Fix MW2 and Warzone 2 Stuck on Checking for Updates (PC/ Xbox/ PS4/PS5)

Like most Call of Duty games, Modern Warfare 2 is not without bugs. Since the launch of MW2, players have been plagued by various issues that make the game unplayable. Some issues have been acknowledged and rectified, while others are still making the rounds. One of the issues that players face persistently is the MW2 and Warzone stuck on checking for Updates bug, where players try to log in but are met with this screen. This keeps them stuck on the loading screen for a long time. This guide will see how to fix the stuck-on checking for updates error in Modern Warfare 2 for PC, Xbox, and Playstation.

Checking for Update Fix from Devs

If you are on Steam and stuck on Checking for Updates, the devs have a workaround that you can try. Here is what you need to do.

• Right-click on Modern Warfare 2 Beta on Steam
• Manage
• Click Browse Local Files
• Go to the “main” folder
• Delete the folders “data0“, “data1“, “toc0“, “toc1“
• Once you have done the above, Verify the game files via Steam and the error should be gone.
• You can also try to delete the entire Main folder if deleting the above files fails.

Fix Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 Stuck on Checking for Updates (PC/ Xbox/ PlayStation)

The Checking for Updates issue is a persistent problem across all platforms. Here we will see how to fix this error in Modern Warfare 2.

Infinity Ward has acknowledged the Checking for Updates issue in Modern Warfare 2, but there is no ETA on the fix yet. It is unclear whether this will be applicable across all platforms, so until then, you can stay tuned for a patch update to fix the error.

You can try the following tips to sort out the stuck on the Checking for Updates screen in MW2.

Delete Modern Warfare 2 Beta Files

Similar to the devs fix, we have another if that one did not work for you. To perform the fix, you need to go to Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Modern Warfare II Beta or where you have the game installed.

Once you are there, delete the seven folders as shown in the below image. Once the folders are deleted, verify the game files and launch the game. if the game crashes, verify the game files again, and this should work to resolve the MW 2 stuck-on check for updates error.

Fix Modern Warfare 2 Stuck on Checking for Updates for PC

• Check Server Status: You cannot log in if the game servers are down or undergoing maintenance. You can check the server status online, and try again sometime later.
• Check Network Connectivity: If your Internet is causing issues, you can try to restart or reset your router, switch to a different network, change to an Ethernet cable, or use a mobile hotspot for the time being.
• Disable VPN: You should disable your VPN if you suspect that is causing issues.
• Disable Antivirus/ Firewall: You should check if MW2 or Battle.net is whitelisted by the Antivirus or Firewall application. You can also try to disable it temporarily to see if it helps.
• Delete Cache: Open up the Run command and type in %temp%. Delete all the files that are under the temp folder. You can also try to clear the Battle.net cache by typing in %programdata%, %appdata%, and %localappdata% in the Run command, then find and delete the Battle.net and Blizzard Entertainment folders.
• Update Drivers: If your Windows and Graphic Driver updates are lagging, you will have to update them for the game to work. You can also try to use a third-party application like Display Driver Uninstaller to completely remove and repair the Driver application and do a fresh install.
• Verify Game Files: If there are missing or corrupted files, then the game will not run. You can verify the game files by going to Battle.net > MW2 > Scan and Repair.
• Check Game Version: If your game hasn’t been updated, you will have to check and update the game to play it.
• Check System Requirements: If your PC does not meet the system requirements to run the game, then you will be stuck in the Checking for Updates screen.
• Play Offline: Some players recommended playing Local Multiplayer offline, then going back online to bypass the Checking for Updates screen.
• Change NAT type: Changing the NAT type seems to help fix the error message. You can also try using Google DNS to help sort the issue.
• Reinstall the game: Uninstalling and reinstalling the game seems to help fix the Checking for Updates issue.
• Restart System: You can try to restart your PC and try playing the game later.
• Reset Network Settings: One of the easiest solutions is to reset your network settings. This will clear any temporary network data that might be causing issues. To do this, go to your console or PC settings and look for the option to reset network settings. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
• Re-login: Another solution is to log out of your account and then log back in. Sometimes, there might be an issue with your account that is preventing the game from updating. Logging out and back in can help to refresh your account and resolve the issue.
• Check for Updates Manually: If the game is stuck on Checking for Updates, it might be because there is an issue with the automatic update process. Try manually checking for updates by going to the game’s settings and looking for the option to check for updates. This will force the game to check for updates and download any available updates.

Fix Modern Warfare 2 Stuck on Checking for Updates for Xbox and PlayStation

• Log Out of All Profiles: Some players have found that logging out of all player profiles on the console and only keeping the one you wish to use seems to help bypass the Checking for Updates error in MW2.
• Play Offline: Some players recommended playing Local Multiplayer offline, then going back online to bypass the Checking for Updates screen. You can also try to play co-op, go to the main menu, then go to online multiplayer.
• Change NAT type: Changing the NAT type seems to help fix the error message. You can also try using Google DNS to help sort the issue.
• Restore License: Restoring the license seems to help solve the Checking for Updates error. You can do this by going to settings > account management.
• Check Network Connectivity: If your Internet is causing issues, you can try to restart or reset your router, switch to a different network, change to an Ethernet cable, or use a mobile hotspot for the time being.
• Clear Reserves Space (Xbox): Press the Home button on your controller and hit the Start button on MW2. From here, go to Manage Games and Updates > Saved Data > Clear Reserved Space for MW2.
• Update Software: If your console updates are lagging, it could cause issues with the game.
• Check Server Status: If servers are down, you cannot log into MW2. You will have to check the server status online or try again later.
• Clear Cache: Power down your console, then unplug it from its socket. After a minute or two, plug it back in, then start up the console.
• Reinstall the game: You can try a fresh install of MW2 by uninstalling and reinstalling the game.
• Wait it out: Some players found out that just waiting for the update to load completely helped them log into the game again.

If none of the above tips work, you can try to contact Blizzard customer support to help sort the issue out or wait for a patch update. 

If you liked this guide you can check out our other posts like Fix Warzone Stuck on Checking for Updates Error (PC/ Xbox/ PlayStation) and Fix CoD Modern Warfare 2 Crashing, Crash at Startup, Won’t Start, and Not Launching (2022)