OBS Game Capture Is Black on a Laptop with Two GPUs
Match the game and OBS to the right graphics processor before changing unrelated capture settings.
On a laptop with integrated and dedicated graphics, OBS Game Capture can fail when OBS and the game run on different GPUs. Check Windows Graphics settings for both apps, set them to the high-performance GPU for Game Capture, restart both, and make a short test recording.
Confirm this is a Game Capture problem
Open the game and watch the OBS preview. If Display Capture works but Game Capture stays black, first check that Game Capture is pointed at the running game. Do not use a Display Capture success as proof that the Game Capture hook is working; the methods are different.
- Open Game Capture properties and confirm the intended game window.
- Leave the game active while testing; some fullscreen games stop rendering when minimized.
- Record a short clip rather than judging only the preview after Alt+Tab.
Check the two-GPU mismatch
Many laptops have an integrated GPU for desktop tasks and a discrete GPU for games. OBS explains that Game Capture can fail if the two apps are placed on different GPUs. In Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics, inspect OBS Studio and the game. For Game Capture, set both to High performance if needed. Close and restart both programs after the change.
A setting change for Game Capture may affect Display Capture behavior. Keep a note of the previous Windows Graphics choice and retest every source you use.
If the screen is still black
Try a Window Capture of a borderless game as a diagnostic. OBS lists certain games that do not allow its normal game hook. Temporarily close conflicting overlays or FPS counters, then test Game Capture again. If the game is one OBS says needs Window Capture, keep that supported method rather than repeatedly forcing the hook.
Use OBS’s official GPU and Game Capture guides for your Windows version, because older laptop advice can refer to controls that moved.