If you’re unable to stream and record simultaneously with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), there could be a number of issues causing this problem. Here are some common troubleshooting steps you can try:
1. Check System Resources
– CPU Usage: Streaming and recording at the same time can put a significant load on your CPU. Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check your CPU usage while OBS is running. If it’s running high (over 80%), it might be limiting your ability to both stream and record simultaneously.
– RAM: Insufficient RAM can also cause issues, so ensure your system has enough memory for both tasks.
2. OBS Settings
– Encoder: Make sure you are using a hardware encoder (like NVENC for NVIDIA GPUs or AMF for AMD GPUs) for streaming. Software encoding (x264) can take a heavy toll on your CPU, especially if you’re trying to do both at once.
– Go to Settings > Output, and under Streaming and Recording, check which encoder you’re using. Use NVENC (for NVIDIA) or AMF (for AMD) for better performance.
– Recording Format: Some recording formats (e.g., FLV) are easier to handle than others (e.g., MKV or MP4). Try changing the format to FLV if you’re experiencing issues.
– Go to Settings > Output, then under Recording, change the Recording Format to FLV.
3. Check Output Settings
– Bitrate: Streaming and recording both at high bitrates can overload your system. Try lowering your bitrate for either streaming or recording.
– In Settings > Output, reduce the streaming bitrate and/or recording bitrate if necessary.
4. Disk Space and Drive Speed
– Disk Space: Ensure that your drive has enough free space for recording files. A lack of space can prevent recordings from being saved properly.
– Drive Speed: If you’re recording to a mechanical hard drive (HDD), it may not be fast enough to handle both streaming and recording at high quality. Try using an SSD if available.
5. OBS Log Files
– Check your OBS log files for any specific errors that might indicate what’s wrong. Go to Help > Log Files > View Last Log File and look for any warnings or errors related to streaming or recording.
6. Video and Audio Sources
– Ensure that all sources and scenes are properly set up, and there are no conflicts. For example, multiple video sources or resource-heavy effects might slow down your system when streaming and recording simultaneously.
7. Software Conflicts
– Background Processes: Other applications running in the background might interfere with OBS. Close unnecessary programs to free up system resources.
– Antivirus: Some antivirus software might interfere with OBS. Try temporarily disabling it to see if that resolves the issue.
8. Test with Lower Settings
– If you’re using high settings for both streaming and recording, try reducing the output resolution, frame rate, or bitrate. For instance, try recording at 720p or reducing the frame rate to 30 FPS for testing.
9. OBS Update
– Make sure you are using the latest version of OBS, as newer releases often fix bugs and improve performance. Update to the latest version through the OBS website or via the built-in updater.
10. Use Studio Mode
– In OBS, try using Studio Mode to preview scenes before switching, which can sometimes prevent crashes or other issues while performing both tasks at the same time.
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By following these steps, you should be able to identify and solve the issue preventing you from streaming and recording at the same time in OBS. If you continue to experience problems, it might help to provide more specific details about your setup, such as your system specs, OBS version, and the settings you’re using.
