How to Get Rid of Black Screen in OBS Studio on Windows and Mac

Summary: OBS, also called Open Broadcaster Software, is a popular open-source project. It attracts a lot of gamers, vloggers, teachers and more around the world; however, fixing the black screen in OSB Studio can be a challenge. This tutorial will show you multiple ways to fix it and let you capture your screen seamlessly.

Part 1: What Causes a Black Screen in OBS Studio?

According to our research, the black screen in OBS Studio is not an uncommon phenomenon. Many users reported that they have experienced such problem. Why is OBS screen black? There are several culprits:

• 1. Administrator user privileges. When capturing screen, OBS needs to obtain the access of your entire screen. If you log in your computer with a user account, your screen access may be restricted.
• 2. Software conflict. There are two versions of OBS, one for 32-bit system and the other for 64-bit system. Download and use the right; otherwise, the OBS black screen will happen.
• 3. Overclocking. It may boost the performance of your machine, but lead to various issues.
• 4. Incorrect configuration. Though OBS is pretty easy to use, you have to set up it correctly.
• 5. Dedicated Graphics Interfering. When you run an application, your computer allocates resources from dedicated graphics card. The selection may have an adverse effect and OBS may not be able to work properly.
• 6. Compatibility issue. If you just update your computer, OBS may be outdated and conflict with your system.
• 7. System error. Operating system error is another factor can cause black screen in OBS too.

Part 2: How to Fix a Black Screen in OBS Studio

It may be difficult to diagnose the real factor cause OBS black screen, but you can fix this problem with the solutions below.

Solution 1: Run OBS as Administrator

This solution will give OBS the full access and control of your entire screen.

Step 1: When OBS black screen happens, quit it as well as the game or application you intend to record.

Step 2: Click and expand the Start menu on the bottom right corner and search for OBS.

Step 3: Right-click on the OBS program and choose Run as administrator.

Now, you can try OBS again.

Solution 2: Use the Right Version of OBS

You can get the version of your system in Control Panel -> System and Security -> System. Then download the corresponding OBS. Plus, you can fix the OBS black screen issue with the compatibility mode.

Step 1: Right-click on the OBS icon on your desktop and select Open file location.

Step 2: Next, right-click on the exe file and select Properties to open OBS Studio Properties dialog.

Step 3: Go to the Compatibility tab, check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for, and pick your system from the dropdown list.

Step 4: After clicking OK and then Apply button, check your OBS again.

Solution 3: Set the Correct GPU for Resources

Switching GPU for OBS is an efficient solution to fix the black screen issue in OBS Studio.

Step 1: Close OBS, right-click the OBS icon and choose NVIDIA Control Panel.

Step 2: Click the Manage 3D Settings entity on the left side, and head to the Program Settings tab. Click the Add button find the OBS executable file and add it.

Tip: The path is C:\Program Files (x86)\obs-studio\bin\32bit\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\obs-studio\bin\64bit\.

Step 3: Then choose High-performance NVIDIA processor from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Quit the control panel and check if OBS black screen is repaired.

Solution 4: Set up OBS correctly

Another fix to consider when OBS black screen happens is changing some specific settings. You can open the Settings dialog by hitting the Settings button at right side. Then you can find the custom options related to Stream, Output, Audio, Video and more. Adjust the options based on your situation and keep other options by default.

Solution 5: Disable Overclocking

As said previously, overclocking can optimize your processor performance. However, it is also a cause of OSB black screen. So, you'd better turn it off when using OBS.

Step 1: Hold the Shift button and press the Power button. Then choose Restart to boot into BIOS screen.

Step 2: Head to Advanced -> Performance and find the Overclocking option. Then disable it.

Step 3: Exit BIOS by hitting F10 key and boot into your system. Now, OBS should work normally.

Solution 6: Try the Best Alternative of OBS: Screen Recorder

If you have tried the fixes of OBS black screen but the issue persists, you'd better look for an alternative, such as AnyMP4 Screen Recorder. It is able to preset according to your hardware and software automatically. So, the experience is more stable.

• 1. Record anything on your screen with a single hit.
• 2. Add your face and voice to the recording via Webcam.
• 3. Optimize video and audio quality automatically.
• 4. Offer extensive custom options for advanced users.

How to Capture Screen without OBS

Step 1: Install Screen Recorder

Download and install the easiest screen recorder when OBS screen keeps black.

Launch it, choose Screen Recorder, and enable Display and System Sound while disable Webcam and Microphone.

Step 2: Start screen capture

Open the application or game you want to record and set the recording area according to your need. Then click the Settings icon and adjust the Output and other options. Once click the REC button, the screen recording will start.

Step 3: Preview and save recording

When it is done, click the Stop button to open the Preview window. Here you can trim the video or adjust the volume. If you are satisfied with it, click the Save button to export the recording based on your settings.

Conclusion

Can you imagine that the OBS screen suddenly turns to black when you capture gameplay or tutorial video? Though OBS makes it simple to make screen recordings, you'd better master the solutions to fix the black screen issue we shared in the article above.