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OBS Window Capture shows a black screen? How to fix it

16 October 2026 · 2 min read

You added a Window Capture, picked the window, and OBS shows black. It's one of the most common OBS problems, and almost always one of six causes. Work down the list, watching OBS's preview after each step.

1. The window is minimised

OBS can't capture a minimised window: it shows black, or freezes on the last picture. Restore the window. It doesn't have to be in front: it can sit behind OBS or your game, as long as it isn't minimised.

2. Try the other capture method

Windows offers two ways to capture a window, and some apps only show up with one of them.

  1. Double-click the Window Capture to open its properties.
  2. Change Capture Method: try Windows 10 (1903 and up), then BitBlt, then Automatic.
  3. Keep the one where the preview shows the window.

3. Laptops with two graphics chips

Many laptops have a power-saving graphics chip and a fast one. If OBS and the app you capture run on different ones, the capture can come out black.

  1. Open Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics.
  2. Find OBS in the list (or add it with Browse), choose Options, and pick the other setting from the one it has now.
  3. Restart OBS and check the preview. If it's still black, try the remaining setting.

While you're there, update your graphics driver from its maker: NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Old drivers cause their share of black screens. And make sure you're on the newest OBS Studio.

4. One of them runs as administrator

Windows doesn't let an app capture a window that runs with more rights than it has. If the app you capture was started "as administrator" and OBS wasn't, OBS sees black. Start both normally.

5. The wrong window, or a title that changed

Open the properties and check the Window list: apps often have several windows with similar names. If the window's title changes (a browser tab, a game's level), set Window Match Priority so OBS finds it again by its type or program instead.

With Casttit, choose [Casttit.exe]: Casttit Preview and set Window title must match. If OBS shows Casttit's buttons, it has the main window instead.

6. Apps that draw with the graphics chip

Browsers and some apps draw their windows on the graphics chip, which one capture method can't see. Use Windows 10 (1903 and up) as the capture method, or turn off hardware acceleration in that app's settings.

Capturing a phone game with Casttit

  • Press Open OBS preview in Casttit. The preview shows your game once your phone is live.
  • Keep the preview open (not minimised). It can sit behind other windows.
  • For sound in the same source, tick Capture Audio (OBS 30.1 or newer). No sound? Six fixes.

Questions

Should I use Display Capture instead?

It works, but it records everything on that screen, including notifications and every window you open. A Window Capture keeps your stream to the one window you choose.

Why is my Window Capture frozen instead of black?

Usually the window is minimised: OBS keeps the last picture it got, or shows black. Restore the window; it can stay behind other windows.

Does Game Capture work for a phone game?

Game Capture is made for games running on the PC itself. A phone game reaches the PC in a window, so a Window Capture is the one to use.

HelpSet up OBS for CasttitAdd your phone's game to OBS Studio: a Window Capture of Casttit Preview with Capture Audio on, the right window rule, and tips for portrait games.BlogOBS not recording your phone game's sound? 6 fixesNo game sound in OBS when you play on your phone? Where the sound gets lost, from Desktop Audio to games that block capture, and how to fix each.HelpTroubleshooting CasttitFixes for common Casttit problems: Windows warnings, a phone that isn't found or is busy, no sound in OBS, a frozen picture, and invite messages.BlogHow to stream your phone's game to OBS on a Windows PCThree ways to get a mobile game into OBS on Windows (capture card, screen mirroring, or a streaming app like Casttit) and how to set each one up.