how to 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 issue of the OBS studio black screen. 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 Aiseesoft Screen Recorder or FilmoraScrn, never to face the OBS black screen ever again. Both of these Screen Recorder 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 (Nvidia Backend Process) 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 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.

In addition, here is the detailed ShadowPlay vs. OBS comparison and full Screencast O-Matic Review for you.

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:

"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 will be able to record games working on a similar GPU. However, it will consume more power.

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 Control Panel of NVIDIA 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.

Also, here is the best OBS alternative and How to Record a Webinar for you.

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

At times, the OBS black screen appears due to compatibility issues. If you are facing 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 option "Properties" 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.

Step 5: Apply changes

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

In addition, if you are looking for the Best Recording Software for Games and How to Record Screens on Windows 10, these are just for you.

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".

Also, click to find out how to Record Xbox 360 Gameplay and Record the screen by Camtasia Screen Recorder here.

Part 4: Capture Screen with no OBS

If you are still struggling with the OBS studio black screen, the most effective and easy way is to look for an alternative to OBS. You can go with screen recorders like Aiseesoft Screen Recorder or Filmora Scrn.

Aiseesoft is a wonderful screen recorder that comes with very powerful features. Its comprehensible interface makes it a lot easier to use. This tool is more stable than OBS, where it does not black out for no cause. It works as a great alternative to record live videos, gameplay, and screen actions on Mac or Windows PC.

This incredible tool enables users to record both microphone and system voice throughout screen recording. This helps you to record your voice as well as game sounds during gameplay.

Like OBS, Aiseesoft Screen Recorder allows recording the current window with the "Lock window" mode. It even offers hardware acceleration, where users can capture the screen effortlessly while performing heavier tasks or running games.

The Annotation panel enables you to use multiple tools to mark the screen while recording it.

Using the tab "Preferences", users can highlight their mouse pointer by putting a colored sphere around it. You can even adjust the FPS and quality for ensuring premium-quality videos.

So, all you have to do is to download the app and enjoy its various features. Now, let's have a look at how this incredible tool actually functions.

Step 1: Launch Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

Initially, you have to get Aiseesoft Screen Recorder and install the same on your system. Now, install the application.

Fix OBS black screen with Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

Step 2: Select "Video Recorder"

To begin with video recording, you have to tap on the option "Video Recording" present there.

Step 3: Make Adjustments

Now, you can choose the footage area by adjusting the blue row or even customize it. As per your needs and requirements, you can switch on the webcam, voice recording of the system, and the microphone.

Step 4: Hit the button "REC"

You have to press the button "REC" to start recording the screen smoothly.

Learn more about Aiseesoft Screen Recorder

It is another alternative to OBS for saying goodbye to the black screen forever. If you like to enjoy high-impact results from screen recording software, Filmora Scrn is the best option for you.

This tool comes with a lot of features. Users can record and even edit their video footage with this incredible 2-in-1 video recording software. With this program, one can record from the computer or the webcam at the same time. You can even adjust your frame to the full screen or part of the screen. There is also an option for adding annotations and other things.

Not just that, but Filmora Scrn also has the entire editing suite. This allows you to edit clips using a comprehensive range of tools. It supports the import of media files such as photos and audio to customize them. You can export files in formats like GIF, MOV, and MP4 to upload them on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.

Special features of Filmora Scrn:

Filmora Scrn supports the recording of videos with 120 fps.
It produces the most stable and smoothest gameplay.
This tool comprises an experienced and strong technical team.
It is an easy-to-use tool, where no tech knowledge required.

How to capture screen via Wondershare Filmora Scrn?

It is quite easy to record videos with Wondershare Filmora Scrn. All you have to do is go through the following instructions.

1: Initially, you have to launch Filmora Scrn and tap on the "Get Started" option.

2: Now, choose whether you like to record a partial screen or full screen.

3: Select the game you like to capture. The tool works for all popular games like CS: GO, Overwatch, Legends, Dota, etc.

4: Now, choose the fps and set up the audio. If you do not want sound, choose "Don't capture" — otherwise, record from your computer or a microphone.

5: Next, choose the file location where you would like to save the video recording.

6: You have to mark the GPU Acceleration Field and tap on "Capture". To stop the recording, press the tab "F10".

Learn more about Filmora Scrn

So, you can let go of the OBS studio black screen really easily with the above-mentioned methods. If you do not want to face the OBS black screen again, go with alternatives like Wondershare Filmora Scrn or Aiseesoft Screen Recorder. These amazing tools will work wonders for screen recording!