Why OBS Isn't Capturing Your Game (And How to Fix It)

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a powerful tool for streaming and recording, but it can sometimes struggle to capture games. This issue can be frustrating for streamers and content creators. In this guide, we will explore the most common reasons why OBS may not capture your game and provide step-by-step solutions.

Common Reasons OBS Doesn't Capture Games

1. Insufficient Permissions

OBS requires administrator rights to access certain games. Without these permissions, it may fail to capture the game properly. This is particularly common with games like Call of Duty and Valorant, which have extra security measures. Running OBS as an administrator is a simple yet essential fix.

2. GPU Conflicts

If your game and OBS are using different GPUs—common on laptops with integrated and dedicated graphics—this can cause OBS to display a black screen. Ensuring both the game and OBS use the same GPU can resolve this issue.

3. Game-Specific Issues

Some games, especially newer or highly secure ones like Call of Duty or League of Legends, may require specific settings or even workarounds to capture successfully. For example, League of Legends may need two separate scenes for its lobby and in-game capture.

Solutions to OBS Not Capturing Game

1. Run OBS as Administrator

To give OBS the permissions it needs, you should run it as an administrator. Right-click the OBS icon, choose “Run as Administrator”, and check if it now captures your game. You can also set OBS to always run with these permissions through the properties menu.

2. Switch to Windowed or Borderless Fullscreen Mode

OBS may struggle with games in exclusive fullscreen mode. Switching your game to windowed or borderless fullscreen mode can allow OBS to capture it more effectively. Many games offer these settings in their display options.

3. Disable Conflicting Software

Third-party programs such as overlays (e.g., Discord, GeForce Experience) or antivirus software can interfere with OBS. Try disabling these programs while capturing games. Additionally, ensure no other screen capture software is running in the background.

Advanced Troubleshooting

1. DirectX 11 Compatibility

Games running on DirectX 12 can sometimes cause issues for OBS, leading to crashes or black screens. Switching to DirectX 11, if the game supports it, often resolves these problems.

2. Update Drivers and Software

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues. Make sure both OBS and your GPU drivers are up to date. This can often resolve capture issues, especially for newer games.

3. Adjust GPU Settings

For users with dual-GPU systems (such as many laptops), ensure both OBS and your game are set to use the same high-performance GPU. This can be adjusted in the settings of your GPU control panel, such as NVIDIA or AMD.

Conclusion

OBS is a versatile tool, but like any software, it may need some troubleshooting to function correctly. Running OBS as an administrator, switching to windowed mode, and disabling conflicting software are some of the simplest and most effective fixes. By following these steps, you can ensure your gameplay is captured smoothly and efficiently.