Most users experiencing this issue have confirmed that the streaming function of OBS usually works, but the whole suite crashes when they start the recording. If you’re trying to fix this issue, the first thing you’d want to do is ensure that you are using the correct recording settings to prevent outside interference with other programs using the same dependencies. However, this problem can also occur due to a missing DLL or when the variable path needs to be updated. Other potential causes include a GPU driver inconsistency, an AV interference, or a VPN or proxy interference. Below you’ll find a selection of confirmed methods that other affected users have successfully used to fix the ‘An Unspecified Error Occurred while Recording’ error.
1. Change the recording type
You’ll often get the ‘An Unspecified Error Occurred while Recording’ error in situations where the recording function in OBS defaults to a Custom Output (FFmpeg) instead of using the standard recording mode. Using a custom will also have the unintended consequence of adjusting the default encoder away from H265 / HEVC Encoder (AMD Advanced Media Framework). Note: OBS is notoriously unstable when forced to record with a custom encoder from an integrated GPU. Depending if you’re using an integrated or a dedicated GPU, the recommended recording type is different as you’ll see below. If you’re just starting to troubleshoot the issue, follow the instruction below to change the recording type settings before reinitiating the recording:
2. Download the missing DLL manually
If you already tried adjusting the encoding engine and the same ‘An Unspecified Error Occurred while Recording’ is still occurring, take a look at the underlying message of the error. If any essential .DLL files are missing, they were probably removed by an overprotective AV suite and are either in quarantine or completely removed from your PC. If this scenario is applicable, you can fix the issue easily by downloading the missing .dll files from a specialized directory locally and copying them inside the obs-ffmpeg folder. It’s always good practice to check DLL files for bundled malware or adware when dealing with DLL files. To make sure you don’t expose your system to security threats, we will show you how to check these files for any virus infection before you actively use them on your system. Follow the instructions below to download the missing DLL dependencies and ensure that they are not bundled with adware or malware: Note: If the steps above didn’t fix the issue, you can also re-add the dependencies by uninstalling your current OBS version before reinstalling the latest version from the official website. But keep in mind that going this route will clear all projects that are currently saved in the OBS program.
3. Update the variable PATH
If you already tried reinstalling OBS and you are still seeing the same ‘unspecified error’, it’s likely because the ffmpeg executables that OBS users are not finding the expected DDLs even if you have them on your system. You can correct this issue by tweaking the PATH environment to ‘help’ OBS find the expected DLLs. Note: This procedure is technical and involves doing PATH alterations that might negatively affect other programs that are also using ffmpeg. Here’s how to update the PATH variable using an elevated CMD to help OBS locate the missing .DLL dependencies that are indirectly causing the ‘unspecified error’:
4. Disable GPU driver before launching OBS (temporary fix)
Another popular fix among the OBS Studio community is to disable the active GPU driver after opening the program. This fix supposedly works because it refreshes the GPU log that OBS uses and forces the program to create a new one. To do this, you’ll need to go in Device Manager and disable the active dedicated GPU before re-launching OBS and initiating a recording session. Here’s a quick guide on disabling the GPU driver before launching OBS to fix the ‘An Unspecified Error Occurred while Recording’ error:
5. Whitelist the obs-ffmpeg-mux file (if applicable)
Another reason why you might see the ‘An Unspecified Error Occurred while Recording‘ is interference caused by a false-positive triggered by your AV. OBS Studio is open source and a lot of the available mods and addons are prone to be flagged by both 3rd party AV suites and Windows Security. If you’re using a 3rd party suite, go into your AV settings and whitelist the installation Folder + the mainobs-ffmpeg-mux executable separately. Note: This procedure will be different depending on the 3rd party AV that you’re using. If you use the built-in Windows Defender (Windows Security), follow the steps below to whitelist the obs-ffmpeg-mux executable + the installation path:
6. Disable VPN or Proxy Connection
Another third-party component that could cause this issue with OBS Studio is a proxy or VPN client. If you’re trying to initiate a recording session while using OBS Studio to live stream, the usage of an anonymity app might cause the program to throw the ‘An Unspecified Error Occurred while Recording’ error. If your scenario is similar to the one described above, try removing your VPN client or disabling your proxy server before restarting OBS studio. We created two guidelines to address both of these scenarios, so select the one that relates to you.
6.1. Disable the VPN connection
The method for disabling a VPN service on a Windows machine differs depending on whether it was configured by Windows or by a third-party program. If you are using a standalone program, you must go to the VPN interface and disconnect the connection there. However, if you set up your VPN using the built-in option, you can disable it by doing the following:
6.2 Turn Off the proxy connection
If you’ve previously set up a proxy server locally, you can easily disable it by going to the Settings menu and selecting the Proxy tab. Here’s how to do this:
