How to Fix Twitch App Not Detecting WoW on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Many Twitch users enjoy streaming or watching World of Warcraft (WoW) gameplay through the Twitch app on Windows 11. However, sometimes the Twitch app may not detect WoW, causing frustration for streamers and viewers alike.

This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, including software glitches, permission problems, or outdated applications. Fortunately, there are several straightforward solutions you can try to fix this problem.

This guide will walk you through each step in a simple and clear way, even if you are not very tech-savvy. By following these instructions, you should be able to get the Twitch app to detect WoW properly on your Windows 11 PC.

Let’s get started and solve this issue together.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Make sure both your Twitch app and World of Warcraft are fully updated to the latest versions.
Check that Windows 11 is up to date with the latest system updates.
Confirm that WoW is installed and you can launch it normally outside of the Twitch app.
Ensure your internet connection is stable, as Twitch requires a good connection to detect games.

Step 1: Run Both Applications as Administrator

Sometimes, Twitch may not have enough permissions to detect WoW. Running both the Twitch app and WoW as an administrator can fix this issue.

Right-click on the Twitch app icon on your desktop or start menu.
Select Run as administrator.
Do the same for the World of Warcraft shortcut or executable file.
Try launching WoW through Twitch again.

Running as administrator gives the apps higher-level permissions, allowing Twitch to better interact with WoW.

Step 2: Check Game Detection Settings in Twitch

Twitch has settings that control game detection. Make sure these settings are enabled.

Open the Twitch app.
Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select Settings.
Navigate to the Connections tab.
Look for the option called Automatically detect games and ensure it is turned on.
If it was off, turn it on and restart the Twitch app.

This setting allows Twitch to automatically recognize when you launch WoW, making streaming easier.

Step 3: Verify WoW is Added to Your Twitch Library

Sometimes Twitch does not recognize WoW if it’s not added properly in your game library.

Open Twitch and go to the Library or Games section.
Search for World of Warcraft.
If it’s missing, try adding it manually by clicking Add Game and selecting WoW’s installation folder.
Confirm and restart Twitch.

Manually adding WoW helps Twitch know exactly where the game is installed, improving detection.

Step 4: Disable Fullscreen Optimization for WoW

Windows 11 has a feature called fullscreen optimization which sometimes interferes with game detection.

Navigate to your WoW installation folder. By default, it is usually located at C:Program Files (x86)World of Warcraft.
Right-click the WoW executable file (Wow.exe) and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart both WoW and Twitch.

This step prevents Windows from applying fullscreen tweaks that may block Twitch from detecting WoW properly.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Twitch and Battle.net

If Twitch or Battle.net (the Blizzard launcher) is outdated or corrupted, detection issues can occur.

Open the Twitch app and check for updates in the settings menu.
Open the Blizzard Battle.net launcher and ensure it is updated.
If problems persist, uninstall both Twitch and Battle.net from your PC.
Download the latest versions from their official websites and reinstall them.
Launch both apps and try detecting WoW again.

Fresh installs can fix bugs or corrupted files that block proper communication between Twitch and WoW.

Step 6: Adjust Privacy and Firewall Settings

Windows Firewall or privacy settings might be blocking Twitch or WoW from communicating properly.

Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
Click Allow an app through firewall.
Make sure both Twitch and WoW are allowed on private and public networks.
If they are missing, click Change settings and then Allow another app to add them.
Save changes and restart your PC.

This ensures no security feature is blocking Twitch from detecting WoW.

Alternative Method: Use Streamlabs or OBS as a Workaround

If Twitch app detection still fails, consider using third-party streaming software like Streamlabs or OBS Studio. These programs can capture your WoW gameplay directly and integrate with Twitch.

Setting up these tools might take some initial effort, but they are reliable alternatives. You can link your Twitch account within these apps and stream without relying on the Twitch desktop app’s game detection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Twitch not detect WoW automatically?

It could be due to permission issues, outdated apps, disabled game detection settings, or interference from Windows features like fullscreen optimization.

Do I need to run Twitch as administrator every time?

Not necessarily, but running as administrator helps in diagnosing permission-related issues. If this solves the problem, you can set the app to always run as administrator via its properties.

Can antivirus software cause detection problems?

Yes, some antivirus programs may block Twitch or WoW. Temporarily disabling antivirus or adding exceptions can help troubleshoot this.

Is using third-party streaming software safe?

Yes, popular programs like OBS Studio and Streamlabs are widely trusted and commonly used by streamers worldwide.

Will reinstalling the apps delete my Twitch or WoW data?

Reinstalling Twitch or Battle.net usually does not delete your game data or account information, but it’s always good to back up important files before uninstalling.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the Twitch app still does not detect WoW, consider the following options:

Visit the Twitch Support Center for official help and troubleshooting guides.
Check the Blizzard Support for WoW-specific issues.
Join Twitch or WoW forums and communities where experienced users might offer solutions.
Use alternative streaming methods such as OBS or Streamlabs as a practical workaround.

Patience and persistence usually resolve these kinds of software issues.

Conclusion

Fixing the Twitch app not detecting World of Warcraft on Windows 11 involves a series of clear and simple steps. Starting with running the apps as administrator and checking Twitch’s game detection settings often resolves the problem.

Disabling fullscreen optimization, adjusting firewall settings, and ensuring all software is up to date are important next steps. If detection still fails, reinstalling the Twitch app and Blizzard Battle.net launcher or using third-party streaming software can help.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to enjoy streaming or watching WoW gameplay on Twitch without detection issues.