Fix New Key Failed to Generate & Attestation Failure in Modern Warfare
This guide fixes the “New Key Failed to Generate” and “Attestation Failure” errors in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) and Warzone. These errors usually occur when the game’s anti-cheat system (Ricochet) cannot verify the integrity of your game files or when the game’s cache becomes corrupted. The steps below will help you clear the problematic cache, repair game files, and ensure your system meets the anti-cheat requirements.
What You’ll Need
- Access to your game launcher (Battle.net or Steam)
- Administrator rights on your Windows PC
- Stable internet connection
- About 30-60 minutes of time (some steps involve large downloads)
Step-by-Step
- Close the game and launcher completely. Make sure Modern Warfare/Warzone is not running in the background. Check the system tray (bottom-right corner) for the Battle.net or Steam icon, right-click it, and select “Exit” or “Quit.”
- Clear the game’s cache folder. Press Win + R, type
%ProgramData%and press Enter. Look for a folder namedBlizzard Entertainment(Battle.net) orSteam(Steam version). Inside, find the folder for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (often namedCall of Duty Modern WarfareorCODMW). Delete the entire contents of that folder. This clears temporary files that often cause key generation errors. - Clear the launcher’s cache. For Battle.net: press Win + R, type
%ProgramData%\Blizzard Entertainment\Battle.netand delete theCachefolder. For Steam: press Win + R, type%ProgramFiles% (x86)\Steam\appcacheand delete the contents of that folder (or the whole folder if you have Steam installed elsewhere). - Repair the game files.
- Battle.net: Open the Battle.net app, select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, click the gear icon next to “Play,” and choose “Scan and Repair.” Wait for it to complete.
- Steam: Open Steam, go to your Library, right-click Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, select “Properties,” go to “Local Files,” and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
- Update your graphics drivers. Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers can cause attestation failures. Visit the website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest driver for your specific model. Use the “Clean Install” option if available.
- Disable conflicting overlays. Overlays from Discord, GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner, or similar software can interfere with the anti-cheat. Temporarily disable them:
- Discord: Settings > Overlay > disable “Enable in-game overlay.”
- GeForce Experience: Open the app, click the gear icon, and turn off “In-Game Overlay.”
- MSI Afterburner: Close the app entirely (right-click the tray icon and exit).
- Run the game as administrator. Right-click the game’s executable (or the launcher) and select “Run as administrator.” This ensures the game has the necessary permissions to write key files.
- Restart your PC and try again. After all the above steps, restart your computer and launch the game. If the error persists, proceed to the Troubleshooting section.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the cache deletion. Many users only repair files, but the corrupted cache is often the root cause. Deleting the cache forces the game to regenerate all temporary files.
- Not closing the launcher completely. If Battle.net or Steam is still running in the background, the cache may be locked and not deleted properly.
- Using a VPN or proxy. A VPN can cause attestation failures because the anti-cheat sees a changing IP address. Disable any VPN before launching the game.
- Ignoring Windows updates. Missing Windows updates, especially security patches, can trigger attestation failures. Make sure Windows is fully updated.
Tips
- Check your system time and date. Incorrect system time can break the key generation process. Right-click the clock in the taskbar, select “Adjust date/time,” and ensure “Set time automatically” is on.
- Disable any RGB lighting software. Programs like iCUE, Razer Synapse, or Logitech G Hub sometimes interfere with anti-cheat. Close them temporarily.
- Use the game’s built-in repair tool first. If you’re unsure, start with the repair option in your launcher—it’s the safest first step.
- Create a Windows restore point. Before making major changes, create a restore point so you can revert if something goes wrong.
Troubleshooting
If the error still appears after following all steps:
- Reinstall the game. Uninstall the game completely (not just the launcher), then reinstall. This is a last resort but often fixes persistent issues. Make sure to back up any custom settings or keybinds.
- Check for third-party antivirus conflicts. Some antivirus software blocks the anti-cheat. Add the game’s folder and the launcher’s folder to the antivirus exclusions list. If that doesn’t help, temporarily disable the antivirus (not recommended for long-term use) to test.
- Contact Activision Support. If the issue persists, it may be a server-side problem or a rare bug. Provide them with the error code (if any) and the steps you’ve already tried. They may have additional fixes or can escalate the issue.
- Try a different network. Sometimes, a router or ISP-level issue can cause attestation failures. Try using a mobile hotspot to see if the error goes away—if it does, your network is the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get “New Key Failed to Generate”?
This error typically occurs when the game cannot create a unique encryption key for your session. It’s usually caused by corrupted cache files, outdated drivers, or interference from background software.
What does “Attestation Failure” mean?
The anti-cheat system verifies that your game files are unmodified and your system is secure. An attestation failure means it couldn’t confirm this, often due to corrupted files or unexpected system changes.
Will this fix work on Warzone 2.0?
No, these steps are specifically for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) and the original Warzone. Warzone 2.0 uses a different engine and anti-cheat, but many of the same principles (like repairing files) apply.
Do I need to reinstall the game if I get this error?
Not usually. The cache clearing and file repair steps resolve the issue for most players. Reinstalling is only necessary if those steps fail.
Can this error be caused by a hardware issue?
Very rarely. It’s almost always software-related. However, if your CPU or GPU is overclocked, try reverting to stock speeds, as instability can cause attestation failures.
How long does the repair take?
It depends on your internet speed and hard drive. A scan and repair can take from 5 to 30 minutes. A full reinstall can take several hours.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.