Are you constantly running into Dev Error 6165 while trying to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare? You’re not alone. This frustrating error has disrupted gameplay for many seasoned players and newcomers alike. Whether it’s during campaign mode or intense multiplayer sessions, this error can crash your game unexpectedly and leave you staring at your desktop in frustration.
Thankfully, there are several tried-and-true methods to fix Dev Error 6165 and get back to your game without much hassle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple and effective steps to resolve the issue—and some advanced tips if you’re still encountering problems.
What Is Dev Error 6165?
Dev Error 6165 typically occurs due to a software conflict, corrupted game files, or outdated drivers. Some players have noted that the error usually appears after updates or during rendering-intensive scenes. It can affect both single-player campaigns and multiplayer matches.

Easy Fixes You Can Try Right Now
1. Restart Your Game and Launcher
Sometimes, the most straightforward solution is the most effective. Close Modern Warfare and exit Battle.net completely. Restart both and try launching the game again.
2. Keep Your Graphics Drivers Updated
Your GPU drivers could be outdated, which might lead to crashes or errors. To update them:
- Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Radeon Software.
- Check for the latest game-ready drivers.
- Download and install them.
After the update, reboot your PC and launch the game to see if the error still persists.
3. Change Graphics Settings
Sometimes, an overly aggressive graphics setting can push your system too hard, triggering the error.
- Go into Modern Warfare’s Settings menu.
- Under Graphics, reduce settings like Texture Resolution, Shadow Quality, and disable Ray Tracing if it’s on.
- Apply changes and restart the game.
4. Scan and Repair Game Files
Corrupted or missing game files could be to blame. Use Battle.net’s built-in repair tool:
- Launch Battle.net.
- Select Modern Warfare.
- Click on the Options gear icon and choose Scan and Repair.
- Let the process complete and then restart the game.
5. Disable Overlays
Multiple background applications and overlays can conflict with the game’s operation:
- Disable overlays from Discord, NVIDIA ShadowPlay, Steam, or Xbox Game Bar.
- Turn off background recording features in Windows Settings under Gaming.
6. Reinstall Shaders
Modern Warfare uses shaders to optimize rendering performance. Corruption in shader files can cause dev errors.
- Open the in-game Settings.
- Navigate to Graphics > Restart Shader Installation.
- After reinstalling shaders, restart the game.

Advanced Troubleshooting (For Persistent Issues)
1. Run the Game as Administrator
Running the game with administrative privileges can prevent permission-related errors.
- Right-click on the game’s shortcut or executable file.
- Select Run as Administrator.
2. Switch to DirectX 11
Some users report better stability with older DirectX versions:
- Open Battle.net Launcher.
- Click on Options > Game Settings.
- Check Additional Command Line Arguments and enter:
-d3d11
. - Save and launch the game again.
Still Not Working? Try Reinstalling
If none of the above fixes work and the error continues to disrupt gameplay, consider a full reinstall of the game. While time-consuming, it ensures that no corrupted or conflicting files remain.
Final Thoughts
Dev Error 6165 in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare can be a major headache, but with these straightforward troubleshooting steps, most users can get back to normal gameplay in no time. Always make sure your software is up-to-date and avoid overloading the system with unnecessary background tasks or overlays.
Hopefully, this guide has resolved your issue. If not, keep an eye on Infinity Ward’s official support pages for updates, or consider reaching out to community forums where players often share successful personalized fixes.
Get ready to jump back into battle—minus the crashes!