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How to Fix Game Capture Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Game capture is an essential feature for many gamers who want to record or stream their gameplay. However, sometimes it might stop working on Windows 11, causing frustration. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue and get your game capture back up and running.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions that anyone can follow. No technical jargon, just clear instructions to help you troubleshoot effectively.

Whether you’re using built-in Windows tools or third-party software, these fixes cover the most common causes of game capture problems. Let’s get your gameplay being recorded again!

Read on for quick checks and detailed steps to resolve your game capture issues on Windows 11.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure the following are in place:

  • Updated Windows 11: Ensure your system is updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Game and Capture Software: Check that both your game and capture software (like Xbox Game Bar, OBS, or others) are updated.
  • System Resources: Confirm your PC has enough free CPU, RAM, and storage to handle game capture smoothly.
  • Permissions: Some capture apps require permission to record your screen or audio. Make sure these permissions are granted.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

This might sound basic, but restarting your PC can resolve temporary glitches that prevent game capture from working. A fresh start clears background processes and can fix minor software conflicts.

  1. Click on the Start button.
  2. Select Power and then Restart.
  3. After the PC restarts, open your game and try to capture again.

Step 2: Check Game Capture Software Settings

Often, capture software has specific settings that need to be enabled for game recording. Here’s how to verify common settings in popular tools:

For Xbox Game Bar

  • Press Win + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
  • Click the Settings gear icon.
  • Go to the Capturing or Gaming Features tab.
  • Ensure Game capture or Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast is enabled.

For OBS Studio

  • Open OBS Studio.
  • Check that the Game Capture source is added to your scene.
  • Right-click the source and select Properties.
  • Make sure the correct game is selected, or use Capture any fullscreen application.

Adjusting these settings ensures the software knows exactly what to record.

Step 3: Run Capture Software as Administrator

Sometimes, capture programs need elevated permissions to record your screen or game properly. Running the software as an administrator can fix permission-related issues.

  1. Close your capture software if it is open.
  2. Right-click the software’s shortcut or executable file.
  3. Select Run as administrator.
  4. Try to start your game and capture again.

If this works, you can set the software to always run as administrator by right-clicking the shortcut, choosing Properties, then the Compatibility tab, and checking Run this program as an administrator.

Step 4: Enable Game Mode and Background Recording

Windows 11 has built-in gaming features that help optimize performance and recording capabilities. Make sure these are turned on:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to Gaming > Game Mode.
  3. Toggle Game Mode to On.
  4. Next, go to Captures under Gaming settings.
  5. Enable Background recording if you want to capture gameplay automatically or use instant replay features.

These settings help Windows allocate resources efficiently and ensure capturing features are active.

Step 5: Check Privacy Settings for Screen Recording

Windows 11 requires apps to have permission to record your screen and audio. Confirm these permissions are granted:

  1. Open Settings with Win + I.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & security > Microphone and Camera.
  3. Make sure apps you use for capture have access enabled.
  4. Also, check Screen Recording or App Permissions if available, and allow the capture software.

Without these permissions, your capture software won’t be able to record gameplay properly.

Step 6: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can prevent game capture from working correctly, as capturing relies heavily on your GPU.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
  5. Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest drivers.

Keeping your drivers updated ensures compatibility and can fix bugs related to screen capture.

Step 7: Disable Conflicting Software

Some applications may interfere with game capture, such as other screen recorders, overlays, or security programs.

  • Temporarily close any other capture or streaming apps.
  • Turn off overlays like Discord, GeForce Experience, or Steam overlay.
  • Pause or disable antivirus or firewall software temporarily to test if they’re blocking capture functions.

After disabling, try capturing gameplay again to see if the conflict was the cause.

Step 8: Use Alternative Capture Methods

If your current software still doesn’t work, try a different capture method:

  • Screen Recording: Use Windows 11’s built-in Xbox Game Bar screen recorder (Win + G).
  • Window Capture: Instead of game capture, try capturing the game window with OBS’s Window Capture source.
  • Display Capture: As a last resort, capture your entire screen, though this may reduce performance.

These alternatives may bypass issues specific to game capture modes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my game capture not detecting my game?

Game capture mode only records full-screen or certain windowed games. Make sure your game is running in a supported mode and that the capture software has permission to access it.

Can I record games running in windowed mode?

Yes, but some capture programs require you to use Window Capture or Display Capture instead of Game Capture for windowed games.

Does Windows 11 have built-in game capture?

Yes, Windows 11 includes Xbox Game Bar, which allows easy recording and streaming of gameplay without extra software.

Why does my game capture software crash or freeze?

Crashes may be caused by outdated drivers, insufficient system resources, or software conflicts. Updating drivers and closing unnecessary apps can help.

Is running capture software as administrator safe?

Yes, it is safe if you trust the software. It grants necessary permissions to capture your screen and audio properly.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and game capture still isn’t working, consider these final options:

  • Reinstall Capture Software: Sometimes a fresh install fixes corrupted files.
  • Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, you can reset your system to default settings.
  • Contact Support: Visit the official support pages of your capture software or Microsoft Xbox Game Bar for specialized help:

Conclusion

Game capture problems on Windows 11 can usually be resolved by following a few simple steps. Start with basic checks like restarting your PC and verifying software settings, then move on to permissions, updates, and alternative capture methods. Understanding why each step matters helps you troubleshoot more effectively.

By systematically working through these solutions, you’ll increase your chances of fixing the issue quickly and getting back to recording or streaming your gameplay without hassle.

Remember to keep your system and software updated, grant necessary permissions, and close conflicting apps for the best game capture experience on Windows 11.

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