: Modern Windows security prevents the legacy application from interacting directly with system hardware layers without explicit administrator overrides.
The simplest fix is often giving the executable permission to initialize hardware components. Navigate to your Call of Duty installation folder. Right-click cod.exe or modernwarfare.exe . Select .
: The mss32.dll file inside the game's root directory is corrupted, blocked, or altered by an administrative permission conflict. Call of duty exe err mss init failed 150
Do you have a monitor with speakers? An Elgato Stream Deck? A USB microphone that acts as an output? If any of those devices are set as your Default Communications Device but are currently powered off or unplugged, MSS will try to wake them. When it fails to get a handshake, it panics. Error 150 is the sound of silence.
Run the executable and extract the files to a temporary folder on your desktop. : Modern Windows security prevents the legacy application
If the previous steps fail, your underlying Windows system files might be the issue. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can fix corrupted Windows system files.
Third-party services can conflict with the game's startup process. Press Win + R , type msconfig , and hit Enter. Right-click cod
If you're still seeing the error, these more involved fixes have worked for some users.
Corrupted game files are the most common cause of initialization failures.
Plug any 3.5mm auxiliary cable, headphone plug, or external microphone into your PC’s or audio combo jack.
The Evolution of Modern Combat: A Reflection on Call of Duty