Fix Game Capture Not Working In OBS: Quick Solutions

9 min read 11-15- 2024
Fix Game Capture Not Working In OBS: Quick Solutions

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If you're a gamer or a content creator, you know how important it is to capture high-quality gameplay for streaming or video creation. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a powerful tool for this purpose. However, sometimes you might encounter issues with the Game Capture feature not working as expected. This can be frustrating, but don't worry! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore quick solutions to fix game capture not working in OBS. Let’s dive in! 🎮✨

Understanding Game Capture in OBS

Before jumping into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what Game Capture does. Game Capture is a specialized tool within OBS designed to capture the output of games specifically. Unlike Display Capture, which captures everything on your screen, Game Capture focuses only on the game you're playing, providing a cleaner and more efficient stream.

Common Reasons for Game Capture Issues

Game Capture not working in OBS can stem from various factors. Here are some common reasons:

  • Compatibility issues with the game
  • Incorrect settings in OBS
  • Outdated graphics drivers
  • Running OBS in the wrong mode (Administrator vs. Non-Administrator)
  • Game running in a different windowed mode

Understanding these reasons can help you troubleshoot more effectively. Let's explore the solutions!

Quick Solutions to Fix Game Capture Not Working in OBS

1. Update OBS to the Latest Version

First and foremost, ensure you are using the latest version of OBS. Developers frequently release updates that fix bugs and improve performance.

Steps to Update OBS:

  1. Open OBS.
  2. Go to the top menu and click on Help.
  3. Select Check for Updates and follow the prompts.

2. Run OBS as Administrator

Running OBS with administrator privileges can resolve many issues related to game capture. This allows OBS to interact more effectively with your games.

Steps to Run OBS as Administrator:

  1. Right-click on the OBS shortcut.
  2. Click Properties.
  3. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

3. Check Game Capture Settings

Make sure your Game Capture settings are configured correctly.

Steps to Check Game Capture Settings:

  1. Open OBS.
  2. Click the + button in the Sources box.
  3. Select Game Capture.
  4. In the properties window, ensure that you choose the correct game from the Mode dropdown menu. Try Capture any fullscreen application or Capture specific window.

Note: If your game is running in borderless windowed mode, you may need to use the specific window option.

4. Change the Graphics Settings in Your Game

Some games may have specific graphics settings that can prevent game capture from working properly.

  • Try switching between Fullscreen and Windowed mode in your game settings to see if that resolves the issue.

5. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can lead to compatibility issues with OBS. Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date.

How to Update Graphics Drivers:

  • For NVIDIA:

    1. Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
    2. Click on Drivers and select Check for updates.
  • For AMD:

    1. Open the AMD Radeon Software.
    2. Click on Home, and then select Check for Updates.

6. Disable Fullscreen Optimization

Fullscreen optimization can interfere with OBS's ability to capture your game. Here’s how to disable it:

Steps to Disable Fullscreen Optimization:

  1. Navigate to the folder where your game is installed.
  2. Right-click on the game executable (usually .exe file) and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Check the box that says Disable fullscreen optimizations.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

7. Try Using Display Capture as a Temporary Solution

If you're still having trouble with Game Capture, consider using Display Capture as a temporary fix until you resolve the issue.

  • Keep in mind that Display Capture will capture everything on your screen, which may not be ideal for gameplay.

8. Check for Conflicting Software

Certain software, like screen recording tools or overlays (e.g., Discord, NVIDIA ShadowPlay), may conflict with OBS.

  • Try closing any unnecessary applications running in the background before launching OBS.

9. Reset OBS Settings

If all else fails, you may want to reset your OBS settings to their defaults. This can help resolve any configurations that may be causing the issue.

How to Reset OBS Settings:

  1. Open OBS.
  2. Go to File > Settings.
  3. In the settings window, click on General.
  4. Scroll down and click Reset to restore default settings.

10. Reinstall OBS

If the problem persists after trying all the solutions, consider reinstalling OBS. This can help clear out any corrupted files or settings.

Steps to Reinstall OBS:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
  2. Find OBS Studio and uninstall it.
  3. Download the latest version of OBS and install it again.

Conclusion

Having issues with Game Capture not working in OBS can be frustrating, but with these quick solutions, you should be able to resolve them efficiently. By updating your software, adjusting settings, and checking for conflicting applications, you can get back to capturing your gameplay seamlessly. Happy streaming! 🎥✨