Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a powerful tool for screen recording and live streaming, but it can sometimes fail to capture games properly. This issue often stems from incorrect settings, compatibility problems, or conflicts with Windows features.
1. Verify Game Capture Settings in OBS
OBS offers multiple capture modes, including Game Capture, Display Capture, and Window Capture. If your game isn’t being captured, the first step is to ensure you’re using the correct mode. Game Capture is typically the best option for capturing games, as it directly hooks into the game’s rendering process.
- Open OBS and navigate to the Sources panel.
- Add a new Game Capture source.
- Set the mode to Capture any fullscreen application or specify the game executable manually.
- Ensure the game is running in fullscreen or borderless windowed mode for optimal compatibility.
If Game Capture doesn’t work, try switching to Display Capture as a temporary workaround. However, this may result in lower performance or additional visual artifacts.
2. Disable Windows Game Mode
Windows Game Mode is designed to optimize system performance for gaming, but it can sometimes interfere with OBS. Disabling Game Mode can resolve conflicts and improve OBS’s ability to capture games.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Gaming and select Game Mode.
- Toggle off the Game Mode switch.
- Restart your computer and test OBS again.
If disabling Game Mode resolves the issue, you can leave it off permanently or re-enable it and test other solutions.
3. Adjust Display and Graphics Settings
Incorrect display or graphics settings can prevent OBS from capturing your game. Ensure your display settings are configured correctly and that your graphics drivers are up to date.
- Check your game’s resolution and refresh rate in the game settings. Match these settings in OBS under Settings > Video.
- Update your graphics drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
- If you’re using multiple monitors, ensure OBS is set to capture the correct display.
Additionally, some games require specific graphics API settings (e.g., DirectX 11 or Vulkan). Experiment with these settings in the game’s options menu to see if they improve compatibility with OBS.
4. Run OBS and the Game as Administrator
Running OBS and the game with administrator privileges can resolve permission-related issues that prevent proper capture. This ensures both applications have the necessary access to system resources.
- Right-click the OBS shortcut and select Run as Administrator.
- Do the same for the game’s executable file.
- Test OBS to see if the game is now being captured.
If this resolves the issue, you can set OBS and the game to always run as administrator by modifying their properties.
5. Check for Compatibility Issues
Some games or game launchers may have compatibility issues with OBS. This is especially common with anti-cheat software or DRM-protected games. In such cases, you may need to adjust OBS settings or use alternative capture methods.
- If the game uses anti-cheat software, try using Display Capture instead of Game Capture.
- For DRM-protected games, ensure OBS is updated to the latest version, as updates often include compatibility fixes.
- Check the OBS forums or the game’s support page for known issues and workarounds.
If none of these steps work, consider using a different screen recording software temporarily or reaching out to the OBS community for further assistance.
6. Update OBS and Plugins
Outdated versions of OBS or its plugins can cause compatibility issues with newer games or Windows updates. Ensure you’re using the latest version of OBS and any installed plugins.
- Open OBS and go to Help > Check for Updates.
- Download and install any available updates.
- If you’re using plugins, visit the plugin developer’s website to ensure they’re up to date.
Updating OBS and its plugins can resolve bugs and improve performance, making it easier to capture games without issues.