Updated on April 22, 16:13 p.m. (GMT+8): Updated system requirements

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is loaded with new maps, modes, weapons, and more.

With such a hefty amount content and improvements from it’s predecessor, both new and veteran players need to make sure that their PCs are capable of running the game well.

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How to inspect weapon in Modern Warfare 3

Here’s a ONE Esports guide on how to install Modern Warfare 3 on PC, including details about file size and system requirements.

Step-by-step guide on how to install Modern Warfare 3 on PC

Modern Warfare 3 is available for download on Steam and Battle.net, Activision Blizzard’s official game client.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 on Steam Store
Screenshot by Jeremiah Sevilla/ONE Esports

Steam

  1. Go to Store and search for Call of Duty.
  2. Add the game to your collection.
  3. Find it in Library.
  4. Click the Install button to download.

Do note that you need an Activision account to play the game on Steam.

It is recommended to use High Priority under Automatic Updates.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 on Battle.net
Screenshot by Jeremiah Sevilla/ONE Esports

Battle.net

  1. Select All Games.
  2. Find and select Call of Duty.
  3. Confirm the installation location on your computer.
  4. Select Install to download the game.
Best settings guide for MW3 PC graphic for "Modern Warfare 3 best settings PC guide — improve your performance"
Credit: Activision/ONE Esports
Modern Warfare 3 best graphics settings guide for PC — improve your performance

Make sure to have your game settings set to auto-update to ensure the game is ready to go at launch.

On Battle.net, enable auto-update before installing the game.

If you haven’t launched Modern Warfare 3 within the last 30 days, you will need to download updates manually.

File size of Modern Warfare 3 on PC

Modern Warfare 3 weapons include new and old
Credit: Activision
INSTALLATION TYPEFILE SIZE
If COD HQ and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ are already installed78 GB
New install149 GB

Minimum and recommended specifications for Modern Warfare 3 on PC

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Credit: Activision, ONE Esports
Modern Warfare 3 prestige system explained

These are Activision Blizzard’s minimum and recommended PC specifications to play Modern Warfare 3:

HARDWAREMINIMUMRECOMMENDED
Operating SystemWindows 10 64-Bit (latest update)Windows 11 64-Bit (latest update)
CPUIntel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400Intel Core i7-6700K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
RAM8 GB16 GB
Video CardNVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080Ti/RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600XT
DirectXVersion 12Version 12
NetworkBroadband Internet connectionBroadband Internet connection

To avoid graphical issues, install the recommended ensuring that your graphics drivers are up to date with the latest versions.

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READ MORE: Full list of Modern Warfare 3 guides: Best settings, loadouts, terms, MW3 Zombies, more