We conducted an extensive survey and analyzed user cases where the black screen occurred while streaming with OBS. Our findings suggest several potential causes: The solutions are ordered by difficulty and efficiency, so make sure to follow them in sequence for effective troubleshooting. Happy troubleshooting!
1. Power Cycle Your Computer
As a preliminary step, power cycling your computer can sometimes resolve the black screen issue with OBS immediately. Power cycling involves completely shutting down your computer and removing any power sources, which clears all temporary configurations. When you power the machine back on, everything will be reinitialized from scratch. After waiting for 2-4 minutes, reconnect the power source and check to see if the issue has been resolved.
2. Select the Correct Version of OBS Studio
OBS is available as both 32-bit and 64-bit versions to accommodate different versions of the Windows operating system. It’s crucial to select the version that matches your system’s architecture. First, let’s determine the operating system version on your computer. Next, navigate to the OBS installation folder and launch the version of the application that corresponds to your system’s bit architecture.
3. Change Compatibility Mode
Compatibility mode settings in OBS have shown mixed results among users. While some found that changing compatibility to Windows 7 resolved their problems, others reported that disabling compatibility mode altogether fixed the issue. You can try both methods to determine which works for you. If neither does, revert the setting to its default and proceed to the next solution.
4. Grant Administrator Rights
Lack of proper administrator privileges is another reason why OBS might not stream your screen or game properly. Granting OBS administrative rights can often fix streaming issues instantly. It’s recommended to keep these privileges enabled going forward.
5. Select the Correct GPU for Resources
One interesting finding is that failing to select the correct GPU for your specific capture needs can lead to issues like the black screen in OBS. The preferred GPU to select varies depending on the capture mode:
Game Capture: Use the dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA or AMD).Monitor/Display Capture: Use Intel’s integrated GPU.
Note: This solution applies only if you have a dedicated graphics card installed on your computer. Follow the steps below depending on your capture mode:
6. Change Drive Permission Settings
If OBS is installed on your primary drive (typically C:), it’s possible that you do not have full permission to edit and modify its contents. For security reasons, users are typically restricted from accessing this drive freely due to the presence of essential system files. Some users have found that changing the ownership settings of their primary drive can instantly resolve the issue. Ensure you are logged in as an administrator before following these steps.
7. Change OBS Settings
It may be necessary to change specific settings within OBS if the default or custom configurations conflict with the software, leading to the black screen. Below are some settings adjustments to ensure OBS operates optimally: After modifying the settings, restart OBS to test if you can now stream your screen or games without any difficulties. Note: You might also want to switch from ‘Capture any fullscreen application‘ to ‘Capture specific window‘ if experiencing problems.
8. Enable Multi-adapter Compatibility
OBS includes a Multi-adapter compatibility setting, designed for computers using SLI or Crossfire technology. This technology allows the use of two graphics cards simultaneously to improve gaming or application performance. It was discovered that enabling Multi-adapter compatibility can fix the black screen problem in OBS, even on computers without SLI/Crossfire technology. To enable this feature, select your stream and click on the gear icon. In the window that appears, you can check the option for Multi-adapter compatibility.
9. Disable Overclocking
Overclocking boosts your processor’s clock rate until it reaches the threshold temperature set by the manufacturer. The clock speed then reverts to the default to cool down before increasing again. Although it can enhance performance and frame rates, overclocking isn’t without potential issues. There have been instances where PCs with enabled overclocking experience black screen issues with OBS. If you encounter this problem, try disabling overclocking and any related software like MSI Afterburner. If the problem is resolved, you may want to disable overclocking while using OBS. Note: Additionally, disable any overlays provided by software like GeForce Experience or the Windows Game Bar, as well as any other software offering game or video controls.
10. Check for Conflicting Software
OBS’s black screen issue may also arise from conflicting software, especially other screen capture and video recording tools that may be running in the background. Even when you think certain software isn’t active, it might still be functioning discreetly. To resolve conflicts, inspect your computer for any such software and uninstall it if necessary.
11. Reinstall the Application
If you’ve tried all the above solutions without success, it may be necessary to completely reinstall OBS. This approach addresses the possibility of a corrupt or outdated copy by delivering a fresh installation without any broken modules. However, be aware that this will delete any preset configurations, so save any essential work beforehand. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix the black screen issue in OBS. If problems continue, consider reaching out to the OBS support community or forums for further assistance.
