How to Fix the OBS Studio Black Screen Issue on Windows 11

OBS Studio is among the best applications to record or stream your screen. The open-source software makes it easy to capture screenshots, record gameplays, and do much more.

However, many users are experiencing a black screen while using the OBS Studio. If you’re encountering the same problem, let’s explore the different ways you’re able to fix this annoying issue.

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What Is the OBS Studio Black Screen Issue?

Facing a black screen can be frustrating as it doesn’t give an error code or message so that you could determine the root of the cause. The issue can appear due to many things, but it is mainly related to the installed graphics drivers. It can also occur due to a bug in the current system update.

Whatever the reason may be, it’s pretty easy to fix the OBS Studio black screen issue. Here are all the solutions you can try in this situation.

Dell monitor showing Windows 10 desktop

1. Restart OBS

Before diving into the troubleshooting process, consider restarting OBS Studio. To do it, close OBS Studio from the Task Manager. Then, relaunch it and check for the issue. If you are still facing the black screen problem, move on to the next solution.

2. Upgrade to the Latest Version of Windows

Microsoft releases new updates to increase system performance and eliminate any minor bugs. If the problem is being caused due to a bug in the current OS version, updating Windows can be a quick and easy fix.

You can download the latest Windows update by following the below steps.

MacBook and a Dell laptop running ZorinOS next to each other

Windows will now check for and install any available updates. Once the update process is complete, reboot the system and check for the issue.

3. Run OBS Studio With Administrative Rights

The problem in the discussion can appear due to the lack of administrative rights. In this case, you will have to run the application as an administrator to eliminate the problem.

Here’s how to do it.

firefox logo with yellow warning symbol

Launch OBS Studio and check if you still face the black screen issue. If yes, try the next solution on the list.

4. Use the Correct OBS Studio Version

Like Windows OS, OBS Studio also comes in two different versions – 32-bit and 64-bit. If you have downloaded the wrong application version, you will most likely face the black screen issue.

You will have to download the application as per your system type. To do so, you will have to check the system version, followed by downloading OBS Studio of the same version. Here’s how to do it.

OBS streaming on a single PC

Next,download OBS Studioas per the proper OS version.

5. Change the Compatibility Mode

OBS Studio will throw a black screen if it isn’t compatible with the current OS. you could solve the problem by changing its compatibility. Here’s how.

If the problem persists, chooseWindows 7from the menu.

6 . Download the Latest Graphics Update

Applications like OBS Studio require the latest graphics driver to run without problem. If this isn’t the case, they will regularly throw different issues.

So, it’s a good idea to tryupdating the graphic driverto get rid of the problem. Here’s how.

Wait until the update process is complete. After that, reboot the system and check for the problem.

7. Run OBS Studio on the Correct GPU

The problem in the question will appear if you are not running the application on the correct GPU. The situation mainly arises when the system features two graphics cards, and the application uses another card and not the one that the game is using.

To solve the problem, you will have to run OBS on the same GPU on which the game is running. Here’s how to do it.

7. Tweak OBS Studio’s Settings

OBS Studio lets users configure the settings as per their requirements. But specific settings can conflict with each other and cause a black screen.

you’re able to solve the problem by making some in-app changes. Here’s how.

Next, make the following changes in the settings.

Apply the changes and relaunch the application to see if the issue’s fixed.

8. Update OBS Studio

The black screen can appear due to an outdated application. You will have to download the latest update the eliminate the issue.

OBS Studio will look for and download any available updates.

OBS Studio Black Screen Issue Fixed

Most professional gamers prefer OBS Studio over any other application, and there is a good reason behind it. The application can be easily integrated with platforms like Twitch and YouTube, and its features are comparatively better than any of the OBS Studio alternatives.

Do you want to live stream your content to more than one platform? With multiple streaming software, you can multistream for free. Here’s how.

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