How to Fix Obs Saying I’m Outputting a Black Screen

OBS Studio is a powerful tool for content creators, widely used for recording and streaming gameplay. However, many users encounter the frustrating OBS black screen issue, where the game fails to display on screen while recording.

This problem can significantly hinder streaming or content creation efforts, leaving creators frustrated and confused.

In this blog, we will explore the common causes behind the OBS black screen problem and offer step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Whether you’re dealing with software conflicts, GPU issues, or incorrect capture settings, this guide provides practical fixes to get your gameplay back on track.

Understanding the OBS Black Screen Problem

The OBS black screen issue is a common frustration for content creators trying to capture gameplay or stream. While OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a robust tool for screen capture and streaming, various technical challenges can cause it to fail when trying to display the game.

Understanding the root causes of the black screen problem is crucial for fixing it. Below, we will explore the possible reasons why OBS might fail to capture games and the settings that can cause this issue.

Why Does OBS Sometimes Fail to Capture Games Properly?

When you start OBS to capture your game, it attempts to record the content being displayed on your screen or within a specific window. However, several factors can prevent OBS from functioning correctly, resulting in a black screen instead of game footage. These causes include insufficient permissions, outdated software, conflicts with other applications, and issues related to the system’s graphics card setup.

What Are the Common Causes of the Black Screen Issue?

Insufficient Permissions

OBS requires certain system privileges to capture video from a game. If you run OBS without administrator privileges, it may lack access to the game window or full-screen mode, leading to a black screen.

This is because OBS might not have the necessary permissions to interact with the game’s graphics engine. Running OBS as an administrator can solve this issue and ensure OBS has full access to capture the screen properly.

Outdated OBS Software or Drivers

Another common cause is using outdated versions of OBS Studio or outdated GPU drivers, similar to how outdated software can contribute to issues like the Roblox white screen glitch. OBS relies on the latest software updates to stay compatible with the newest games and graphics card technologies.

If you are using an old version of OBS or have not updated your GPU drivers, this can lead to compatibility problems. Regularly updating both OBS and your graphics drivers will help keep everything running smoothly and ensure OBS can capture your game without issues.

Software Conflicts with Other Applications

Many programs, such as antivirus software, other screen recording applications, or video streaming tools, can conflict with OBS, similar to how applications may cause issues like Crunchyroll showing a black screen on Streamlabs. These conflicts can prevent OBS from accessing the game window or displaying the screen properly.

For example, applications that use hardware acceleration or screen capture technologies can interfere with OBS’s ability to perform game capture. Closing any unnecessary applications and checking for conflicting programs through the Task Manager can resolve these conflicts.

GPU Conflicts in Dual-GPU Systems

Many modern systems come with both an integrated GPU (e.g., Intel) and a dedicated GPU (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD). OBS may default to using the integrated GPU, which could cause performance issues or fail to capture the game properly.

This is particularly common on laptops with dual-GPU setups. If OBS is using the wrong GPU for game capture, switching the application to use the dedicated GPU can fix the black screen issue and improve performance, as seen with troubleshooting steps for the 40 series graphics card black screen issue.

Game-Specific Compatibility Issues

Certain games have built-in protections, such as anti-cheat systems or proprietary rendering engines, that can block OBS from capturing the game window.

Popular games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Call of Duty often have special settings or anti-cheat measures that prevent OBS from functioning correctly.

For these games, you may need to adjust the capture settings, try window capture mode instead of game capture, or disable certain features in the game to allow OBS to capture the game screen, similar to resolving black screen issues in Helldivers 2.

Incorrect Capture Settings

OBS offers various capture modes like display capture, window capture, and game capture. Selecting the wrong mode for the game you’re trying to capture can cause a black screen.

For instance, if you choose game capture while the game is running in windowed mode, OBS might not be able to properly capture the content.

Ensuring you select the appropriate capture mode, such as switching to window capture for games running in windowed mode, can help eliminate this problem.

Windows Game Mode Interference

Windows 10 and newer versions feature a Game Mode designed to optimize system resources for gaming, but it may interfere with background applications like OBS or lead to issues similar to streaming Netflix on Discord without a black screen. However, this feature can sometimes prevent OBS from capturing games correctly by limiting the resources available to background applications like OBS.

If Game Mode is enabled, it could block OBS from accessing the game window, resulting in a black screen. Disabling Windows Game Mode can resolve this issue and allow OBS to work as expected.

Problems with DirectX or Transparency Settings

DirectX plays a crucial role in rendering games on Windows. Many modern games use newer versions of DirectX, such as DirectX 12, which may not always be compatible with OBS, especially if you are using an older version.

Switching to an older version of DirectX, such as DirectX 11, may solve the problem of OBS not capturing the game.

Additionally, certain games use transparency effects (like in some UI elements), which can interfere with OBS’s ability to capture the game properly. Disabling the transparency effects in the game or OBS can help alleviate this issue.

How Can You Fix the OBS Black Screen Problem?

If you’re encountering a black screen issue with OBS, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve it. Below, we will cover each solution in detail, making it easy for you to implement them one by one.

Solution 1: Running OBS as an Administrator

Running OBS as an administrator is one of the most straightforward ways to resolve the black screen problem. OBS requires certain system permissions to interact with applications or games running in full-screen or exclusive modes. Without administrator privileges, OBS may fail to capture the game or window properly, leading to a black screen.

Steps to Run OBS as an Administrator:

Close OBS if it’s open.
Right-click on the OBS shortcut or executable file.
Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Try capturing your game or application again.

Running OBS with administrative privileges ensures that it has the necessary permissions to access and capture all windows and games on your system, including those with advanced graphics and fullscreen modes. This is often the simplest and quickest fix for the black screen problem.

Solution 2: Updating OBS Software and Drivers

Outdated software is one of the leading causes of the black screen issue in OBS. If you’re using an old version of OBS or if your graphics card drivers are not up to date, OBS may fail to capture certain games or applications properly. It’s essential to keep both OBS Studio and your system drivers up to date to maintain compatibility and fix bugs that could be causing the black screen.

Steps to Update OBS:

Open OBS Studio.
Click on Help in the top menu.
Select Check for Updates from the dropdown.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install the latest version.

Steps to Update Graphics Drivers:

Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click on your GPU and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

Updating OBS and your graphics drivers ensures that you’re using the latest features and bug fixes, reducing the likelihood of compatibility issues and the black screen problem.

Solution 3: Identifying and Closing Conflicting Applications

Many applications running in the background may interfere with OBS’s ability to capture game windows. Software such as antivirus programs, video players, or screen recording tools can conflict with OBS’s capture capabilities, resulting in a black screen.

Steps to Identify and Close Conflicting Applications:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Look for any applications that could be using your graphics resources or screen capture capabilities, such as video players, other screen recorders, or even web browsers.
Right-click and End Task for any unnecessary applications that might be interfering with OBS.
Restart OBS and check if the black screen issue is resolved.

In particular, programs that use hardware acceleration can cause issues with OBS’s ability to capture your screen or game window. Disabling hardware acceleration in these programs may also help.

Solution 4: Setting the Correct GPU for OBS

On systems with dual-GPU setups, OBS might default to using the integrated GPU (i.e., Intel GPU), which could lead to performance issues and the black screen problem, especially when running demanding games. To resolve this, you need to ensure OBS is using the dedicated GPU (i.e., NVIDIA or AMD) for game capture.

Steps to Set the Correct GPU for OBS (NVIDIA users):

Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
Go to Manage 3D Settings.
Under the Global Settings tab, find Preferred graphics processor.
Choose High-performance NVIDIA processor.
Click Apply to save the changes.

For AMD users, you can change the settings through the AMD Radeon Settings application, selecting the High-Performance GPU for OBS.

Solution 5: Adjusting Game Capture Settings

Sometimes, OBS’s game capture settings may be incorrectly configured, causing the black screen issue. Game capture is the best option when you want to record or stream a game because it captures the game window directly. However, using window capture or display capture might work better for certain situations.

Steps to Adjust Game Capture Settings:

Open OBS and select your Game Capture source.
Right-click on the source and select Properties.
Under Mode, choose Capture specific window.
From the dropdown, select the game you want to capture.
Uncheck Use anti-cheat compatibility hooking if you’re trying to capture games that have anti-cheat measures.
Click OK and test if the issue is resolved.

Switching between game capture and window capture modes based on the game you’re trying to record can help OBS function correctly.

Solution 6: Disabling Windows Game Mode

Windows Game Mode is designed to optimize gaming performance by prioritizing resources for games. While this sounds great, it can sometimes interfere with OBS’s ability to capture the game window, leading to a black screen. Disabling Game Mode can resolve this issue.

Steps to Disable Windows Game Mode:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Gaming and then select Game Mode.
Toggle off Game Mode to disable it.
Restart OBS and check if the black screen issue persists.

Disabling Game Mode ensures that OBS can access system resources more freely and reduces interference during game capture.

Solution 7: Switching DirectX Versions

Some games use DirectX 12, which may not be fully compatible with OBS. Switching to DirectX 11 may help fix the black screen issue, especially if the game is not rendering properly with DirectX 12.

Steps to Switch DirectX Versions:

Open OBS and go to Settings.
Under Video, change the Renderer to DirectX 11.
Click Apply and restart OBS.
Test the game capture again.

Switching to DirectX 11 can significantly improve OBS’s ability to capture the game screen and fix rendering issues with newer DirectX versions.

Solution 8: Disabling Hardware Acceleration in Chrome

If you’re using Google Chrome or other browsers to watch streams or play videos while recording with OBS, hardware acceleration in the browser can sometimes conflict with OBS, causing the black screen issue.

Steps to Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome:

Open Chrome and go to Settings.
Scroll down and click on Advanced.
Under the System section, toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
Restart Chrome and check if the issue persists.

Disabling hardware acceleration in Chrome ensures that the browser no longer interferes with OBS, helping eliminate the black screen issue.

Solution 9: Resetting Xbox App Data

The Xbox App in Windows can sometimes interfere with OBS’s ability to capture games, particularly when using Game Mode or game overlays. Resetting the Xbox app data can fix this issue.

Steps to Reset Xbox App Data:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps and find the Xbox app.
Click on the app and select Advanced options.
Click Reset to clear the app’s data.
Restart your computer and check if the black screen issue is resolved.

Resetting the Xbox app data ensures there are no conflicting settings or processes that could interfere with OBS.

Solution 10: Restarting OBS or the Computer

If all else fails, sometimes a simple restart of OBS or even your computer can fix the black screen problem. Closing OBS and restarting the application can help reset its settings and capture capabilities. Similarly, rebooting your computer can resolve temporary issues that might be affecting OBS’s functionality.

Steps to Restart OBS or the Computer:

Close OBS completely.
Restart your computer to clear any temporary system conflicts.
Open OBS again and try capturing your game.

Game-Specific OBS Troubleshooting

While OBS Studio is one of the most popular screen recording and streaming tools available, it can sometimes encounter compatibility issues with certain games. This section will focus on some of the known problems that users experience when using OBS to capture specific games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Destiny 2, and provide tailored solutions to help you resolve these issues effectively.

1. Fortnite

Fortnite is one of the most played battle royale games in the world, but OBS can struggle to capture it properly. Players frequently report encountering a black screen when attempting to record or stream the game. This issue arises due to several factors:

Anti-Cheat Software: Fortnite uses the Easy Anti-Cheat system, which sometimes interferes with OBS’s ability to capture the game.
Full-Screen Mode: OBS often has trouble capturing full-screen games like Fortnite, especially when they run in exclusive full-screen mode, which can prevent the game window from being captured.
DirectX Version: Some users find that certain versions of DirectX cause issues with Fortnite and OBS compatibility.

2. League of Legends

While League of Legends is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, it too can present problems for OBS. Common issues include:

In-Game Settings: League of Legends uses multiple rendering technologies, including DirectX 9, 11, and Vulkan, which might cause OBS to have trouble capturing the game window.
Fullscreen Mode: Similar to Fortnite, running League of Legends in full-screen mode may cause OBS to display a black screen.

3. Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is a fast-paced shooter with a complex graphics engine. Players often experience issues when trying to capture the game on OBS due to:

Fullscreen Mode: Full-screen mode in Destiny 2 can prevent OBS from properly displaying the game.
Anti-Cheat Systems: Destiny 2 uses BattleEye, another anti-cheat system that can block OBS from capturing the game.

Tailored Solutions for Each Game

1. Fixing Fortnite’s Black Screen Issue

Switch to Windowed Fullscreen Mode: One of the most effective solutions is to switch Fortnite to Windowed Fullscreen mode rather than using exclusive fullscreen. This allows OBS to better capture the game window.
Disable Anti-Cheat Compatibility: In OBS, under the Game Capture settings, uncheck the Anti-Cheat Compatibility Hook. This should resolve issues caused by Fortnite’s anti-cheat system.
Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date to avoid conflicts between OBS and Fortnite.

2. Fixing League of Legends Capture Issues

Switch to Borderless Windowed Mode: Set League of Legends to run in Windowed Fullscreen or Borderless Windowed mode to help OBS capture it correctly.
Use Window Capture: Instead of using Game Capture, try using Window Capture in OBS, which is sometimes more reliable for capturing League of Legends.
Ensure DirectX Compatibility: Try switching the DirectX version in the League of Legends settings. If you’re using DirectX 9, try updating to DirectX 11.

3. Fixing Destiny 2’s Black Screen Issue

Run in Borderless Windowed Mode: Set Destiny 2 to Borderless Windowed Mode to avoid issues with exclusive fullscreen capturing in OBS.
Disable Anti-Cheat Hook: In OBS’s Game Capture settings, disable the Anti-Cheat Compatibility Hook to bypass issues caused by Destiny 2’s anti-cheat system.
Use Display Capture: If Game Capture doesn’t work, switch to Display Capture, which captures everything on your monitor, including Destiny 2.

When Should You Consider Switching from OBS to Alternative Software?

There are several reasons you might want to consider switching from OBS to alternative recording and streaming software:

Performance Issues: If OBS is consuming too many system resources or is unable to run efficiently on your hardware, you might benefit from software that’s optimized for your system.
Compatibility Problems: If you’re experiencing persistent compatibility issues with OBS and your games or other software, an alternative might be better suited to your needs.
Ease of Use: OBS can have a steep learning curve for beginners, so you might want an alternative that is more user-friendly.
Specific Features: If you need specialized features, such as advanced editing tools or integration with specific hardware, alternative software could offer these options.

Gecata by Movavi: Features and Benefits

Gecata by Movavi is an easy-to-use alternative to OBS, especially for users who prioritize simplicity and performance. Here are some key features and benefits of Gecata:

User-Friendly Interface: Gecata has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for both beginners and experienced streamers to start recording or streaming right away.
High-Quality Game Recording: It supports high-definition recording, ensuring that your gameplay captures in the best possible quality.
Hardware Acceleration: Gecata uses hardware acceleration to reduce CPU usage, making it more efficient and better suited for lower-end PCs.
Customizable Hotkeys: You can configure hotkeys to control recording and streaming functions quickly.
In-Game Overlays: Gecata supports in-game overlays, allowing you to display important information during gameplay without interrupting the stream.

Pros of Gecata by Movavi:

Simplified user experience for beginners
Efficient performance with hardware acceleration
Smooth game recording in HD quality
Lightweight, ideal for low-spec computers

Cons:

Fewer advanced features compared to OBS
Limited customization options for experienced users

EaseUS RecExperts: Features and Benefits

EaseUS RecExperts is another OBS alternative designed for both screen recording and live streaming. Here are its features and benefits:

Screen and Game Capture: EaseUS RecExperts can capture both full-screen activities and specific game windows with ease, offering versatile recording options.
Audio Recording: It allows you to record system audio, microphone input, or both, making it ideal for recording commentary while playing.
Webcam Capture: You can overlay your webcam feed on your recording, adding a personal touch to your streams.
Scheduled Recording: EaseUS RecExperts supports scheduled recordings, which is perfect for users who want to set up automatic captures without having to monitor the process.
High-Quality Output: The software captures video in 4K resolution, providing high-quality recordings for streams or content creation.

Pros of EaseUS RecExperts:

Supports multi-source recording (game, system audio, webcam)
Scheduled recording feature
Simple and easy-to-navigate interface
4K video capture for top-quality content

Cons:

Fewer advanced features compared to OBS (such as scene transitions and overlays)
Limited streaming support

Comparing OBS to Gecata by Movavi and EaseUS RecExperts

While OBS offers advanced customization, streaming options, and plugin support, alternatives like Gecata and EaseUS RecExperts excel in simplicity and performance. OBS is more suitable for advanced users who need full control over their streams, while Gecata and RecExperts cater to users who want a straightforward, lightweight experience without needing extensive customization.

OBS is the go-to option for users with high demands for customization and advanced features.
Gecata by Movavi is ideal for gamers who need simplicity and low system resource usage.
EaseUS RecExperts offers great features for both game recording and streaming, with a focus on high-quality output.

Real-Life Fixes Shared by the OBS User Community

When facing OBS issues like the black screen problem, turning to the OBS community for solutions can be incredibly helpful. The community on platforms like Reddit and OBS forums often shares their own experiences and fixes, offering insights that are specific and tailored to various setups.

For example, on the r/obs Reddit thread, a user asked, “Why does OBS show a black screen when I try to capture Fortnite?” A solution that received several upvotes was to disable Windows Game Mode. One Reddit user shared that after turning off Game Mode, OBS was able to capture the game without the black screen issue. They explained that Game Mode interferes with how OBS interacts with hardware and prevents proper capture.

Another solution shared by a forum user was related to graphics drivers. A user with a dual-GPU setup posted a detailed explanation of how updating drivers solved the issue. Their comment said, “I had to update both my integrated and dedicated GPU drivers for OBS to capture games without a black screen.” This advice helped many others with similar configurations.

How Reddit and OBS Forums Help in Troubleshooting

When you search for OBS troubleshooting, both the OBS forums and Reddit are valuable platforms for finding answers to common issues like the black screen. Here’s a specific example from the OBS forums:

One user shared a thread titled “OBS Game Capture Black Screen, Help!” In this post, the user described how they could not get OBS to capture a game despite trying several solutions. The thread was filled with responses, including one helpful fix: switching the capture mode from Game Capture to Display Capture.

A user explained that using Game Capture could sometimes conflict with specific game settings or DirectX versions, and Display Capture worked better for them. This thread accumulated dozens of responses, including troubleshooting steps like adjusting the GPU settings or checking graphics card compatibility.

Furthermore, many users have advised changing the graphics card preference within Windows. A detailed post on Reddit’s r/obs suggested going to Settings > Display > Graphics (or Advanced Graphics for Windows 11) and choosing High Performance for OBS.

The post’s user claimed that OBS needed to be set to use the high-performance GPU to avoid the black screen issue, especially on laptops with dual GPUs. Several other users confirmed that this setting fixed the issue, which shows how sharing real-life experiences can lead to effective solutions.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Community-Recommended Fixes

While community-driven fixes can be very effective, there are some challenges and considerations to keep in mind. The advantages of these fixes include the fact that they are often tried and tested by multiple users who have faced the same issues.

These solutions can be more customized and creative than generic guides you might find elsewhere. They also tend to cover edge cases that official documentation might not touch on.

However, there are also some drawbacks. A common theme across many forum threads is the trial-and-error nature of some fixes. What works for one person might not work for another, especially if their hardware or software setup differs.

For example, some users may have had to tweak additional settings like hardware acceleration in browsers or switch between DirectX versions to resolve the black screen. While the solutions might be shared by others, they may not be universal.

Additionally, some advice on forums and Reddit might be outdated or conflicting, leading to further confusion. It is always advisable to verify solutions before implementing them. Following the wrong advice, especially if it involves adjusting system files or settings, could potentially cause more problems.

Conclusion

Why is OBS showing a black screen when using Game Capture, and how can I fix it?

If OBS is showing a black screen while using Game Capture, it’s often due to improper GPU settings. Here’s a simple fix:

Go to Start and open Settings. Then, navigate to Display and click on Graphics (or Advanced Graphics if you’re using Windows 11). Find OBS Studio in the list of apps, select it, and click on Options. Choose High Performance to make sure OBS is using the correct GPU for game capture. Don’t forget to click Save to apply the change.

In conclusion, while the OBS black screen issue can be frustrating, there are several solutions you can try to resolve it. These include running OBS as an administrator, updating software, and adjusting capture settings.

Make sure your GPU settings are configured properly, and if needed, consider alternative software for a smoother experience. Troubleshooting can take time, but with the right approach, you can get OBS working perfectly for your recordings and streams.

FAQs

Why Won’t OBS Capture My Game?

The most common reasons OBS fails to capture your game are incompatible capture settings, outdated graphics drivers, or conflicting software. Make sure you’re using the right capture method (e.g., Game Capture), have up-to-date drivers, and have closed unnecessary background applications.

How Do I Fix OBS Not Capturing Full-Screen Games?

Switch your game to Windowed Fullscreen or Borderless Windowed mode, as OBS often has trouble capturing exclusive fullscreen games. You can also try Display Capture if Game Capture doesn’t work.

Why Is OBS Showing a Black Screen When Using Game Capture?

A black screen issue in Game Capture mode can occur due to anti-cheat compatibility, incorrect capture settings, or graphics driver issues. Try disabling the Anti-Cheat Compatibility Hook or switching to Window Capture instead.

How Do I Make OBS Fit My Game Screen?

To make OBS fit your game screen, right-click on your video source and select Transform > Fit to Screen. This will adjust the size of the source to match the resolution of the game.

Test Screens

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About Author

Hi, I’m Muhammad Abdullah Mangi, an SEO Specialist with over 5 years of experience. I have a knack for creating content on a variety of topics, including programming, web design and development, software, online business, and home improvement. I also enjoy working on content for tool-based websites.