Fix OBS Keeps Crashing

How to Fix OBS Keeps Crashing on Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

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Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a powerful tool for streaming and recording content, but like any software, it can sometimes run into issues. One of the most frustrating problems users encounter is OBS crashing on Windows. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the steps to fix OBS keeps crashing on Windows. We’ll cover everything from basic troubleshooting to advanced solutions, ensuring you can get back to streaming or recording as quickly as possible.

Why Does OBS Keep Crashing on Windows?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why OBS might be crashing. Common causes include:

  1. Outdated Software: Running an outdated version of OBS or Windows can lead to compatibility issues.
  2. Incorrect Settings: Misconfigured settings in OBS can cause it to crash.
  3. Hardware Limitations: Insufficient hardware resources, such as RAM or GPU, can lead to crashes.
  4. Conflicting Software: Other software running on your system might conflict with OBS.
  5. Corrupted Files: Corrupted OBS files or settings can cause instability.
  6. Driver Issues: Outdated or faulty drivers, especially for your GPU, can lead to crashes.

Now that we’ve identified potential causes, let’s move on to the solutions.

Step 1: Update OBS and Windows

Update OBS

  1. Open OBS and go to Help > Check for Updates.
  2. If an update is available, simply follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
  3. Restart OBS after the update is complete.

Update Windows

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your computer after the update is complete.

Updating both OBS and Windows ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches, which can resolve many crashing issues.

Step 2: Check OBS Settings

Incorrect settings in OBS can lead to crashes. Here’s how to check and adjust them:

1. Video Settings

  1. Open OBS and go to Settings > Video.
  2. Ensure the Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution match your monitor’s resolution.
  3. Set the FPS to a value your system can handle (e.g., 30 or 60 FPS).

2. Output Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Output.
  2. Set the Output Mode to Simple if you’re unsure about advanced settings.
  3. Ensure the Bitrate is appropriate for your internet speed and streaming platform.

3. Audio Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Audio.
  2. Ensure the correct audio devices are selected for Desktop Audio and Mic/Auxiliary Audio.

4. Advanced Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Advanced.
  2. Set the Process Priority to Normal to avoid overloading your system.
  3. Ensure the Renderer is set to Direct3D 11 (or OpenGL if you’re experiencing issues with Direct3D).

Step 3: Check Hardware Resources

OBS is resource-intensive, and insufficient hardware can lead to crashes. Here’s how to check your system’s resources:

1. Check CPU and RAM Usage

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to quickly open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Performance tab and monitor your CPU and RAM usage.
  3. If your CPU or RAM is consistently maxed out, consider closing unnecessary applications or upgrading your hardware.

2. Check GPU Usage

  1. In Task Manager, go to the Performance tab and select GPU.
  2. Monitor your GPU usage while running OBS.
  3. If your GPU is maxed out, consider lowering OBS settings or upgrading your GPU.

3. Check Disk Space

  1. Open File Explorer and check the available space on your primary drive.
  2. Ensure you have at least 10-20% free space to avoid performance issues.

Step 4: Disable Conflicting Software

Other software running on your system can conflict with OBS, leading to crashes. Here’s how to identify and disable conflicting software:

1. Close Background Applications

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Processes tab and close any unnecessary applications, especially those using significant CPU or GPU resources.

2. Disable Overlays

  1. Disable any overlays from software like Discord, Steam, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
  2. These overlays can interfere with OBS and cause crashes.

3. Disable Antivirus Temporarily

  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it’s causing the issue.
  2. If OBS stops crashing, consider adding an exception for OBS in your antivirus settings.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers, especially for your GPU, can cause OBS to crash. Here’s how to update or reinstall them:

1. Update GPU Drivers

  1. For NVIDIA GPUs, open GeForce Experience and check for updates.
  2. For AMD GPUs, open Radeon Software and check for updates.
  3. For Intel GPUs, visit the Intel Driver & Support Assistant to update your drivers.

2. Reinstall GPU Drivers

  1. Press Windows Key + X, then click on Device Manager to open it.
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Uninstall device.
  3. Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

Step 6: Reset OBS Settings

If OBS continues to crash, resetting its settings to default can resolve the issue:

  1. Close OBS if it’s running.
  2. Navigate to the OBS settings folder:
  • Windows: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\obs-studio
  1. Rename the obs-studio folder to obs-studio-backup.
  2. Reopen OBS, and it will create a new settings folder with default settings.
  3. Reconfigure your settings and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 7: Reinstall OBS

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling OBS can help:

  1. Uninstall OBS:
  • Go to Settings, then click on Apps, and select Apps & features.
  • Find OBS in the list, click it, and select Uninstall.
  1. Download the latest version of OBS from the official website.
  2. Install OBS and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 8: Check for Corrupted Files

Corrupted files can cause OBS to crash. Here’s how to check and repair them:

1. Run System File Checker

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing Windows Key + X and choosing Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted files.

2. Run DISM

  1. In the same Command Prompt window, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter.
  2. Wait for the process to complete, which can take some time.

Step 9: Check Event Viewer for Errors

Windows Event Viewer can provide more information about why OBS is crashing:

  1. To open Event Viewer, press the Windows Key + X and click on Event Viewer.
  2. Go to Windows Logs > Application.
  3. Look for any errors related to OBS around the time of the crash.
  4. Note the error details and search online for solutions or contact OBS support.

Step 10: Contact OBS Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and OBS still crashes, it’s time to contact OBS support:

  1. Visit the OBS Support Forum.
  2. Create a new post detailing your issue, including:
  • Your OBS version.
  • Your Windows version.
  • Your hardware specifications.
  • Any error messages or logs.
  1. The OBS community and support team will assist you in resolving the issue.

FAQs

1. Why does OBS keep crashing when I start streaming?

OBS may crash when starting a stream due to incorrect settings, insufficient hardware resources, or conflicting software. Follow the steps in this guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

2. Can outdated GPU drivers cause OBS to crash?

Yes, outdated or faulty GPU drivers can cause OBS to crash. Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using their software.

3. How do I know if my hardware is sufficient for OBS?

Check your CPU, RAM, and GPU usage while running OBS in Task Manager. If any of these resources are consistently maxed out, consider upgrading your hardware or lowering OBS settings.

4. What should I do if OBS crashes during recording?

If OBS crashes during recording, check your recording settings, ensure you have enough disk space, and close any unnecessary applications. You may also want to reset OBS settings or reinstall the software.

5. Is it safe to disable my antivirus while using OBS?

Temporarily disabling your antivirus can help determine if it’s causing OBS to crash. If OBS stops crashing, consider adding an exception for OBS in your antivirus settings rather than leaving it disabled permanently.

6. How do I reset OBS settings to default?

To reset OBS settings, close OBS, navigate to the OBS settings folder (C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\obs-studio), rename the folder to obs-studio-backup, and reopen OBS. This will create a new settings folder with default settings.

7. Can corrupted Windows files cause OBS to crash?

Yes, corrupted Windows files can cause OBS to crash. Run the System File Checker (sfc /scannow) and DISM (DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth) to check and repair corrupted files.

8. What should I do if OBS crashes after updating?

If OBS crashes after updating, try resetting OBS settings, updating your GPU drivers, or reinstalling OBS. If the issue persists, contact OBS support for assistance.

9. How do I check for conflicting software?

Open Task Manager and close any unnecessary applications, especially those using significant CPU or GPU resources. Turn off overlays from apps like Discord, Steam, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience.

10. What should I do if none of the solutions work?

If none of the solutions work, consider contacting OBS support or seeking help from the OBS community forums. Provide detailed information about your issue, including your OBS version, Windows version, and hardware specifications.

Conclusion

OBS is an incredibly versatile tool, but it can be frustrating when it keeps crashing on Windows. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue, whether it’s related to outdated software, incorrect settings, hardware limitations, or conflicting software. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to OBS support for further assistance. Happy streaming and recording!

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