Recording and streaming your gameplay with OBS Studio can be incredibly rewarding—until it doesn’t work. One of the most common frustrations gamers face is the dreaded “Game Capture not working” issue in OBS. Whether it’s a black screen, partial capture, or no signal at all, these hiccups can ruin your workflow and drive you up the wall.
Contents
TL;DR: Quick Fixes in a Nutshell
If your OBS Game Capture isn’t working, first double-check that you’re running OBS as an administrator and that you’ve selected the correct game window. Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date and Game Mode is disabled in Windows. For multiplayer games or protected content, try using Window Capture or Display Capture as a workaround.
What Causes Game Capture to Fail in OBS?
There are a variety of reasons your Game Capture might not work in OBS Studio. Understanding the possible causes can help you quickly identify and resolve the issue.
- Incorrect Capture Method: You might be using the wrong capture setting for the game.
- Permissions: OBS may not have the access it needs to capture your screen properly.
- Graphics Driver Conflicts: Conflicting GPU settings or outdated drivers can cause OBS to malfunction.
- Game-Specific Issues: Some games block OBS from capturing the screen due to built-in anti-cheat systems or overlays.
- Multi-GPU Systems: If you’re using a laptop with integrated and dedicated GPUs, OBS may be trying to capture from the wrong one.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Run OBS as Administrator
This is the first step and often the solution for many users. Running OBS as an administrator gives it elevated privileges, allowing it to properly hook into your game’s rendering process.
- Right-click on the OBS shortcut.
- Select Run as administrator.
2. Check Your Game Capture Source
Make sure your source is configured correctly in your OBS scene.
- Go to the Sources panel and click the + icon.
- Select Game Capture.
- Choose the appropriate mode:
- Capture any fullscreen application – Good for fullscreen games.
- Capture specific window – Ideal for windowed or borderless windowed mode. Ensure you select the correct game from the dropdown.
3. Switch to Window Capture or Display Capture
Having trouble with Game Capture specifically? Try using alternative capturing methods, though these come with some caveats like frame drops or showing more than you intend.
To do this:
- Click the + button in the Sources panel.
- Choose Window Capture or Display Capture.
- Select the game window or desktop display from the available options.
4. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
OBS doesn’t always play nice with Windows’ Fullscreen Optimizations. Here’s how to disable it:
- Right-click on your game’s shortcut or executable file.
- Go to Properties > Compatibility.
- Check the box that says Disable fullscreen optimizations.
5. Confirm Your Game Isn’t Using Anti-Cheat Blocking
Some competitive or online multiplayer games block Game Capture as an anti-cheat precaution. If you see a black screen or nothing at all, this could be the reason. In these cases, Window or Display Capture might be your only alternatives.
6. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or buggy GPU drivers are a common culprit. Regardless of whether you’re using an NVIDIA or AMD card, updating drivers can often solve Game Capture issues.
- For NVIDIA: Use GeForce Experience or download directly from their website.
- For AMD: Use Radeon Software or the AMD Drivers website to get the latest updates.
7. Use the Correct GPU on Dual GPU Systems
If you’re using a laptop or a desktop with integrated graphics and a dedicated GPU, ensure OBS and your game are running on the same GPU. OBS generally should be assigned to the dedicated GPU.
- Open Windows Settings and head to System > Display > Graphics settings.
- Choose Classic app and locate your OBS executable file.
- Once added, click Options and set it to use the High performance GPU.
8. Disable Game Mode and Game Bar
Windows 10 and 11 have built-in features that can interfere with screen capture. Turn both off:
- Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. Toggle Off.
- Under Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar, toggle it Off as well.
9. Check for Conflicting Software
Overlay apps like Discord, NVIDIA Share, or MSI Afterburner can conflict with OBS’s Game Capture functionality. Try closing or disabling these programs to test whether they’re the source of the problem.
- Exit Discord or disable its overlay in settings.
- Close the GeForce Experience overlay or disable “Instant Replay.”
- Turn off any performance monitoring tools like Rivatuner Statistics Server (RTSS).
10. Experiment with Different OBS Versions
Sometimes, newer versions of OBS might introduce bugs, while older versions might lack support for certain games. Try experimenting with:
- The latest stable release from the official OBS website.
- The OBS Studio Beta if you want to test new features and patches.
Bonus Tip: Use Compatibility Mode
If all else fails, try launching OBS in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows:
- Right-click your OBS shortcut or executable.
- Go to Properties > Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and select Windows 8 or Windows 7.
Prevention: Make OBS Game Capture Work Smoothly Every Time
Once you’ve resolved your current issues, here are a few tips to make sure you avoid them in the future:
- Keep OBS and Your GPU Drivers Updated: Regular updates improve performance and compatibility with new games.
- Avoid Unnecessary Overlays: Only use what’s essential when gaming and recording.
- Create Scene Profiles: Save a preset for different games or activities to streamline your production flow.
Conclusion
OBS Game Capture issues can be frustrating, but they’re usually fixable by methodically checking settings, permissions, and hardware configurations. Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or a relative beginner, taking the time to troubleshoot properly can save you hours of headaches later.
Always remember: just like in gaming, a bit of patience, problem-solving, and the right tools will lead to victory!