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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. Campaign Early Access begins October 16, while the full game launches October 23 at midnight local time. Activision lists 115GB of required SSD capacity for the PC version, but that is a capacity requirement—not a universal download-size figure for every platform.
When does the MW4 preload start?
PC players who digitally pre-purchased Modern Warfare 4 can begin preloading on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PT. Activision’s PC information states that preloading on PC only begins at that time. The download may not appear until the scheduled release window reaches your account and region, so restarting the launcher early will not make it available sooner.
Preloading places the necessary files on your drive before release, but it does not necessarily make every mode playable immediately. Server outages, account entitlements, platform maintenance and regional launch rules can still affect when you can start playing.
MW4 launch schedule
| Milestone | Date and timing | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| PC preload | October 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PT | Available to digital PC pre-purchasers. |
| Campaign Early Access | October 16, 2026 | Eligible digital pre-orders on supported platforms can start the campaign during Early Access. |
| Full launch | October 23, 2026, at midnight local time | The complete game releases according to the local-time launch schedule. |
The preload time is given in Pacific Time, while the full launch is described as midnight local time. Those are different scheduling rules, so do not assume that the PC preload and the worldwide launch occur at the same clock time in your region.
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How much storage does Modern Warfare 4 need?
The official minimum PC requirement is 115GB of available storage on an SSD. Activision also warns that mandatory updates may require additional space. Keep more than the stated minimum free before starting the preload so the launcher can download, unpack and apply updates without stopping for lack of capacity.
115GB should therefore be treated as the minimum installation capacity specified for PC, not as a guaranteed final download shown by every launcher. The researched official material does not provide a single, platform-by-platform final download-size table. Console packages, optional content and later updates can produce different figures, so unverified console or launcher screenshots should not be treated as authoritative.
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PC requirements relevant to installation
- Operating system: Windows 10, 64-bit.
- Memory: 8GB RAM minimum.
- Storage: 115GB available on an SSD, with extra room potentially needed for mandatory updates.
- Internet: Broadband connection.
- Graphics and processor: The official requirements specify minimum CPU and GPU models; check Activision’s current PC requirements page for the exact parts before purchasing.
- API: DirectX compatibility is required.
Can you install MW4 before launch?
Yes, if you are an eligible digital PC pre-purchaser. Use the platform’s normal game library or launcher, locate Modern Warfare 4 after the October 15 preload window opens, and select the install or preload option. You will need enough free SSD capacity and a reliable broadband connection.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDigital pre-orders on supported platforms receive Campaign Early Access from October 16 PT. Physical editions are confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X through select retailers. A physical purchase does not establish the same PC preload entitlement; the disc or console package’s installation behavior depends on the platform and edition.
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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 is different from the Beta’s installation process. Activision says the Beta is a separate install: find it in the platform storefront and download it independently rather than expecting it to arrive automatically in a regular Call of Duty update.
Do not use the Beta’s separate-download behavior to predict the full game’s launch installation. The Beta and the released game are separate products even though they use the broader Call of Duty ecosystem.
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Internet connection requirements after installation
Installing the files does not make all modes permanently offline. Activision’s game FAQ says a continuous internet connection is required for Multiplayer, including Private Matches, and for DMZ. The reason given is texture streaming across all game modes. Plan to remain online when launching those modes, even if the preload itself has finished.
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Installation checklist
- Confirm that your account owns a digital PC pre-purchase if you want the October 15 preload.
- Free at least 115GB on the SSD, plus additional working space for mandatory updates.
- Use Windows 10 64-bit and verify the specified CPU, GPU, RAM and DirectX requirements.
- At 9:00 a.m. PT on October 15, open your game library or launcher and select Modern Warfare 4’s install or preload option.
- Leave the system connected to broadband until the launcher verifies the files.
- On October 16, check whether your edition has Campaign Early Access; full access follows the October 23 midnight-local launch.
- If the game is missing, verify the purchase account, refresh the library and check for platform or service outages before deleting installed files.
What the published information does—and does not—confirm
- Confirmed: PC digital preloading begins October 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PT.
- Confirmed: Campaign Early Access starts October 16, and the full release is October 23 at midnight local time.
- Confirmed: The minimum PC storage requirement is 115GB on an SSD, with possible additional update space.
- Confirmed: Physical editions exist for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
- Confirmed: Multiplayer, including Private Matches, and DMZ require continuous internet access.
- Not established: one universal final download size for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
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