Activision has published official Modern Warfare 4 Beta PC specifications — minimum and recommended hardware, required drivers, and the security stack you need before Early Access starts August 21.
The numbers landed in today’s Call of Duty: NEXT Early Intel blog. They apply to the MW4 Beta and may differ from full-game specs at launch on October 23. The living table on MW4.GG is PC requirements.
MW4 Beta minimum vs recommended
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit (latest update) | Windows 11 64-bit (latest update) |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-8400 | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 / Intel Core i7-8700 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU (NVIDIA) | GeForce GTX 970 / 1060 | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti |
| GPU (AMD) | Radeon RX 470 | Radeon RX 6700 XT |
| GPU (Intel) | Arc A580 | Arc B580 |
| Video memory | 3 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | SSD required | SSD required |
| Network | Broadband internet | Broadband internet |
| Sound | DirectX compatible | DirectX compatible |
Both tiers also require a DirectX 12 compatible system. There is no HDD option — Activision lists an SSD for minimum and recommended.
Required for every PC: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, DirectX 12
These apply to all listed specs, not just the recommended rig:
- DirectX 12 compatible system
- Broadband internet connection
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot — required to play. Other security measures may be enforced.
If TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is not enabled, you cannot play the Beta online. Activision says these Windows features are the trusted foundation for RICOCHET Anti-Cheat. Run the Call of Duty Secure Attestation Wizard before the window opens to confirm your PC passes. Setup notes: Activision TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support.
Steam players still need a phone number linked to the Steam account. That rule was already on the store listing; today’s blog does not replace it.
Recommended GPU drivers
- NVIDIA: 610.47
- AMD: 26.7.1
- Intel: 32.0.101.8861
Install those (or newer WHQL releases that supersede them) before pre-load finishes. Driver mismatches are a common first-session stutter source on CoD PC launches.
Shader Preloading is expected — not a virus prompt
PC players may see a Windows tray notification for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that says “Shader Pre-Loading Will Start” after install or an update. Activision says that is expected: the Beta prepares GPU shaders in the background so the first match hitch is smaller.
It uses some system resources while it runs. You can keep using the PC. You can disable the feature in settings, or interrupt it from the tray — preloading resumes in-game if you skip it.
When this matters
Early Access Beta is August 21–25 after Call of Duty: NEXT (11:00 AM PT on the 21st). Pre-load for pre-orders and code holders is already live. Open Beta is August 28–September 1. Schedule and platforms: MW4 Beta hub. Access checklist: How to get Early Access.
Source: Call of Duty blog — NEXT Early Intel, PC Specs, Pre-loading, and More (August 19, 2026). Reporting by Chandler Bellgrave. Living spec table: MW4 PC requirements.
Source: official Call of Duty / Activision information, cross-checked against the MW4 archive. This page is an independent reference.