How to Install and Set Up OBS Studio on Windows 11 [Step-by-Step Guide 2025]

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is one of the most popular free tools for live streaming and screen recording. Whether you want to record tutorials, stream games on Twitch or YouTube, or capture online meetings, OBS Studio provides professional-quality features — completely free of cost.

 

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to download, install, and set up OBS Studio on Windows 11 in 2025. This guide is perfect for beginners as well as intermediate users.

 

 

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Why Choose OBS Studio?

 

Free and Open Source – 100% free, no watermark

 

Multi-platform – Works on Windows, macOS, Linux

 

High-Quality Recording – Up to 4K video support

 

Streaming Support – Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, etc.

 

Customizable – Add overlays, transitions, plugins

 

 

 

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Step 1: Download OBS Studio

 

1. Visit the official website → https://obsproject.com

 

 

2. Choose Windows as your operating system.

 

 

3. Click the Download Installer button.

 

 

4. Save the installer file (.exe) to your computer.

 

 

 

👉 Tip: Always download from the official website to avoid malware.

 

 

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Step 2: Install OBS Studio

 

1. Locate the downloaded file → OBS-Studio-Setup.exe.

 

 

2. Double-click the file to run the installer.

 

 

3. Accept the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

 

 

4. Select Next and agree to the license terms.

 

 

5. Choose the installation folder (default is fine).

 

 

6. Click Install and wait for the setup to complete.

 

 

7. Hit Finish to launch OBS Studio.

 

 

 

 

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Step 3: Initial Auto-Configuration

 

When you open OBS Studio for the first time:

 

1. OBS will ask if you want to run the Auto-Configuration Wizard.

 

 

2. Choose between:

 

Optimize for streaming (if you’re live streaming)

 

Optimize for recording (if you’re making tutorials, gameplay, etc.)

 

 

 

3. OBS will test your system and suggest recommended settings.

 

 

 

 

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Step 4: Add Sources

 

Sources are the input you want to record or stream.

 

Screen Capture – Records your entire screen

 

Window Capture – Records only one application

 

Game Capture – Optimized for video games

 

Webcam Capture – Add your webcam feed

 

Audio Input/Output Capture – Add mic & system sound

 

 

👉 To add a source:

 

1. Click the + button in the Sources panel.

 

 

2. Select the type of source (Screen, Game, Audio, Webcam, etc.).

 

 

3. Configure the settings and press OK.

 

 

 

 

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Step 5: Configure Output Settings

 

Go to Settings → Output

 

Recording Path: Choose the folder where your videos will save.

 

Recording Format: MP4 (recommended), MKV, or FLV.

 

Encoder:

 

Use Hardware (NVENC/AMD) if you have a GPU.

 

Use Software (x264) if you rely on CPU.

 

 

 

 

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Step 6: Configure Video Settings

 

Go to Settings → Video

 

Base Resolution: Your screen resolution (e.g., 1920×1080).

 

Output Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD) or 1280×720 (HD).

 

FPS (Frames Per Second):

 

30 FPS for normal videos

 

60 FPS for gaming/streaming

 

 

 

 

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Step 7: Connect to Streaming Platforms

 

To live stream on YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook:

 

1. Go to Settings → Stream.

 

 

2. Select the platform (YouTube/Twitch/Facebook).

 

 

3. Enter your Stream Key (found in your account dashboard).

 

 

4. Press Apply → OK.

 

 

 

Now just click Start Streaming to go live!

 

 

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Step 8: Start Recording

 

If you only want to record:

 

Click Start Recording

 

Do your screen capture or tutorial

 

Click Stop Recording when done

 

Your video will save in the folder you selected earlier

 

 

 

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FAQs

 

Q1: Is OBS Studio free forever?

Yes, OBS Studio is open-source and 100% free.

 

Q2: Can OBS record in 4K?

Yes, if your PC hardware supports it.

 

Q3: Does OBS slow down PC performance?

OBS is optimized, but recording at high quality (4K/60FPS) may require a good GPU/CPU.

 

Q4: Can I use OBS Studio on a laptop?

Yes, but make sure your laptop has enough RAM and a good CPU/GPU for smooth recording.

 

Q5: Is OBS better than paid screen recorders?

For most users, OBS is as good (or better) than paid software since it has pro-level features for free.

 

 

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Conclusion

 

OBS Studio is one of the most powerful and versatile free software tools for recording and streaming on Windows 11 in 2025. With just a few simple steps, you can set up OBS to record tutorials, gameplay, or live stream on popular platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

 

If you’re looking for a free, professional, and reliable solution, OBS Studio should be your first choice.