Blog

NVIDIA ShadowPlay is a popular tool for recording gameplay on Windows 11. Sometimes, users face issues where ShadowPlay stops recording unexpectedly. This guide will help you fix those problems step-by-step.

Whether you are new to ShadowPlay or have used it before, these instructions are simple and clear. Following them carefully will get your recording back on track quickly.

We will start with basic checks and then move to more detailed troubleshooting. This ensures you don’t miss any simple fixes before trying complex ones.

By the end, you’ll understand common causes and how to resolve them effectively, so your gameplay captures smoothly again.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

• Check System Requirements: Ensure your PC has an NVIDIA graphics card that supports ShadowPlay (typically GeForce GTX 600 series or later).
• Update Windows 11: Running the latest version of Windows helps avoid compatibility issues.
• Update NVIDIA Drivers: Outdated drivers are a common cause of recording failures. Use GeForce Experience to update.
• Verify GeForce Experience is Installed: ShadowPlay requires GeForce Experience software to function.

Step 1: Enable ShadowPlay (In-Game Overlay)

ShadowPlay recording depends on the In-Game Overlay feature being enabled in GeForce Experience. Sometimes, this can be off by default or disabled after updates.

1. Open GeForce Experience from your Start menu.
2. Click the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner.
3. Under the General tab, look for In-Game Overlay and make sure it is turned ON.
4. If it’s off, toggle it on and wait a few seconds for it to initialize.

Why this is important: ShadowPlay recording requires the overlay to capture game footage. If it’s off, ShadowPlay won’t start recording.

Step 2: Check Privacy Settings in Windows

Windows 11 has privacy controls that can block apps from recording your screen. ShadowPlay needs permission to record your gameplay.

1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & Security > Microphone and Camera.
3. Make sure apps are allowed to access your microphone and camera. Though ShadowPlay mostly records video, access to microphone is needed for recording your voice.
4. Next, in Privacy & Security, select App permissions > Screen recording (if available) and ensure GeForce Experience has permission.

Why this is important: Without proper permissions, ShadowPlay cannot capture video or audio during gameplay, causing recording failure.

Step 3: Restart NVIDIA Services

Sometimes, NVIDIA background services responsible for ShadowPlay can glitch. Restarting them can restore functionality.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Find NVDisplay.ContainerLocalSystem and NVIDIA Telemetry Container.
4. Right-click each one and select Restart.
5. After restarting, try recording again.

Why this helps: Restarting services resets internal processes that manage ShadowPlay recording, fixing minor glitches.

Step 4: Check Game Compatibility and Running Mode

ShadowPlay may not work correctly with certain games or when games are run in exclusive fullscreen mode.

1. Try switching your game to Borderless Windowed or Windowed mode instead of fullscreen.
2. Launch the game and try recording again.

Why this matters: Some games block overlay features in fullscreen exclusive mode, preventing ShadowPlay from capturing the screen.

Step 5: Clear Temporary ShadowPlay Files

Corrupted temporary files can interfere with recording. Clearing them can solve recording issues.

1. Close GeForce Experience and ShadowPlay.
2. Navigate to the folder C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataLocalNVIDIA CorporationShadowPlay.
3. Delete all files inside the ShadowPlay folder. (Don’t worry, these are temporary files.)
4. Restart GeForce Experience and try recording again.

Note: To see AppData folder, you may need to enable hidden files in File Explorer.

Step 6: Reinstall NVIDIA GeForce Experience

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling GeForce Experience can fix corrupted installations or missing components.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find NVIDIA GeForce Experience, click the three dots, and choose Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC after the uninstall process completes.
4. Download the latest version from the official NVIDIA website: NVIDIA GeForce Experience Download.
5. Install it, open the app, and enable In-Game Overlay again.

Why this step is important: Reinstalling ensures you have the latest, uncorrupted files needed for ShadowPlay to work.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If ShadowPlay still doesn’t record, consider these options:

• Run GeForce Experience as Administrator: Right-click the GeForce Experience icon and select Run as administrator. This can resolve permission issues.
• Disable Conflicting Software: Some screen recorders or overlays (like Discord, OBS, or Xbox Game Bar) may conflict with ShadowPlay. Temporarily disable them.
• Adjust ShadowPlay Recording Settings: Lower the recording resolution or frame rate in the overlay settings to reduce system load.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is ShadowPlay not recording audio?

Make sure your microphone and system audio settings are enabled in the In-Game Overlay audio options. Also, check Windows sound permissions as explained earlier.

Can I record non-game applications with ShadowPlay?

ShadowPlay is primarily designed for games, but it can sometimes capture other applications if the overlay is active. However, compatibility is not guaranteed.

Does ShadowPlay work with all NVIDIA graphics cards?

No, ShadowPlay requires at least a GeForce GTX 600 series or newer GPU. Older cards do not support this feature.

Is there a limit on recording length with ShadowPlay?

ShadowPlay supports manual recording and Instant Replay mode. Manual recordings can be as long as your storage allows, but Instant Replay is limited to a set duration (usually up to 20 minutes).

What file formats does ShadowPlay save recordings in?

ShadowPlay saves videos in MP4 format by default, which is compatible with most media players and editing software.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and ShadowPlay still refuses to record, consider the following final options:

• Contact NVIDIA Support: Visit NVIDIA’s official support page for personalized help.
• Use Alternative Recording Software: Programs like OBS Studio or Windows Game Bar can be good substitutes if ShadowPlay fails consistently.
• Check Hardware Issues: In rare cases, GPU or storage hardware problems can affect recording. Run diagnostics if you suspect this.

Conclusion

Fixing ShadowPlay recording issues on Windows 11 is usually straightforward once you understand the common causes. Start by enabling the In-Game Overlay, updating your drivers, and verifying permissions. Restarting NVIDIA services and adjusting game settings often resolve glitches.

If problems persist, clearing temporary files or reinstalling GeForce Experience can help. For stubborn cases, running as administrator or disabling conflicting apps may be necessary. Remember, NVIDIA support and alternative software are always available as backups.

With these steps, you can enjoy smooth gameplay recording and capture your best moments without frustration.