Black Ops 6 & Warzone: How to Fix Loading Message of the Day Bug

The “Loading Message of the Day” bug in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Warzone is a frustrating error that prevents players from accessing the game, causing it to freeze on the loading screen indefinitely. This issue primarily affects PC players but can also occur on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The error happens when the game client cannot properly load settings files or communicate with servers, leaving players stuck watching the loading screen for hours without any progress.

Loading Message of the Day Error: Quick Fix Summary

Method	Platform	Success Rate	Time Required
Move Call of Duty Folder	PC	High	2 minutes
Alt+Enter & Space Bar	PC	Medium	30 seconds
Verify Game Files	All	High	5-10 minutes
Delete COD Folder	PC	High	2 minutes
Force Close & Restart	All	Medium	1 minute
DirectX11 Mode	PC	Medium	1 minute
Clear Cache	Console	Medium	5 minutes
Safe Mode Launch	PC	Low	2 minutes

Loading Message of the Day Bug in Black Ops 6 & Warzone

What Causes This Error?

The “Loading Message of the Day” error occurs due to several potential issues:

• Corrupted Settings Files: The Call of Duty folder in your Documents contains settings that may become unreadable
• Server Connection Problems: High traffic or maintenance can prevent proper communication
• Outdated or Corrupted Game Files: Missing or damaged files interrupt the loading process
• Cache Buildup: Accumulated cache data interferes with loading screens
• Background Application Conflicts: Third-party software may block game processes
• DirectX Compatibility Issues: Windows 11’s DirectX 12 can cause conflicts

Platform-Specific Solutions

PC Fixes (Most Effective)

Method 1: Move or Delete the Call of Duty Folder (Most Effective)

This is the most successful fix reported by players across multiple forums and support channels.

1. Close Call of Duty completely if it’s running
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to Documents
3. Locate the Call of Duty folder
4. Move the folder to another location (like Desktop) or delete it entirely
5. Launch the game normally

The game will create a new settings folder automatically. While you’ll lose your custom settings, this resolves the corrupt file issue causing the loading freeze.

Pro Tip: After the game loads successfully, you can try copying your old Call of Duty folder back to retrieve settings, though this may reintroduce the issue.

Method 2: Force Windows Mode & Spam Space Bar

This unconventional but effective method was discovered by Reddit user Dear_Archer7711:

1. Launch Call of Duty from your platform
2. Immediately press Alt + Enter to force windowed mode
3. While the loading screen displays, repeatedly press the Space Bar
4. Continue pressing Space Bar until you bypass the error

This workaround exploits a timing issue in the loading sequence and has helped many players access the game without closing it.

Method 3: Verify Integrity of Game Files

Corrupted game files are a common culprit. Here’s how to verify files on each platform:

Steam:

1. Open Steam Library
2. Right-click Call of Duty
3. Select Properties
4. Go to Installed Files
5. Click Verify Integrity of Game Files

Battle.net:

1. Open Battle.net launcher
2. Select Call of Duty HQ
3. Click the gear icon next to Play
4. Select Scan and Repair
5. Click Begin Scan

Xbox App:

1. Launch Xbox App
2. Right-click Call of Duty
3. Select Manage
4. Click Files
5. Select Verify and Repair

Method 4: Force DirectX 11 Mode

Windows 11’s DirectX 12 can cause compatibility issues. Force DirectX 11 mode:

Steam:

1. Right-click Call of Duty in Library
2. Select Properties
3. Under Launch Options, type: -d3d11
4. Save and launch the game

Battle.net:

1. Click the gear icon next to Play
2. Select Game Settings
3. Check Additional command line arguments
4. Type -d3d11 in the text box
5. Launch the game

Method 5: Launch in Safe Mode

Running the game in safe mode can bypass certain conflicts:

Battle.net:

1. Go to Settings (cogwheel next to Play)
2. Navigate to Game Settings
3. Expand Call of Duty options
4. Check Additional command line arguments
5. Type -safe in the box
6. Launch the game

Steam:

1. Right-click Call of Duty
2. Select Properties
3. Under Launch Options, type -safe
4. Launch the game

Method 6: Run as Administrator

Administrative privileges can resolve permission-related loading issues:

1. Press Windows key and search for Call of Duty
2. Right-click and select Run as administrator
3. Launch the game through your platform normally

Method 7: Clear Cache Files

Delete Battle.net cache to resolve loading issues:

1. Close Battle.net completely
2. Press Windows + R, type %ProgramData%
3. Delete the Battle.net folder
4. Navigate to %AppData% and %LocalAppData%
5. Delete any Black Ops 6 cache folders
6. Restart Battle.net and launch the game

Method 8: Disable Background Applications

Windows 11 bloatware and background apps can interfere with game loading:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
2. Go to the Details tab
3. Look for high memory usage applications
4. Right-click unnecessary apps and select End Process
5. Focus on third-party applications, not system processes

Critical Apps to Close:

• Discord overlay
• NVIDIA GeForce Experience overlay
• MSI Afterburner
• RGB software
• Antivirus real-time scanning

Method 9: Alternative Workarounds

Some players report success with these timing-based methods:

F1 + Space Method:

1. Launch the game
2. Immediately spam F1 + Space keys together
3. Continue for 30 seconds
4. If stuck after 30 seconds, force close and retry

Minimize Method:

1. Launch the game
2. Press Win + D to minimize
3. Wait 5-10 minutes
4. Use Alt + Tab to check progress without maximizing

Console Fixes

Xbox Solutions

Method 1: Hard Reset

1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds
2. Wait for complete shutdown
3. Unplug power cable for 30 seconds
4. Restart and launch the game

Method 2: Clear Persistent Storage

1. Go to Settings
2. Navigate to Devices & connections
3. Select Blu-ray
4. Choose Persistent storage
5. Select Clear persistent storage

Method 3: Reset Network Settings

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Network settings
3. Choose Advanced settings
4. Select Alternate MAC address
5. Choose Clear

PlayStation Solutions

Method 1: Clear Cache

1. Turn off console completely
2. Unplug power cable
3. Wait 5 minutes
4. Plug back in and restart

Method 2: Rebuild Database (PS5)

1. Turn off PS5 completely
2. Hold power button until second beep
3. Connect controller via USB
4. Select Rebuild Database

Method 3: Reset Network Connection

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Network
3. Choose Set Up Internet Connection
4. Reconnect to your network

Universal Solutions

Check Server Status

Before troubleshooting, verify Call of Duty servers are operational:

• Visit Activision Support status page
• Check @CallofDuty Twitter for updates
• Monitor community forums for widespread issues

Optimize Internet Connection

1. Use wired connection instead of Wi-Fi
2. Reset router/modem
3. Disable VPN if active
4. Ensure NAT type is Open
5. Forward Call of Duty ports

Update Everything

1. Update game to latest version
2. Install latest GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD)
3. Update Windows/console firmware
4. Update DirectX runtime

Disable Crossplay (Temporary)

1. Access game settings (if possible)
2. Navigate to Account & Network
3. Disable Crossplay
4. Restart game

Advanced Troubleshooting

For Persistent Issues

If basic methods fail, try these advanced solutions:

1. Reinstall Game: Complete uninstall and fresh installation
2. Change Installation Drive: Install on different storage device
3. Windows 10 Compatibility: Downgrade from Windows 11 if possible
4. Clean Boot Windows: Disable all startup programs
5. Check Firewall/Antivirus: Add game to exceptions

Known Conflicting Software

Uninstall these programs if present:

• reWASD (controller remapping)
• DS4Windows
• Faceit Anti-cheat
• Any macro software
• Overwolf overlays

Prevention Tips

To avoid future occurrences:

1. Regular Maintenance: Verify game files weekly
2. Clean Shutdowns: Always exit game properly
3. Limit Background Apps: Close unnecessary programs before gaming
4. Keep Drivers Updated: Check for updates monthly
5. Monitor Storage Space: Maintain 20GB free space minimum

Community-Reported Fixes

Players have discovered additional workarounds:

• Steam Big Picture Mode: Launch through Big Picture
• Windowed Borderless: Change display mode in config files
• DNS Change: Switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8)
• Selective Startup: Disable non-Microsoft services

When Nothing Works

If all methods fail:

1. Contact Activision Support: Submit detailed bug report
2. Post on Forums: Share your specific error details
3. Wait for Patch: Some issues require official fixes
4. Try Different Account: Test with alternate Activision account

Latest Updates and Patches

As of March 2026, Activision has acknowledged the “Loading Message of the Day” issue affecting primarily PC players. While an official permanent fix is pending, the methods above provide reliable workarounds. The development team continues investigating root causes, particularly related to Windows 11 compatibility and settings file corruption.

Keep checking Activision’s Known Issues page for official updates and permanent solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Loading Message of the Day error only affect some players?

The error typically occurs due to corrupted local settings files or specific hardware/software configurations. PC players, especially those on Windows 11, experience it more frequently due to DirectX compatibility issues and the variety of system configurations.

Will I lose my game progress if I delete the Call of Duty folder?

No, your game progress, unlocks, and battle pass progression are stored on Activision’s servers. You’ll only lose local settings like graphics preferences, key bindings, and audio settings, which you’ll need to reconfigure.

How long should I wait on the loading screen before trying a fix?

If the loading screen hasn’t progressed after 2-3 minutes, it’s frozen. The normal loading process completes within 30-60 seconds, so anything longer indicates the bug has occurred.

Can this error damage my game files or system?

No, the error itself doesn’t cause damage. However, repeatedly force-closing the game might occasionally corrupt files, which is why verifying game files is recommended after multiple crashes.

Why does the Space Bar method work?

The Space Bar method appears to force the game to skip or bypass certain loading checks. It’s likely exploiting a timing issue in the loading sequence that allows players to proceed past the stuck screen.

Is this error related to my internet connection?

While poor internet can cause loading delays, the “Loading Message of the Day” bug is primarily a local file or software conflict issue. However, ensuring a stable connection can prevent other loading problems.

Will future updates permanently fix this issue?

Activision is aware of the problem and working on a permanent solution. Updates typically address these widespread issues, but the variety of causes makes it challenging to create a universal fix.

Can I prevent this error from happening?

Regular maintenance like verifying files, keeping drivers updated, and avoiding conflicting software significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering this error.

Remember, patience and systematic troubleshooting are key. Start with the simplest solutions before moving to more complex fixes. The Call of Duty community continues discovering new workarounds, so stay connected with forums and social media for the latest solutions.