Just because Call of Duty: Modern Warfare encountered a problem doesn’t mean it can’t be nice about it. Following a recent update, a lot of players are seeing the game say “please install multiplayer.” This happens even when multiplayer had been working fine before. If your copy of Modern Warfare says “please install multiplayer,” here’s what you can do to fix it.
Please install multiplayer error message | How to fix
“Please install multiplayer” is an error message that pops up when you haven’t installed all of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare data packs. This error seems linked to the game’s recent update, which was provided to players as two separate downloads — one automatic patch and one separate data pack.
If the game is politely requesting that you install multiplayer, then you’re missing Data Pack 1. The message first appeared shortly after the game released, but new reports show it appearing after the most recent update. The patch download installs the update itself, but it also requires you to download an additional data pack.
Unfortunately, the additional data pack doesn’t install automatically alongside the patch. Instead, it pops up when selecting certain game modes from the menu screen. You’ll see the “please install multiplayer” message if you try to go online but don’t have the multiplayer data pack installed.
Buy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare on Amazon
Yes, it’s a little annoying. And yes, the data pack is a rather hefty download. But worst of all is that Modern Warfare sometimes gets stuck on a screen saying “Fetching game installs” after downloading the data pack. If that happens, you’ll need to restart the game.
Still, at least Call of Duty: Modern Warfare asks nicely. The “please install multiplayer” message is just a friendly reminder to install the new data pack following the April 28, 2020 update. It might take a while — and eat up more of your hard drive space — but it won’t be long before you’re able to jump back into online matches.
