OBS Studio
Also called obs, open broadcaster, obs studio
An open-source scene compositor for stream and record. obs64.exe is the process. It is not Streamlabs Desktop.
What you need to know
OBS Studio is obs64.exe. Streamlabs Desktop is the fork.
obs64.exe is the OBS Project build. Streamlabs OBS.exe is Logitech's fork with extra widgets. A scene collection is not interchangeable 1:1.
- What is it?
- Scene compositor
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is OBS Studio?
OBS Studio is an open-source scene compositor. The Windows executable is obs64.exe.
If you have never used it
OBS Studio is the open-source app for scenes, overlays, and recording. obs64.exe is the process. It is not Streamlabs Desktop. Streamlabs is a fork with widgets. Download OBS from obsproject.com/download.
What is it used for?
Stack capture, game, and browser sources. Streamlabs adds widgets on a fork.
Write MKV or MP4. This is not Premiere. Edit the file later.
Send RTMP or WHIP to a service. Streamlabs Desktop is a different exe.
Who is it for?
- Streamers who want the upstream OBS
- Teachers who record a scene
- Anyone who installed Streamlabs by ad
Current status
OBS Studio (2012) is a current scene compositor from OBS Project. The vendor still points Windows users at https://obsproject.com/download.
How old is it?
Open Broadcaster Software became OBS Studio around 2012-2016. Streamlabs Desktop forked it later and is now under Logitech. Current OBS is the OBS Project build.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| obs64.exe | Main Windows executable |
|---|
Startup components
OBS can start with Windows if you check that box. That is an OBS setting, not a service.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Program Files\obs-studio\ |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Black screen on Game Capture
Admin mode, capture method, or GPU. This is OBS, not Streamlabs widgets.
Installed Streamlabs by habit
The Start tile may say Streamlabs. obs64.exe is the other product.
Getting unstuck
Confirm obs64.exe
Program Files\obs-studio is the app. Streamlabs OBS.exe is the fork.
Install from obsproject.com/download
That is the official Windows build.
Check the log in Help
OBS names encoder and capture failures. A widget store is Streamlabs.
Alternatives
Streamlabs Desktop and NVIDIA Broadcast overlap at the edges. Streamlabs does not replace obs64.exe.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | obsproject.com/download Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | obsproject.com/kb Vendor support |
| Official site | obsproject.com/ Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
OBS lists 64-bit Windows 10. A GPU encoder (NVENC, AMF, Quick Sync) matters more than a famous CPU name.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- OBS Studio official site · Vendor product page
- OBS Studio help · Vendor support
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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