How to Fix OBS Studio Black Screen While Live Streaming and Recording

Jason

By Jason

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Fix OBS Black Screen

Most people go through OBS black screen or OBS studio game capture black screen while streaming live with OBS.

You may have read various online forums on OBS black screen, but nothing actually works.

It does not matter what mode you select for the recording window out of options like Display, Window, or Game Capture; you cannot go ahead of the OBS studio black screen.

OBS or Open Broadcaster Software is a tool that most users use to capture screens. This recording tool is available for free on the internet. Its name suggests an open-source tool that lacks stability, security, and support service.

However, there are different ways to resolve the OBS studio black screen issue. Here, we are going to talk about some of the interesting ways to perform this task. On the other hand, it is best to get rid of the tool altogether.

Make use of HitPaw Screen Recorder, never to face the OBS black screen ever again.

Both screen recorders for iOS tools are secure, powerful, and stable for the recording screen. These tools even offer customer service support.

Part 1: Fix OBS Black Screen by Adjusting GPU

As you know, modern laptops come with more than one GPU to ensure power saving and better performance. Apart from the main integrated GPU, another discrete GPU is even known as a dedicated card or separate card.

AMD and NVIDIA are the major producers of discrete GPUs in the market. Generally, the system runs low-power applications such as browsers on the incorporated GPU and intensive-powered applications such as games on the discrete GPU to save power and attain better performance.

OBS runs on the integrated CPU. Due to this reason, when you attempt to capture gameplay or an application that runs on the discrete GPU with OBS, both GPUs clash. That’s the reason behind the OBS studio black screen.

Hence, you have to ensure that both the app and OBS share a similar GPU. Now, you have to run OBS on the higher-performance GPU by following the instructions below.

Steps to Fix OBS Game Capture Black Screen:

Step 1: Shut OBS

In the first place, you have to make sure that OBS is not running. If running, close the application.

Step 2: Select “Manage 3D Settings”

Next, you have to right-tap on the screen and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.” After that, select the tab “Manage 3D Settings” from the listed options.

Fix OBS black screen on NVIDIA Control Panel

Step 3: Tap on “Add”

From there, select the tab “Program Settings” and navigate to the option “Select a program to customize“. Now, select the button “Add.”

Step 4: Locate the Extension

Next, locate the extension path of OBS. Default OBS extension ways are as follows:

  • “C:\Program Files (x86)\obs-studio\bin\64bit\obs64.exe”
  • “C:\Program Files (x86)\obs-studio\bin\32bit\obs32.exe”

After finding the .exe file, add the same to the previous column.

Step 5: Choose “High-Performance NVIDIA Processor”

Under the section “Select the preferred graphics processor for this program,” tap on the option “High-performance NVIDIA processor.” Before that, you have to select the extension path.

Step 6: Restart the Application

Now, close the NVIDIA control panel and start OBS again to see if it is working now.

Using this method, you can select the high-performance processor for the OBS app. Otherwise, one can even set the high-performance processor for all applications.

In this way, OBS can record games working on a similar GPU. However, it will consume more power.

By the way, here are the top voice changers for Streamlabs you should check out.

To Set the Discrete Gpu for All Apps, Follow the Steps As:

1: Initially, open the NVIDIA Control Panel and then select “Manage 3D Settings“, just like above.

2: Under the tab “Global Settings,” you must choose “High-performance NVIDIA processor.” After that, you have to click “Apply” and then, O.K.

3: Now, close the NVIDIA Control Panel and start the OBS again.

For AMD-GPU-based systems, you have to configure how to switch graphics on them. After that, you have to examine OBS to see if the OBS black screen still exists or not.

Part 2: Repair OBS Studio Black Screen by Enabling Compatibility Mode

At times, the OBS black screen appears due to compatibility issues. If you face a problem with Windows 10, you can manage it by handling properties. So, let’s try out this method to get rid of the OBS studio black screen.

Steps to Fix OBS Game Capture Black Screen:

Step 1: Locate “OBS Studio”

In the first place, you have to tap on the menu “Start” and select “All apps.” From there, search for “OBS Studio” while following the “O” index.

Step 2: Select the Version

Now, select the “OBS Studio” option and choose the 32-bit or 64-bit version, depending on your PC version. After right-clicking on the application, select the “Open file location” option.

Step 3: Choose “Properties”

Once done, select the “Properties” option and switch the tab “Compatibility” by right tapping on it.

Step 4: Choose “Windows”

Next, you have to examine “Run this Program in compatibility mode for: ” In the mode “Compatibility,” you have to choose “Windows 7” from the list.

Repair OBS Studio Black Screen by Enabling Compatibility Mode

Step 5: Apply Changes

Once everything is done, tap on “Apply” to save all the changes.

Part 3: Fix OBS Black Screen by Running It as Administrator

It is another method to fix the OBS studio black screen. Here, you have to run this program as an administrator. It aims to make use of all functions of OBS.

So, please take a look at the following steps to run it as an administrator.

Steps to Fix OBS Game Capture Black Screen:

Step 1: Launch the App

Firstly, launch OBS and get rid of all the black-windowed views or sources.

Step 2: Insert a Source

After that, put in a source without modifying default settings. Now, close the app.

Step 3: Tap “Open File Location”

Next, you have to right-click on the icon of OBS and select the “Open file location” option.

Step 4: Locate the .exe file

From there, you have to locate the .exe file of the OBS. After finding the .exe OBS icon, you have to choose the option “Run as administrator.”

So, you can let go of the OBS studio black screen easily with the above-mentioned methods.

If you do not want to face the OBS black screen again, go with alternatives like HitPaw Screen Recorder. These amazing tools will work wonders for screen recording!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why is OBS Studio showing a black screen? OBS Studio may show a black screen due to graphics card issues, display capture problems, incorrect OBS Studio settings, or using an outdated version of the software.

2. How can I fix the black screen issue in OBS Studio? You can fix the black screen issue in OBS Studio by updating your graphics card drivers, checking display capture settings, adjusting OBS Studio settings, updating OBS Studio to the latest version, and ensuring hardware compatibility.

3. Why is it important to keep OBS Studio updated? Keeping OBS Studio updated is crucial as developers regularly release updates to address bugs, improve performance, and enhance compatibility with different systems.

4. Are there alternative screen capturing methods in OBS Studio? Yes, OBS Studio offers alternative screen capturing methods such as window capture and game capture, which you can try if the display capture option is causing a black screen.

5. Where can I get further assistance with OBS Studio issues? You can seek further assistance with OBS Studio issues by engaging with the OBS Studio community and forums. Other users may have encountered similar problems and can provide helpful advice and solutions.

Conclusion

Experiencing a black screen while using OBS Studio can hinder your streaming or recording activities. By understanding the common causes and applying the troubleshooting methods outlined in this article, you can effectively resolve the OBS Studio black screen issue.

Remember to keep your graphics card drivers up-to-date, adjust display capture and OBS Studio settings, and update OBS Studio itself. Additionally, consider hardware compatibility and implement the additional tips and tricks provided to ensure a smooth OBS Studio experience.

Jason
Jason

Skilled software testing specialist with expertise in comparisons and research, passionate about blogging, reviews, and creating video tutorials.

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