COD MW3 Stuck on Installing Screen: How to Fix

Players of “Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3” are encountering persistent installation problems, leading to an aggravating loop where the game fails to install correctly, leaving gamers in a perpetual state of limbo as they await completion.

If you are one of the unlucky gamers seeing COD MW3 stuck on installing screen, don’t panic. Here is a comprehensive guide walking through the most common causes of this problem and step-by-step solutions to get you back in the action.

Table of Contents

Why MW3 Stuck on Installing?

When first launching Modern Warfare 3, a progress bar will appear showing the installation status. For most players, this proceeds smoothly through 100% completion.

However, in some cases the installation gets halted at varying percentages and just remains stuck there indefinitely. The game never fully installs or launches.

This is understandably infuriating after eagerly awaiting the release of MW3 and wanting to dive into the realistic, action-packed gameplay Call of Duty is known for.

Seeing your game stuck in an endless loop vainly trying to install is not how you pictured spending your evening!

Common Causes of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Stuck on Installing issue

There are a few common culprits known to trigger the stuck installing problem:

Insufficient storage space – MW3 requires a minimum of 100 GB free space. If your console or PC is low on storage, it may fail to fully install.
Poor internet connection – With large modern game file sizes, a strong, stable internet connection is a must during installs. Weak or interrupted connections often cause it to hang.
Game file corruption – If game files become corrupted or damaged during download, the installation process halts.
Console overheating – Excess heat can cause consoles to freeze during installs. Ensure your Xbox or PlayStation has proper ventilation.
Outdated game and console software – MW3 may fail to install if you do not have the latest game patches, DLCs, and console system updates installed.

How to Fix MW3 Stuck on Installing

If you find yourself staring endlessly at a stuck Modern Warfare III installation, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to get it back on track:

1. Restart your console/PC

Step-by-Step Guide:

Power Down: Hold the power button on your console or PC until it turns off completely.
Unplug: For a full reset, unplug the power cable from the back of the console or PC for about a minute.
Reconnect: Plug the power cable back in.
Power Up: Turn on your console or PC by pressing the power button again.
Recheck: Once restarted, try accessing the game or application that was causing the freeze to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Check for console overheating

Step-by-Step Guide:

Touch Test: Gently touch your console to feel if it is unusually warm or hot.
Turn Off: If it’s hot, power down your console immediately to prevent damage.
Ventilate: Ensure the console is in a well-ventilated area and that all vents are clear of dust and obstructions.
Cool Down: Leave the console to cool down for at least an hour before restarting.
Monitor: Keep an eye on the console’s temperature as it operates to ensure it doesn’t overheat again.

3. Close background programs/apps

Step-by-Step Guide:

Access Task Manager: On PC, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select Task Manager. On consoles, navigate to the home screen.
Identify Programs: Look for any unnecessary applications or programs running in the background.
Close Programs: Select each program and choose ‘End Task’ on PC or ‘Close Application’ on consoles.
Free Resources: Ensure that your game or application has enough system resources to run smoothly.

4. Verify internet connection

Step-by-Step Guide:

Test Speed: Use an online speed test to check your internet connection speed.
Compare Speeds: Ensure the results match what you’re paying for from your internet service provider.
Check Connectivity: Try loading a webpage or streaming a video to confirm your internet is working properly.

5. Reset home network equipment

Step-by-Step Guide:

Power Off: Turn off your modem and router.
Unplug: Disconnect both devices from their power source.
Wait: Leave them unplugged for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Reconnect: Plug back in and turn on your modem and router.
Re-establish Connection: Wait for all lights to stabilize, indicating a proper restart.

6. Delete and reinstall the game

Step-by-Step Guide:

Remove Game: Navigate to the game on your console or PC and select the option to uninstall or delete.
Clear Space: If necessary, clear up additional storage space to accommodate the game’s installation.
Reinstall: Go to your console’s store or game library on PC, find the game, and choose to install it again.
Download: Wait for the game to download completely before attempting to play.

7. Verify sufficient storage space

Step-by-Step Guide:

Check Storage: Go to your console or PC settings and find the storage or memory section.
Assess Space: Look for how much free space is available.
Manage Storage: If needed, delete unused games, apps, or files to make room for at least 100+ GB.
Prepare for Installation: Confirm there’s enough space for the game installation and future updates.

8. Update console and game software

Step-by-Step Guide:

Check for Updates: Go to your system settings and find the option to check for system updates.
Download System Update: If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.
Update Game: Navigate to the game and check for any available updates or patches and install them.
Restart Console/PC: After updating, perform a restart to ensure all updates are applied properly.

Contact Activision Support

If you have tried all troubleshooting suggestions here unsuccessfully, it is time to reach out directly to Activision Support for assistance getting COD MW3 properly installed.

Activision’s COD developers and support team can provide specialized help getting to the root of your stuck install issue.

They have access to diagnostic tools and game file repairs you do not. Submit a ticket or use Activision’s live chat support to connect 1-on-1 with experts who can walk you through rare or complex fixes. You can also check the MW3 server status here.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 stuck on installing screen is a headache, but one Activision’s dedicated support staff is equipped to cure. Contact them for personalized troubleshooting if you hit a dead end trying self-fixes.

Final Words – November 8, 2023

Once you resolve the MW3 stuck installing error, an immersive first-person shooter experience awaits with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Patch Notes