Trying to launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered on PC, only to encounter the “Out of memory” error with code 12? This problem can prevent the game from starting, even when your computer has plenty of free disk space and system memory.
The error message suggests a storage or memory problem, but that is not necessarily the cause. Incorrect configuration files, installation problems, and display-mode issues are also worth investigating, especially when the single-player Campaign fails to launch but Multiplayer works.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Modern Warfare Remastered Out of Memory Error 12 means, why it might appear, and how to fix it using practical troubleshooting methods. We’ll start with the configuration-file workaround and then cover game-file verification, Windows Safe Mode, graphics settings, and additional solutions.
Note: These troubleshooting methods are not guaranteed to work for every player. Back up your existing configuration files before making changes, and avoid downloading unknown files from untrusted websites.
What Does “Out of Memory Error 12” Mean in Modern Warfare Remastered?
The error appears with the following message:
Out of memory error. You are probably low on disk space. (12)
Although the message mentions disk space, it does not confirm that your hard drive is full or that your computer needs additional RAM.
The game may be encountering a problem accessing the resources or configuration it needs to start. In some cases, changing the game’s configuration files may help resolve the launch problem without upgrading your hardware.
However, the exact cause can vary between computers. The error message alone is not enough to determine whether the problem comes from storage, system memory, graphics resources, configuration files, or the game installation.
When Does the Out of Memory Error Appear?
The problem can occur under several circumstances:
- Campaign launch failure: The single-player Campaign refuses to open, even though Multiplayer may work.
- Configuration-file problems: The game cannot find or use the configuration files it expects.
- Installation problems: Missing or damaged game files interfere with startup.
- Graphics-related crashes: The game starts but crashes during loading or gameplay because of a separate performance or stability issue.
Identifying when the error appears helps you choose the right troubleshooting method. For example, if Multiplayer launches successfully but Campaign does not, checking the configuration files is a reasonable starting point.
Common Causes of Modern Warfare Remastered Out of Memory Error 12
Why Does Modern Warfare Remastered Say You Are Low on Disk Space?
The error message suggests insufficient disk space, but the message itself does not establish the underlying cause. Your computer may have enough storage while the game encounters a different problem during startup.
Deleting files or upgrading your storage should not be your first response unless you have confirmed that your drive is actually running out of space.
What to do: Check the game’s configuration files first, particularly if Campaign fails while Multiplayer works. If the problem continues, check the installation for missing or damaged files.
Missing or Incorrect Configuration Files
The game’s players2 folder contains configuration files used by the game. Two important filenames to look for are config.cfg and config_mp.cfg.
A possible workaround involves copying the Multiplayer configuration file and renaming the duplicate to config.cfg. This may help when Campaign fails to launch but Multiplayer works.
What to do: Locate the players2 folder, back up the existing files, and follow the configuration-file instructions in the next section.
This method is a workaround rather than a guaranteed repair. If both game modes fail to launch, additional troubleshooting may be necessary.
Missing or Corrupted Game Files
Game files can sometimes become incomplete or damaged, causing startup errors, crashes, or other unexpected behavior.
The game’s launcher includes a verification feature that checks the installed files and identifies discrepancies that may need to be repaired.
What to do: Verify the game files before reinstalling the entire game. This provides a less disruptive way to check the installation.
Graphics Settings and Memory Limitations
Your computer uses different types of memory for different tasks. System RAM supports Windows, applications, and game processes, while graphics memory (VRAM) handles resources such as textures.
If the game launches but crashes while loading a level or playing, high texture settings or limited available resources may contribute to the problem.
However, the Out of Memory Error 12 message does not automatically mean that your PC is running out of RAM or VRAM.
What to do: If you can access the game’s graphics settings, try reducing Texture Quality and test whether the game becomes more stable. Check actual memory usage before considering a hardware upgrade.
Windows Display-Mode or Software Conflicts
Some launch problems may respond to changing the game’s display mode. A possible workaround involves starting Windows in Safe Mode, opening the game, changing the Campaign display mode, and then restarting Windows normally.
Background applications and graphics drivers can also contribute to instability in some situations.
What to do: If the configuration-file workaround fails, consider the Safe Mode method below. If the game launches but crashes during gameplay, investigate graphics settings, drivers, and background applications.
How to Fix Modern Warfare Remastered Out of Memory Error 12
Now that we’ve covered the possible causes, let’s work through the solutions. Start with the configuration-file workaround if Multiplayer launches successfully but Campaign does not.
For Players Who Cannot Launch the Campaign
1. Check That Campaign and Multiplayer Are Installed
Before changing any files, make sure the game modes you need are installed.
Follow these steps:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered.
- Open the game’s properties and check its installation information.
- Confirm that the necessary game content is installed.
- Try launching Campaign and Multiplayer separately.
If Multiplayer opens successfully, note that result. Its existing configuration files may provide what you need for the next workaround.
Why it helps: Checking both game modes establishes whether the problem affects one mode or the entire installation.
2. Locate the players2 Folder
The next step is to inspect the game’s configuration files.
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered.
- Select Manage.
- Click Browse local files.
- Locate and open the
players2folder.
Inside this folder, look for:
config_mp.cfg
If Multiplayer has launched successfully, this file may already exist.
If the folder or file is missing, do not immediately download an unknown configuration archive. Continue with the game-file verification and alternative troubleshooting methods below.
3. Back Up the Existing Configuration Files
Before replacing or renaming any files, make a backup of the players2 folder or its existing configuration files.
You can copy the folder to another location on your computer and use that copy to restore the original settings if necessary.
Why it helps: A backup allows you to reverse the change without needing to recreate your original configuration manually.
4. Copy config_mp.cfg and Rename It to config.cfg
This workaround uses the existing Multiplayer configuration file to create a file that Campaign may be able to use.
Follow these steps:
- Open the
players2folder. - Right-click
config_mp.cfgand select Copy. - Paste the duplicate into the same folder.
- Rename the copied file to
config.cfg. - Keep the original
config_mp.cfgfile unchanged.
Your folder should now contain both files:
config_mp.cfgconfig.cfg
Check the filename carefully. Windows may hide file extensions, so you could accidentally create config.cfg.cfg. To avoid this, enable File name extensions in File Explorer and confirm the complete filename.
5. Launch the Game Again
Close the game if it is running, then launch Modern Warfare Remastered and try opening Campaign.
If the game starts successfully, check whether the error has disappeared. If the problem continues, restore your backup if necessary and try the next method.
Why it helps: The workaround provides Campaign with a configuration file based on the existing Multiplayer settings. It may resolve some launch problems, but it does not work for every installation.
6. Try the Additional Configuration-File Workaround
If copying the file alone does not help, another variation involves adding two configuration commands before creating the duplicate.
Before trying this method, back up config_mp.cfg.
Open the file with Notepad and add the following lines:
seta 0x706663C2 "1"
seta 0x617FB3B4 "1"Save the file, then copy it and rename the duplicate to config.cfg. Keep both files in the players2 folder.
Try launching the game again.
These commands are part of an unofficial troubleshooting method and are not guaranteed to fix the error. If the change causes additional problems, restore your original configuration files.
For Players Who Cannot Launch Either Game Mode
1. Verify the Game Files
If neither Campaign nor Multiplayer launches, check whether the installation contains missing or damaged files.
Follow these steps:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered.
- Select Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for the verification process to finish.
- Launch the game again.
If the launcher identifies files that need to be repaired or downloaded, allow the process to finish before trying again.
Why it helps: Verification checks the installation without requiring you to remove and reinstall the entire game.
However, verification does not guarantee that a configuration-file problem will be resolved. If you have manually edited the files, check whether those changes remain in place afterward.
2. Try the Windows Safe Mode Workaround
If the configuration-file method and file verification fail, you can try launching the game in Windows Safe Mode with Networking.
This workaround involves launching the game in a reduced Windows environment, changing the Campaign display mode, and then returning to normal startup.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
msconfigand press Enter. - Open the Boot tab.
- Select Safe boot and choose Network.
- Apply the settings and restart your PC.
- Open Steam and try launching Modern Warfare Remastered.
- If Campaign opens, change the display mode to Windowed or Windowed (Fullscreen), if available.
- Close the game.
- Open
msconfigagain and clear Safe boot. - Restart Windows normally and try launching the game again.
Important: Safe Mode changes how Windows starts. Make sure you return to normal startup after testing. If the game cannot launch in Safe Mode, return to normal Windows and continue with the remaining troubleshooting methods.
This is an alternative workaround, not a guaranteed fix.
3. Avoid Unverified Configuration Downloads
Some troubleshooting methods involve downloading a configuration archive and extracting its contents into the game directory.
However, the intended destination may differ between methods. Some instructions target the players2 folder, while others describe extracting a folder containing configuration files into the main installation directory.
These instructions are not interchangeable.
Before using any external archive:
- Confirm that the instructions apply to your version of the game.
- Inspect the archive contents before extracting them.
- Back up your existing configuration files.
- Check the intended destination of each file.
- Avoid running unknown executables or installers.
If Multiplayer already provides the configuration file needed for the basic workaround, you may not need to download anything.
For Players Who Can Launch the Game but Still Experience Crashes
1. Lower Texture Quality
If the game opens but crashes during gameplay, try reducing Texture Quality to Normal.
Higher-resolution textures require more graphics memory. Lowering this setting may help if your graphics card is struggling to handle the resources required by the game.
Test the game before raising the quality again.
Keep in mind that this is a graphics troubleshooting step, not a guaranteed fix for an error that prevents the game from opening.
2. Disable Cached Shadow Options
If these settings are available, try disabling:
- Cache Spot Shadows
- Cache Sun Shadows
Change one setting at a time and test the game after each adjustment.
These options may help with certain performance-related problems, but they should not be treated as proven solutions for every occurrence of Error 12.
3. Check Shader Preloading
Shader preloading and a graphics driver’s shader cache are different features.
Shader preloading prepares graphical effects before gameplay, while a driver’s shader cache stores compiled shader data to reduce the need to compile the same effects repeatedly.
If the game opens but crashes during loading, test the available in-game shader-preloading setting and observe the result. Allow the process to finish when testing its normal behavior.
Avoid disabling the graphics driver’s shader cache as a default fix for Error 12. Changing it may have other performance effects and is not guaranteed to resolve the launch problem.
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If the error continues after the earlier fixes, try the following methods.
Restart your PC. A restart can clear temporary system problems and close background processes that might interfere with the game.
Disable overlays temporarily. Turn off game overlays from communication or graphics applications to check whether a software conflict is involved.
Update your graphics drivers. Check for a suitable driver update from your graphics card manufacturer’s official website. If you suspect a damaged driver installation, consider a clean reinstall only after simpler checks have failed.
Check system memory usage. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and inspect RAM usage. If the game launches but crashes during gameplay, a suitable GPU monitoring tool can help you check VRAM usage as well.
Reinstall the game as a last resort. If nothing else works, back up important configuration files, reinstall the game, and test a fresh installation before restoring modified settings.
These additional steps are intended for persistent problems. They are not guaranteed to resolve Error 12 because the underlying cause can differ from one system to another.
Tips to Prevent Modern Warfare Remastered Out of Memory Error 12
Keep a Backup of Your Configuration Files
Before replacing or renaming config.cfg or config_mp.cfg, save a copy of the original files.
This allows you to restore the previous configuration if the workaround makes the problem worse.
Avoid Unverified Configuration Downloads
Use configuration files already generated by your own installation whenever possible.
If you decide to use an external archive, inspect its contents and confirm where each file belongs. Never run an unknown executable simply because it is included with a configuration download.
Use Appropriate Graphics Settings
If the game launches but crashes under demanding graphics settings, try reducing Texture Quality and testing the result.
Avoid changing multiple settings at once. This makes it easier to identify which adjustment helps.
Check Game Files When Problems Occur
If the installation appears incomplete or damaged, use the launcher’s file-verification feature before reinstalling the entire game.
Remember that verifying game files and repairing configuration settings are different troubleshooting tasks. You may need to investigate both separately.
Is Modern Warfare Remastered Out of Memory Error 12 Dangerous?
The error message itself does not mean that your computer is damaged or that you must replace a hardware component. It indicates that the game has encountered a problem when attempting to start or access the resources it needs.
However, be careful when modifying game files or following unofficial troubleshooting instructions. Configuration changes can affect your settings, while unknown downloads may introduce unnecessary security risks.
Back up important files before making changes, avoid running unfamiliar executables, and try the less disruptive troubleshooting methods before reinstalling the game.
FAQs About Modern Warfare Remastered Out of Memory Error 12
Why Does Modern Warfare Remastered Say I Am Low on Disk Space When I Have Enough Storage?
The message does not prove that insufficient storage is the actual cause. Configuration-file problems and other launch-related issues are also worth investigating. Start by checking the players2 folder before making changes to your storage or hardware.
How Do I Fix Modern Warfare Remastered Error 12 on PC?
First, check whether Multiplayer launches. If it does, back up the players2 folder and try copying config_mp.cfg to config.cfg. If that does not work, verify the game files and consider the Safe Mode workaround.
Where Is the players2 Folder in Modern Warfare Remastered?
Open your game library, right-click Modern Warfare Remastered, and select Manage → Browse local files. Look for the players2 folder inside the game’s installation directory.
Can I Fix Error 12 Without Downloading Third-Party Files?
Yes. If Multiplayer launches, you may already have the configuration file needed for the basic workaround. You can also verify the game files or try the Windows Safe Mode method without downloading an external archive.
Why Does Multiplayer Work but Campaign Does Not?
One possible explanation is that Campaign cannot use its expected configuration file. Copying config_mp.cfg and renaming the duplicate to config.cfg is a workaround worth trying, although it is not guaranteed to work on every installation.
Does Lowering Texture Quality Fix Error 12?
Lowering Texture Quality may help if graphics-memory pressure contributes to crashes after the game launches. It does not guarantee a fix for an error that prevents the game from opening.
Should I Upgrade My RAM or Graphics Card?
Not as a first step. The error message alone does not prove that your computer lacks memory. Investigate the configuration files and game installation first, then check actual RAM or VRAM usage if your symptoms suggest a resource limitation.
Should I Reinstall Modern Warfare Remastered?
Reinstallation is a last resort. Try the configuration-file workaround, file verification, and display-mode troubleshooting first. Preserve important configuration files before uninstalling the game.
Conclusion
The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered Out of Memory Error 12 can be frustrating because its message suggests a disk-space problem even when your computer appears to have sufficient resources.
Start by checking the players2 configuration files, especially if Multiplayer works but Campaign does not. If that method fails, verify the game installation and try the Windows Safe Mode workaround. Graphics and system-memory checks are more relevant when the game launches but continues to crash.
No single solution is guaranteed to work for every PC. Back up your files, avoid unverified downloads, and test each change carefully before moving on to more disruptive troubleshooting methods.
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