Black Screen in Streamlabs OBS - Quick Solutions

A black screen during a stream or recording in Streamlabs OBS is not only frustrating but can also ruin the entire broadcast. This guide shows you practical solutions to quickly and effectively resolve this issue. Whether you are just starting out with streaming or are already advanced, these steps will help get your screen back up and running.

Main Takeaways

• Check if the sources are added correctly.
• Make sure the correct window capture is selected.
• Delete and re-add the source of the recording.
• If needed, update your drivers.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, a black screen in Streamlabs often indicates that a source has not been added correctly. To ensure you are following all necessary steps, proceed as follows:

Start by clicking on the plus sign in the sources list and choose the type of recording you need. Whether it's a screen capture, window capture, or game capture depends on your requirements. If you want to add a screen capture, click on "Screen Capture".

Once you have added the screen capture to the source, make sure it is visible. Enable the "eye" icon next to the source to make the scene visible. If you have disabled the eye, the recording will not be displayed even if it is set up correctly.

If the problem persists, it might be that you have chosen the wrong window capture. To fix this, right-click on the source and select "Properties". Check if the mode is set to "Capture specific window" and choose the correct window you want to display.

If the correct window capture is not working, you can also resort to the automatic fallback. Sometimes, toggling the setting for the window on and off multiple times can help.

If the screen remains black, also check if you have selected the correct window for the capture. Ensure that the corresponding window is active by opening it. Sometimes, simply forgetting to start the right program can be the cause of the problem.

Another useful step is to completely delete the recording source and then re-create it. Right-click on the source, select "Remove", and restart Streamlabs OBS. Then re-add the recording source. Sometimes resetting the settings can help.

To ensure the stability of Streamlabs OBS functions, also check the settings menu. Click on the gear icon, go to "Advanced", and uncheck "Force GPU s render device". This option could prevent proper video output.

If the black screen persists, the issue may be with outdated drivers. Make sure all graphics card drivers and other relevant software are up to date. This can often restore functionality and give you the desired image back.

Summary

A black screen in Streamlabs OBS can be caused by various factors. In this guide, you have learned several effective solutions to help you quickly resolve the issue. Check the sources, ensure the correct windows are selected, and keep your drivers up to date to ensure a smooth streaming experience.