Getting started
OBS Studio Help
Install OBS Studio, set up your first recording or stream, and fix the most common issues. Need the installer first? Get it on the OBS Studio download page.
Install OBS Studio
- Open the download page and choose your operating system (Windows, macOS or Linux).
- Run the installer and follow the prompts — the default options work for most users.
- Launch OBS Studio. On first run, the Auto-Configuration Wizard can set sensible defaults for recording or streaming.
- Pick a base resolution and frame rate that match your display, then finish the wizard.
Set up your first scene
- In the Scenes box, keep the default scene or add a new one with the plus button.
- In the Sources box, add a source — Display Capture for your screen, Window Capture for one app, or Video Capture Device for a webcam.
- Add an audio source (Mic/Aux for a microphone, Desktop Audio for system sound) and set levels in the Audio Mixer.
- Click Start Recording to save locally, or Start Streaming after entering your stream key in Settings → Stream.
Fix common OBS issues
OBS shows a black screen when capturing
This usually happens on laptops with two GPUs. Right-click OBS and run it on the same GPU as the game or app, or use Window Capture instead of Display Capture.
No audio in the recording
Check the Audio Mixer — make sure the microphone and Desktop Audio are not muted and the level meters move. Confirm the correct devices in Settings → Audio.
Dropped or laggy frames while streaming
Lower the output resolution or bitrate in Settings → Output, and close background apps. A wired connection and hardware encoder (NVENC/AMF/QuickSync) help a lot.
Where do I get the latest version?
Always use the current build from the download page; see the release notes for what changed.