1 Streamlabs problems and errors
Streamlabs OBS is a powerful streaming software that usually works well and causes a few problems, but as with any program, errors can occur with Streamlabs OBS that initially baffle the user. Whether it is compatibility issues, mishandling, or hardware errors, the range of errors that can occur when using Streamlabs is diverse. That's why our experts have taken it upon themselves to analyze the various problems and their causes so that you won't be alone in fixing them. So, this article is all about understanding the program and getting to the root of errors like Streamlabs Lagging or Streamlabs Black Screen and fixing them.
2 Streamlabs OBS - These are the most common errors
Experience has shown that it is usually always the same errors that occur when using Streamlabs OBS. We have taken a look at this topic and, based on intensive research, we have selected the most common problems with Streamlabs in order to present them to you. If you experience problems as well, you will almost certainly find the solution here!
2.1 Streamlabs Lagging
Lags are not desirable in livestreaming - neither for the creator nor for the viewer. It leads to delays and problems with the connection, which does not leave a good impression on the viewer and in extreme cases can even be very annoying. Lags can manifest themselves in different ways - so-called frame skips can occur, where the image hangs constantly and shortly afterward picks up where the actual livestream is. This can result in seconds-long jumps, which is of course not nice to look at for anyone. The biggest problem, however, is that you as a streamer often don't even notice the Streamlabs lagging. Because the problem is often not with the program or you, but with your internet connection or the Streamlabs settings.
If you experience such lags, it is recommended to check the settings of the program for possible sources of error. It is often the case that the selected livestream settings exceed the performance of your internet connection and the program permanently demands more from your line than it is able to provide. So, if Streamlabs lags, you should throttle the settings and adjust them to your line. Here's what you can do to counteract lags:
- Reduce bitrate.
- Change encoder (from hardware to software or vice versa).
- Change the quality control method.
- Decrease quality presets.
You can find these settings by starting Streamlabs OBS, opening the preferences and then clicking on the "Output" menu tab. Finally, under "Stream" you will find all the options to change the quality of your stream and thus prevent lags. Of course, you should note that preventing Streamlabs from lagging will in most cases result in a drop in the image quality of the stream. However, experience shows that viewers clearly prefer a smooth stream over a high picture quality with lags.
2.2 Streamlabs Black Screen
You've set up a scene, added one or more sources to the scene, and now you're wondering why you see nothing but a black screen in the preview? This phenomenon is known as Streamlabs Black Screen and is usually fixed with a few clicks.
Many creators who are just starting to stream and set up Streamlabs make a crucial mistake when creating the main scene, which causes the screen to remain black. Especially when you want to grab gameplay and present it to your viewers. When creating the source, a gameplay shot is often added here. However, this is wrong, at least if you are not streaming with a capture card. If you want to stream a game from a PC, you should opt for window or screen capture. Game capture is quite misleading and often causes perplexed streamers afterward. This is because it is only used to record or transmit capture card content.
However, if you choose a window or screen capture, either a specific window (game.exe) or a specific whole screen is displayed. And that's exactly what you want when transferring PC games. Note, however, that with screen capture, viewers may also see when you switch to the desktop while playing. We, therefore, recommend that you use window recording, which is only activated once the game has started.
2.3 Streamlabs crashes
With a complex computer program like Streamlabs OBS, many different processes are running at the same time and especially when the tool is running at full speed during a recording or during streaming, unwanted crashes can occur. The causes of these crashes can be various and have to do with the own system, an error in the program code or with a short-circuit of the program. We can't tell you for sure in this guide why Streamlabs crashes on you, but we can give you some tips to prevent crashes.
- Restart Streamlabs after the crash. Usually, crashes are one-time events.
- Check if your system is powerful enough to handle streaming with Streamlabs and playing video games at the same time. It's best to install a system monitor tool to keep an eye on CPU and graphics card usage.
- In case of persistent crashes, a Streamlabs OBS update may be necessary and provide a remedy. How to update the tool, you can read in our guide to the topic.
- Check your computer for viruses and malware.
- If all solutions did not help, you can try uninstalling Streamlabs OBS and then reinstalling it.
2.4 Streamlabs does not start
You click on the Streamlabs OBS icon and nothing happens. Not good, but no need to worry. If Streamlabs does not start properly, there are no serious reasons for this problem. With a few quick actions, you can try to fix the error.
- Press the key combination CTRL + ALT + Del. And open the Windows Task Manager. Click on the "Processes" tab and look for the process "Streamlabs Desktop" in the list. Right-click on this entry and then click on "End Task" to close the program that is running in the background but did not open properly. After the process is terminated, click the Streamlabs icon again. Now Streamlabs OBS should open normally again.
- Restart your PC and try to open the program again after the restart.
- Uninstall Streamlabs OBS, delete the associated local folders and files, and perform a fresh installation.
- Perform a Streamlabs OBS update. How to do that you can read here.
2.5 Streamlabs bad stream quality
As a streamer, you always have an eye on the chat. If you get a lot of messages that the quality of the stream is not good enough, you should seriously think about whether this problem is caused by you or Streamlabs OBS. If such messages appear in the chat, you will not be able to avoid dealing with them. We have summarized the most common causes of poor stream quality for you.
- Your internet connection is under significant load and can't be fully used for your stream. Often it's because downloads are still running in the background or your partner is using streaming services like Netflix or AmazonPrime in your living room.
- The Streamlabs OBS settings do not match the performance of your internet connection. You can, for example, increase the bitrate or turn up the general quality settings.
- Your PC is running at full capacity.
- There are problems with the servers of the streaming platform. Unfortunately, you have no influence on this rather rare circumstance.
3 Conclusion
If you use Streamlabs OBS, you have actually chosen a good streaming tool, which runs stable and causes hardly any problems if used correctly. Nevertheless, it is in the nature of things with a complex program like this that here and there, bugs will appear and they need to be fixed. Due to the fact that the developers of Streamlabs always keep an eye on it, serious problems should be fixed quickly in the form of updates. If the error is not in the program itself, it can usually be fixed with a few clicks on your part.
