’s Clear Download Cache option clears Steam download data—not the game’s shader cache.
First, let shader preloading finish
For Warzone, Activision says shader preloading is an important part of the first boot process. Its Warzone PC troubleshooting guidance warns that leaving the main menu stops preloading and can lead to performance issues. Keep the game at the main menu until the process completes before starting a mode.
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Activision’s Modern Warfare PC troubleshooting page also advises waiting for shader preloading to complete, but that page applies to Modern Warfare. Instructions for those titles should not be assumed to describe every Call of Duty release.
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Steam’s installed-file verification checks a game’s files and can help when files are missing or damaged. It is not a dedicated shader-cache reset.
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- Open Library in Steam.
- Right-click Call of Duty and choose Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Select Verify integrity of game files and let the check finish. Steam says verification can take several minutes.
Steam notes that one or more files may fail to verify because they are local configuration files that should not be replaced; those files can be ignored. See Steam’s instructions for verifying game files.
What Steam’s Clear Download Cache does—and does not do
Use this option for relevant Steam download or launch trouble, not as a Call of Duty shader-cache command. Steam documents clearing its local download data; it does not present the control as a way to reset a game’s shaders.
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- In the Steam client, choose Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache.
- Confirm the action. Steam will require you to sign in again.
Steam says this operation does not affect installed games. Its scope and sign-in consequence are described in Steam’s Clear Download Cache support article.
Should you delete a shader-cache folder manually?
The official sources cited here do not identify a current Windows folder that applies to all Call of Duty versions on Steam. Because the shader-specific instructions are title-specific, do not treat an unverified folder path as universal or delete shader data or settings based on a generic online path. Check the support instructions for your particular Call of Duty title and version before considering manual removal.
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Choose the action that matches the problem
| Action | What it affects | When it fits | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Let shader preloading finish | The game’s shader-preloading process | Preloading is underway, particularly in the Warzone guidance cited above | Stay at the main menu until it completes; leaving can stop preloading |
| Verify game files | Call of Duty’s installed files | You suspect files are missing or damaged | Steam checks the files; verification can take several minutes |
| Clear Download Cache | Steam’s locally cached download data | Relevant Steam download or launch trouble | Installed games remain unaffected, but you must sign in to Steam again |
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