OBS Studio is free software that allows users to professionally stream their games or screens. It is compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows operating systems. When compared to traditional screen recording software, OBS is typically utilized by high-end gamers that demand more control over their screen sharing.
For a long time, OBS has had a problem where users get a ‘black screen’ while trying to broadcast their screens online. This problem is particularly common on Windows platforms and systems that have both dedicated and integrated graphics choices. In this article, we’ll look at all of the possible causes for this problem and how to resolve it.
What causes a Black Screen in OBS Studio?
We conducted a thorough investigation and reviewed all of the user scenarios in which the black screen appeared while streaming using OBS. Based on our investigation, we discovered a number of potential causes for the problem. The following are a few of them:
- Dedicated Graphics Interfering: When you launch a program or a game, the operating system must determine whether to distribute resources from the dedicated graphics card or from the motherboard integrated graphics. This choice may have an adverse effect on running mechanics, and OBS may be unable to stream effectively as a result.
- Administrator privileges: Because OBS is sharing your complete screen, the computer may restrict OBS’ access, preventing it from displaying your material in some circumstances. Typically, simply launching the application with administrative privileges resolves the problem immediately.
- Conflict on 32 and 64-bit applications: OBS’s applications come in two flavors: 32-bit and 64-bit. Depending on the type of operating system installed on your computer, the appropriate version should be chosen. The application will not be compatible and will not function correctly if it isn’t.
- Compatibility issues: We also discovered that OBS was incompatible with the most recent version of Windows. In this case, launching the application in compatibility mode requires it to start and function as planned.
- Overclocking: While overclocking might improve your PC’s performance, it can also have negative consequences for programs. You might try deactivating overclocking to see if it helps with the issue.
- Conflicting software: it could be running in the background, causing a conflict. This software may conflict with OBS, resulting in a resource race that causes OBS to malfunction and stop working properly.
- Capturing options: OBS offers a variety of capturing options, such as full screen or a specific window, among others. When capturing content, the correct one should be chosen.
- PC in an error state: The possibility of a PC in an error condition can never be ruled out. When you haven’t shut down your computer in a long time, this happens. The problem is resolved by just power cycling.
If you find yourself in a similar scenario, you can go to our post and follow the troubleshooting methods we’ve outlined. We’ve compiled a list of hand-picked and tried-and-true techniques for dealing with the problem.
Make sure you start at the top and work your way down the list of solutions. They’re arranged in order of difficulty and effectiveness. Good luck with your troubleshooting!
Power cycle your computer
It’s a good idea to power cycle your computer before we start debugging. Several times, merely power cycling the computer resolved the OBS black screen issue. Power cycling entails totally shutting down your computer and disconnecting it from its power source. This compels the computer to delete all temporary configurations, ensuring that everything is fresh when you restart it.
1. Turn off your computer completely.
2. Take out the power outlet or, if you’re using a laptop, take out the battery once it’s been switched off.
3. Now, for a few seconds, press and hold the power button. This will ensure that the power is completely depleted.
After 2-4 minutes, reconnect everything and see if the problem has been repaired.
Select the Correct Version of OBS Studio
OBS is typically available in two versions: 32 and 64 bits. Because the Windows operating system comes in two versions, the software comes in two versions as well. The amount of calculations per second that 32-bit and 64-bit processors can do is a significant distinction that influences the pace with which they can complete jobs. After validating your bit version, we’ll proceed to OBS’s installation directory and select the correct version of the software.
We’ll start by looking at the operating system version on your computer.
1. Select Properties from the right-click menu on This PC.
2. When you’re in the computer properties, look beneath the System subsection and look for the type in front of System type. Make a note of the sort of operating system you’re using and follow the steps below.
Now we’ll navigate to the OBS installation folder and launch the relevant version of the application for your computer’s bit architecture.
1. To open the file explorer, press Windows + E. Now, in the dialogue box, type OBS and open the file location as seen in the image below.
2. Now, depending on your OS’s bit version, pick and open the appropriate version of the application. Check to see whether the problem has been resolved.
Change Compatibility mode
The compatibility mode option in the application has gotten mixed reviews. Some users said that the application didn’t support the latest version of Windows, therefore they had to update the compatibility to Windows 7, while others claimed that deactivating the compatibility mode fixed the problem immediately. You can try both ways here to see which one works best for you. If it doesn’t, go back to the default setting and try one of the other options.
1. Press Windows + S to search for OBS, then right-click on it and select Open file location from the context menu.
2. Right-click the executable and choose Properties from the context menu.
3. Select the Compatibility tab and check the option Run this program in compatibility mode for once you’re in the properties window. You can now select between Windows 7 and Windows 8.
4. Save your changes and then depart. Now try starting the app to see whether the problem has been repaired.
See more: How To Fix OBS Studio Not Working on Windows 11/10
Grant Administrator Rights
Another reason you might not be able to successfully broadcast your screen or game is that your application lacks sufficient administrator privileges. Because OBS is effectively sharing all of your content and computer activities online, you must grant it administrator rights. This is what we’ll do in this solution, and we’ll see if it addresses the problem. Even if it doesn’t, ensure sure the option is enabled at all times.
1. As in the last approach, go to the executable properties of OBS.
2. Now go to the Compatibility tab and check the Run this software as an administrator option.
3. Exit after applying the modifications. Restart your computer and open OBS once more. Check to see whether the problem has been resolved.
Select the Correct GPU for Resources
Another intriguing occurrence we discovered was that failing to pick the correct GPU for the capture you are utilizing resulted in a variety of issues, including a black screen. The following is a breakdown of the GPU to choose based on the display you’ve chosen:
- Game capture: Dedicated graphics (NVIDIA or AMD).
- Monitor/display capture: Intel’s stock GPU
Note: This option is only available to users who have a dedicated graphics card installed on their PC.
We’ll show you how to deal with both circumstances in this section. Make sure you follow them exactly as they are written in your circumstance.
PRO TIP: If the issue is with your computer or a laptop/notebook you should try using Restoro Repair which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. You can download Restoro by Clicking Here
1. Select NVIDIA Control Panel from the context menu by right-clicking anywhere on your screen.
2. Navigate to Manage 3D settings and click on Program Settings once you’re in the control panel.
3. Select OBS display capture from the program options menu. If you can’t find the entry, go to Add and look it up by going to the software’s installation directory and selecting the executable from there.
4. Select the correct graphics processor for the program based on the sort of capture you’re doing (game or monitor). NVIDIA’s processor is chosen in the example below.
5. Save your changes and then depart. Restart your computer and open OBS once more. Check to see if the black screen problem has been rectified.
Change Drive Permission Settings
If your OBS is installed on your primary disk (C), it’s possible that your user does not have complete permissions to alter or modify its data. This is the most common scenario, and the reason why a regular user is denied access to the disk is due to security concerns, as all of the essential operating system files are present. However, according to some user accounts, changing the ownership settings of the drive immediately resolved the problem. Before you proceed with this solution, make sure you are logged in as an administrator.
1. To open the File Explorer, press Windows + E. Right-click on your C drive (or whichever drive you’ve designated as your primary operating system disk) and select Properties.
2. Select the Security tab and then the Edit button next to permissions.
3. Select Authenticated users from the drop-down menu, then tick the box for Full control.
4. Click Apply > OK to save your changes.
Restart your computer and launch OBS once more, and then check to see whether the problem has been resolved.
Change Settings of OBS
Changing some specific OBS settings is another option to consider. Typically, OBS allows users to configure their settings according to their choices or will. In some circumstances, however, the custom settings may conflict with the program, resulting in a black screen. We’ve compiled a list of some of the settings modifications you’ll need to make in order for OBS to perform at its best.
If the Black Screen appears every time you try streaming, navigate to “Settings” and adjust the following features:
- Disable “Force scaling.”
- Disable “Transparency.”
- Disable “FPS Lock.”
- Disable “Anti-cheat.”
- Disable “Overlays.”
- Enable “Record Cursor.”
- Downscale the FPS and lower the resolution.
- Change the x264 preset.
After you’ve made your adjustments to OBS’s settings, restart it to see whether you can stream your screen/games without any problems.
Note: You can switch from “Capture any fullscreen application” to “Capture specific window” mode.
Enable Multi-adapter compatibility
Multi-adapter compatibility is a setting in OBS that is intended for systems that use SLI or Crossfire technology. SLI/Crossfire are NVIDIA/AMD technologies that allow users to connect two graphics cards instead of one and use them in the same game or program. Enabling this function appeared to have quickly resolved the black screen issue in OBS.
The irony is that this fixed the black screen on PCs without SLI/Crossfire capabilities. To sum up, this is an OBS problem, and you must activate multi-adapter compatibility regardless of whether you have SLI/Crossfire. By picking the stream and clicking the gears icon, you can quickly enable this feature. You’ll be sent to a new window where you may check the option.
Disable Overclocking
Overclocking allows you to increase your processor’s clock rate until it meets the manufacturer’s temperature threshold. The clock speed resets to default once it reaches the temperature, allowing it to cool down. The clock speed is increased after it reaches the appropriate temperature, and the cycle continues. Overclocking allows users to get greater framerates and performance, but it comes with its own set of drawbacks.
In OBS, we noticed that PCs with overclocking enabled had the black screen issue. Disable overclocking and any overclocking-related software, such as MSI Afterburner, and then try to launch OBS again. If the black screen issue has been rectified, you should consider permanently disabling overclocking whenever you use OBS.
Note: Disable Overlay from the GeForce Experience and Windows game bar features, as well. Consider any additional software features that may provide you with more control over your games or videos.
Check for conflicting software
Another explanation for the black screen on your OBS software could be that you have other software operating in the background that is also involved with screen capture and video recording. Users frequently experience this scenario, in which they ‘believe’ that other third-party software is not operating when, in fact, it is running in the background. We’ll look over all of the different software on your computer and delete any unnecessary software that might be causing the problem in this method.
1. Press Windows + R, then enter “appwiz.cpl” in the dialogue window.
2. Search for any recording software you might have installed on your computer in the application manager. Uninstall it by right-clicking on it.
3. Check your taskbar for any additional applications that are running in the background. Exit the application by right-clicking on each entry.
4. Run OBS again after making sure no other programs are running in the background to see if the problem has been resolved.
Reinstall the application
If none of the above techniques work and you still can’t broadcast your game or screen using OBS, you might consider uninstalling and reinstalling the application. It’s possible that you have a corrupted or out-of-date copy that’s causing problems with many modules. All of your preset configurations will be lost as a result of this solution, so make sure you’ve saved anything you need.
1. Press Windows + R, then enter “appwiz.cpl” in the dialogue window.
2. Search for OBS in the application manager, right-click on it, and select Uninstall.
3. Choose both options (one of them will be preselected) and choose Uninstall.
4. Your computer should be restarted. Now go to the official OBS Studio website and download the most recent version. Install it and see if the problem still exists in the new version.
That’s about it.
