OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a popular choice for game streamers and content creators to capture and broadcast their gameplay.
However, encountering a black screen when using OBS game capture on Windows can be frustrating, as it prevents you from effectively capturing and streaming your gaming sessions.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the causes behind the OBS Game Capture Black Screen issue on Windows and provide effective methods to fix it.
Causes of OBS Game Capture Black Screen
The OBS Game Capture Black Screen issue can occur due to several reasons, including:
- Graphics Card Compatibility: Some graphics cards may not be fully compatible with OBS, causing black screen issues.
- Outdated Graphics Drivers: Using outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can lead to compatibility issues with OBS game capture.
- Graphics Card Settings: Incorrect graphics card settings or conflicting configurations can cause the black screen issue.
- Game and Window Capture Incompatibility: Certain games or specific window capture settings may conflict with OBS and result in a black screen.
- Administrative Privileges: OBS may require administrative privileges to capture some games properly. Lack of sufficient privileges can cause the black screen issue.
Solutions to Fix OBS Game Capture Black Screen
Follow these detailed solutions to resolve the OBS Game Capture Black Screen issue on Windows:
Solution 1: Update Graphics Drivers
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
- Expand the “Display adapters” category.
- Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver.”
- Choose the option to automatically search for updated drivers. If updates are found, follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
- Restart your computer after the driver update is complete.
Solution 2: Configure Graphics Card Settings
- Right-click on your desktop and select “Graphics Properties” or “Graphics Options,” depending on your graphics card manufacturer.
- Adjust the settings to ensure they are compatible with OBS. Try changing the display mode to “Fullscreen” or “Borderless Windowed” instead of “Exclusive Fullscreen.”
- Disable any unnecessary graphics enhancements or overlays that may interfere with OBS game capture.
Solution 3: Run OBS as Administrator
- Right-click on the OBS Studio shortcut and select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Compatibility” tab and check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator.”
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
- Launch OBS Studio and attempt game capture again.
Solution 4: Use Display Capture as an Alternative
If the game capture mode continues to result in a black screen, you can try using the display capture mode as an alternative:
- In OBS Studio, add a new source by clicking the “+” button in the “Sources” section.
- Choose “Display Capture” and select the display you want to capture.
- Position and resize the capture area to fit your needs.
- Start recording or streaming using the display capture source.
Solution 5: Check Game and Window Capture Settings
- Ensure that the game you are trying to capture is running in the same resolution as OBS. Mismatched resolutions can cause black screen issues.
- For window capture, ensure that you select the correct window or application in the source settings.
- Disable any hardware acceleration settings in the game or application you are capturing, as they may conflict with OBS.
Conclusion
The OBS Game Capture Black Screen issue on Windows can be resolved by updating graphics drivers, configuring graphics card settings, running OBS as an administrator, using display capture as an alternative, and checking game and window capture settings.
By following these solutions, you can effectively overcome the black screen problem and continue capturing and streaming your gameplay seamlessly using OBS on Windows.
Enjoy a smooth streaming experience and engage with your audience without the frustration of a black screen!
