How to Fix Modern Warfare Multiplayer Not Working – PC & Xbox

Modern Warfare is still one of the hottest shooters out there. But a few years later, we can still see players complaining about the multiplayer not working issue. If you happen to be on the same boat, don’t worry. Here’re some working fixes you can try.

Fixes for PC

1. Restart your network
2. Change your DNS servers
3. Update your network driver
4. Rebuild the Battle.net files
5. Use a VPN

Fixes for Xbox

1. Clear your MAC address
2. Uninstall redundant game packs

Fixes for PC

If you’re on PC, you can take a look at the following fixes.

Fix 1: Restart your network

The multiplayer not working issue is very likely network related. So before you try anything more complicated, first check if your network equipment is working properly. You can do that by simply restarting your network, which clears the cache and renews your IP address.

1. At the back of your modem and router, unplug the power cords.
   
2. Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug the cords back in. Make sure the indicators are back to their normal state.
3. Open your browser and check the connection.

After restarting your gear, log back in and check if the issue is gone.

If the problem persists, you can continue to the next fix.

Fix 2: Change your DNS servers

DNS servers are phone books of the Internet. In most cases, we’ll be using servers set by our ISPs. But you can change to some renowned DNS servers, which could improve the connectivity of Modern Warfare.

And here’s how:

1. At the bottom right corner of your screen, click the computer icon. Then click Network & Internet settings.
   
2. Under the Advanced network settings section, click Change adapter options.
   
3. Right-click your network adapter, select Properties.
   
4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
   
5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses:. For Preferred DNS server, type 8.8.8.8; and for Alternate DNS server, type 8.8.4.4. Click OK to save the changes.
   
6. Next you need to purge the DNS cache for the changes to apply. On your keyboard, press Win (the Windows logo key) and type cmd. Select Run as administrator.
   
7. In the pop-up window, type in ipconfig /flushdns. Press Enter.
   

Once done, open Modern Warfare and see if multiplayer is working now.

If this fix doesn’t work for you, simply check out the next one.

Fix 3: Update your network driver

A broken or outdated network driver can result in connection issues. You should always keep your drivers up to date for the best in-game performance. This is especially true for online shooters like Modern Warfare.

You can update your network driver manually, by visiting the motherboard manufacturer’s website, downloading the latest installer that fits your system and installing it step by step. But if you’re not comfortable playing with device drivers, you can update automatically with Driver Easy.

1. Download and install Driver Easy.
2. Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
   
3. Click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system.(This requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All. If you don’t want to pay for the Pro version, you can still download and install all the drivers you need with the free version; you just have to download them one at a time, and manually install them, the normal Windows way.) 
   

Once you’ve updated your drivers, restart your PC and check if multiplayer is working.

If the latest drivers can’t fix the issue, you can take a look at the next method.

Fix 4: Rebuild the Battle.net files

The issue could mean that something is wrong with your Battle.net launcher. Purging the cache is reported to be a working fix, so you can try the same and see how it goes.

1. Make sure your Battle.net client is closed. On your keyboard, press Win+R (the Windows logo key and the R key) and type or paste %appdata%. Click OK.
2. Delete all the Battle.net and Blizzard Entertainment folders.
3. Repeat the steps above and delete the Battle.net and Blizzard Entertainment in paths listed below:
   • %localappdata%
   • %programdata%

Once done, reboot your PC and try again in Modern Warfare.

If this trick doesn’t give you luck, you can move on to the next one below.

Fix 5: Use a VPN

If none of the fixes work for you, give VPN a try.

With a VPN, you don’t need to think about local connection issues because VPN servers usually provide a robust connection. By switching your location, you can test out multiple servers and enjoy lag-free gaming.

But note that we don’t like free VPNs as they are usually after something. In most cases, even the cheapest plan gives you the equal speed and protection.

And here’re some providers we recommend:

• NordVPN
• SurfShark VPN
• CyberGhost VPN

Fixes for console

The following fixes are for Xbox gamers.

Fix 1: Clear your MAC address

According to some players, resetting the MAC address seems to be a potential fix. If this works in your case, you won’t need to touch the game packs.

1. Go to Settings. Select Network settings.
   
2. Select Advanced settings.
   
3. Select Alternate MAC address.
   
4. Select Clear.
   

Now test again in Modern Warfare.

If resetting the MAC address doesn’t work for you, simply continue to the next solution.

Fix 2: Uninstall redundant game packs

As Modern Warfare keeps updating contents, players end up with multiple game packs. Having too many game packs might lead to issues, so you can delete the unnecessary ones and see if that works.

These are the game packs you need for the multiplayer mode (The names might change along with updates. So just refer to the size), delete game packs EXCEPT the following:

• Multiplayer Pack (6.0 GB)
• Multiplayer and Special Ops Pack (6.7 GB)
• Multiplayer Pack 2 (22.1 GB)

Hopefully this post helps you get into the Multiplayer mode. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to leave a message down below.