How to fix Modern Warfare 2 stuttering

How to fix Modern Warfare 2 stuttering
Romilly Cotta Updated on by

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If you’re wondering how to fix Modern Warfare 2 stuttering, you’re in the right place.

Modern Warfare 2 is a graphically demanding online title that needs a strong network connection for it to run smoothly. However, even players with high-end PC equipment have experienced stutters at low game settings. So, what’s going on?

We understand this to be a widespread issue, which is good and bad news. Though it’s unfortunate so many players are experiencing this gaming bug, it does mean a number of solutions have already been shared. You can find out what the fix is below.

You might be experiencing the issue for a number of reasons. It may occur due to fullscreen optimizations, outdated graphics drivers, outdated game versions, and more. Additionally, compatibility issues with PC specs might also be the culprit. Luckily, we’ve assembled a handy guide to help you solve this highly frustrating problem.

How do you fix Modern Warfare 2 stuttering?

Raising the spot cache to “high”

One possible solution popularised by @Maven, whose a well known esports commentator, has been to raise the spot cache to “high”. It’s not clear exactly why this solves the issue, though for now, PC players should try this suggestion as the first port of call.

Check MW2 System Requirements

It may sound obvious, but it’s worth checking the MW2 system requirements to rule out any incompatibility between the game and your PC. Below are the minimum system requirements to play MW2:

  • OS: Windows 10
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-3570 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470

Recommended System Requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10/11
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 7 1800X
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580

If you’re ready to upgrade your PC components, consider our selection of the best monitors for Modern Warfare 2 and the best GPU for 1080p.

Update GPU drivers

We recommend checking for the graphics driver update on the PC. It will allow you to install the latest update which often solves common bug issues. Simply follow the instructions below:

  1. Right click on the Start Menu and open up the Quick Access Menu.
  2. Click on Device Manager
  3. Double click on Display adapters
  4. Right click on the dedicated graphics card that you’re using.
  5. Click on Update driver > Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  6. The system will automatically check for the available update.
  7. If an update is available, it’ll automatically download and install the latest version.
  8. Once done, ensure to restart your PC to apply the changes.

After all that, you might find there is no update available on the PC. If this is the case, visit the official manufacturer’s website for the graphics card to get the latest version. The following links below should be helpful:

Update the game

This might sound obvious, but ensuring Modern Warfare 2 is up to date is a must. Outdated game versions can be a common culprit for bugs like stuttering. If you haven’t updated MW2 in more than a month or two, there’s a decent chance you’re playing on an outdated game system.

Frequently asked questions

Can overheating cause stuttering?

Yes, overheating can be the cause of performance-related issues like stuttering. If you’re worried about overheating, make sure you troubleshoot your PC to diagnose and prevent overheating.