Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta preload: Setup Guide

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta preload access is split between Early Access and the Open Beta. Early Access is reserved for eligible players, while the second weekend is available to everyone on supported platforms. All listed times use Pacific Time and apply to the 2026 Beta schedule.

The Beta is a separate installation from the main Call of Duty experience. You must locate it through your platform storefront or launcher and start the download manually. A normal Call of Duty update will not automatically install the Beta.

For the latest timing notices and launch conditions, check the official Call of Duty Beta information before the weekend begins.

The fastest approach is to use the storefront or launcher associated with your platform. Install the Beta separately, then launch it only after the scheduled play window begins. Signing in with an Activision Account helps connect eligible rewards to your future game profile.

On Xbox for PC, an initial portion of the Beta may download before the larger download becomes available. If the install appears incomplete, check the listed release time rather than repeatedly restarting the application.

PC players should prepare more than storage space before the preload. The Beta requires an SSD, broadband internet, and a DirectX 12-compatible system. Shader Preloading is also designed to prepare graphics data before play, which can reduce shader-related stutters during matches.

Shader Preloading prepares rendering data for your specific graphics card and driver combination. On Battle.net, it is enabled from the first Beta installation. On Steam, the first boot still requires a one-time shader compile, after which Shader Preloading supports later updates.

The process may use some system resources while it runs in the background. You can continue using the PC, disable the feature in settings, or interrupt it and allow it to resume later. Waiting for shader preparation before entering a match is generally preferable to troubleshooting visual stutter during play.

Use the following preparation order:

• Update Windows before the preload begins.
• Confirm the Beta is installed on an SSD.
• Install the listed graphics driver for your GPU brand.
• Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in your system firmware if required.
• Close large downloads and background applications during shader preparation.
• Leave enough free SSD space for updates beyond the initial installation.

The published specifications apply to the 2026 Beta and may differ from the requirements for the full game at launch.

Most preload problems come from one of four causes: the Beta is not live for your platform, the account lacks Early Access eligibility, the storefront has not refreshed, or the installation still needs an update. Work through the checks below before reinstalling.

On PlayStation 5, data patches generally do not require a restart unless the game is running or suspended when the patch is released. On Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2, Beta patches may continue to require a restart. PC data patches usually apply without a restart unless the game is open during deployment.

If the Beta is missing, verify these items in order:

1. The Beta is currently available for your platform.
2. Your account meets the Early Access requirement, if applicable.
3. The storefront or launcher is using the correct account.
4. The dedicated Beta listing has been installed.
5. The platform has been restarted after the listing or update appeared.

Beta rewards are tied to the Activision Account used during the test. Cosmetic rewards earned in the Beta are scheduled to become available when Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026. Beta rank, weapon unlocks, and other in-Beta progression do not continue after the Beta ends.

Weekend One has a maximum player level of 20, making the first five listed level rewards available. Weekend Two raises the maximum to level 30, allowing players to reach all eight milestone rewards.

Additional cosmetic rewards may come from default items, classified challenges, and Combat Record activities. Their availability and exact unlock conditions should be checked in the live Beta menus rather than assumed from the level track.

Twitch Drops are also planned for Call of Duty: NEXT and participating Modern Warfare 4 Beta streams. Link your Activision and Twitch accounts before watching eligible broadcasts. Listed viewing milestones include cosmetic Emblems, Calling Cards, and Charms earned at 15, 30, and 45 minutes.