Useful Tips to Fix Lag Problem in OBS

"My Windows 10 keeps on lagging when I play my video project on OBS and shows a black screen."

The Media Industry has taken leaps forward to bring us entertainment and fun. The multiple software’s that makes the process easy include Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) that deals with live streaming, video recording, video composition, scene recording, and broadcasting. However, as no software is ideal, certain issues with it need attention.

OBS keeps lagging and does not stream the video smoothly. This article will be walking you through a step-by-step guide to fix the problem at hand. Moreover, the reasons behind this problem's occurrence are also discussed here, so stick with us.

Let us do this!

Part 1: Why OBS Keeps Lagging While Streaming?

This part reflects on keeping the user aware of the real reason that causes the lagging problem in OBS while streaming them on shows, movies, webcasts, music videos, etc. Understanding these causes is mandatory to focus on ways to combat the issue.

One of the major causes of OBS lagging is Network Adaptor, whose drivers are outdated. The network connection instability can also cause hindrance in the normal functionality of videos. The higher bitrates used in OBS to allow good video quality makes them slow as well. The other reasons include high video resolution, wireless connections, installed security software and enhanced GPU load, etc.

Part 2: Step by Step Guide to Show You How to Fix Lag in OBS

Now, you know the root causes of the lagging issue in OBS while streaming. We can move on to the solutions to fix the problem before it enhances the stress in our lives. In this section, we have introduced 8 methods for you. However, it is advised that you follow them accurately to have the desired results and avoid future mishaps.

Method 1: Ensuring Stable Internet Connection

The first solution is simple. To eliminate the freezing and stuttering issue, the user must ensure a stable internet connection. Most connections are being used by several accounts that slow down the system. Limit the usage, check your router, and make sure that the connection is stable.

Method 2: Reducing the Bitrates

Another viable method that is guaranteed to work is reducing the bitrates. The bloggers, vloggers, and other streamers utilize the higher bitrates to enhance the video quality. However, this leads to the dropping of frames. To tackle this issue, we suggest you reduce the bitrates. This will make the system up and running without causing any lagging issues.

Method 3: Addressing Hardware Problems

Before losing your calm, you are advised to switch your focus to hardware problems in systems. For instance, a broken ethernet cable damaged the port, and the router malfunction. You may want to change them and get a new one to fix the lagging issue in OBS.

Method 4: Adjusting the OBS Settings

The settings of OBS are not compatible with every system. Therefore, it is necessary to make changes according to the system's resolution. The alterations are required when the resolution of the player is 720p or 1080p.

Follow the guidelines carefully to get favorable results.

Step 1. Launch OBS.

Step 2. Go to "Settings."

Step 3. From the left panel, hit the "Output" bar.

You will find a window with several settings. You have to customize them according to the resolution of your computer.

For 1080p:

Step 1. Bitrate has to be 500,000.

Step 2. Output scale set to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Step 3. The range of FPS should be from 30-60.

For 720p:

Step 1. Bitrate has to be 800,000.

Step 2. Output scale set to 1280 x 720 resolution.

Step 3. The range of FPS should be from 30-60.

Method 5: Updating the Network Adapter Drivers

Sometimes the Network Adapter Driver is not up to date. It is mandatory to update them to stay away from stuttering video problems in OBS. Follow the guidelines below precisely to do so.

Step 1. From the search bar in Windows, type "Device Manager" and open it.

Step 2. Click on "Network Adapter" from the panel.

Step 3. Navigate down to the list of names of different adapters.

Step 4. Use the right-click button to select the network adapter and then hit the "Update Driver" option.

Step 5. Tap on "Search automatically for updated driver software."

Step 6. Close as soon as the process concludes.

Restart the system and check if the problem has been resolved.

Method 6: Checking Security and Firewall Software

Most of the time, there is no problem with the system or the software. The Security and Firewall software does not allow the normal working of the video project. Therefore, one should attempt to uninstall or disable the security software and then check if it has been resolved.

The process below will allow you to play OBS video using Firewall.

Step 1. Go to "Start."

Step 2. Click on "Settings."

Step 3. Hit "Update and Security" and then "Windows Security" from the panel.

Step 4. Tap on "Firewall and Network protection."

Step 5. Click on "Allow the app through Firewall," then find OBS from the list to enable its firewall settings.

Step 6. Confirm the process.

You can also disable the Firewall from your system that is blocking the application.

Step 1. Go to "Start."

Step 2. Click on "Settings."

Step 3. Hit "Update and Security" and then "Windows Security" from the panel.

Step 4. Tap on "Firewall and Network protection."

Step 5. Choose your network profile from there.

Step 6. Switch off the "Microsoft Defender Firewall."

Method 7: Reducing the GPU Load

Reducing the GPU load is an amazing solution to this problem. Basically, the software OBS utilizes the GPU for several purposes like game scenes. However, it has to be ensured that it is not fully put to use. If your PC's GPU is being utilized at more than 90%, then the stuttering problem arises.

To keep this in control, some steps are devised for you. They will allow the user to limit the framerate in OBS.

Step 1. Launch OBS.

Step 2. You will find the "Sources" option at the bottom of the interface.

Step 3. From there, use the right-click button to hit the game capture.

Step 4. Tap on "Properties" from the menu bar that pops up.

Step 5. Click on "Limit capture framerate."

Step 6. Hit the "Confirm" button.

Method 8: Using a Wired Connection

The last method to combat the lagging issue is at your service. Most of the time, when we are creating a project on our system with a wireless connection, the stability of the network can never be assured. The user is advised to disconnect the router and connect the ethernet wire directly with the system. This wired connection will ensure stable and smooth service throughout the session. Hence, offering a reasonable solution to the problem at hand.

Conclusion

The article covers the prime reasons for the occurrence of lagging issues in OBS while streaming. Moreover, with this research, the user will be able to fix this problem using 8 different methods sketched out comprehensively.

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