As an avid streamer and entrepreneur dedicated to helping fellow content creators succeed, I know firsthand how important it is to keep OBS updated. With over 27 million active users as of 2022, OBS is the live streaming software of choice for good reason.
However, like any rapidly evolving program, OBS needs regular updates to squash bugs, improve performance, and add handy new capabilities. Based on my extensive experience using OBS since 2016, here is an in-depth guide on how to properly update OBS for the optimal streaming experience.
Why Updating OBS is Essential
Before jumping into the step-by-step updating process, let‘s look at why staying current with OBS is so crucial for live streamers:
Bug Fixes Keep Streams Running Smoothly
Each update patches existing bugs and issues that could otherwise cause problems like crashing, freezing, or errors. Frequent updates prevent technical headaches.
New Features Enhance Streaming Capabilities
Updates consistently add exciting new features like notifications, multi-scene collections, and fresh transitions to help streamline your workflow.
Improved Performance Means Smoother Streams
Updates often optimize software performance in areas like CPU/GPU usage, memory management, and rendering for lag-free streams.
Enhanced Security Protects Your System and Data
Updates patch security loopholes and vulnerabilities that could put your system and streaming data at risk if left unfixed.
Latest Compatibility Prevents Headaches
Updates keep OBS compatible as new programs, drivers, Windows versions, and components release. This prevents compatibility issues.
Updating prevents problems and unlocks new possibilities. Now let‘s see how to update properly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Updating OBS
Updating OBS only takes a few minutes if you follow these steps:
1. Open OBS on Your Machine
Launch OBS via your desktop shortcut or Start menu like normal.
2. Check for Updates
Click "Help" then "Check for Updates" to connect to OBS servers.
3. Install the Latest Update
If an update is available, click "Update Now" to automatically download and install it.
4. Relaunch OBS
Once the update is complete, close and relaunch OBS to apply the changes.
And that‘s all there is to it! With just those four simple steps, you can effortlessly keep OBS updated with the latest features and improvements.
Auto-Updating vs Manual Updating
OBS gives you two choices for keeping the software updated:
Automatic Updates – Enable auto-update in OBS settings and updates install automatically when launched.
Manual Updates – Manually check for new updates and install them yourself.
Here‘s an analysis of the pros and cons of each method:
Automatic OBS Updating
Pros:
- Updates instantly without you having to do anything. Super convenient.
- Ensures you never miss an important update.
Cons:
- Can‘t control when updates install, which may disrupt your workflow.
- More potential for bugs since updates aren‘t tested before installing.
Manual OBS Updating
Pros:
- Choose exactly when to install updates at your convenience.
- Can test updates first to ensure no issues.
Cons:
- Have to manually check for updates consistently.
- May forget or neglect to update leading to problems.
Overall, I personally recommend enabling automatic updates for convenience, but manually updating works fine too if you prefer more control.
Troubleshooting OBS Update Problems
Though rare, you may encounter issues when updating OBS like:
- Update doesn‘t show up
- Update hangs when downloading
- OBS crashes after updating
- Scenes or sources break after updating
Here are some tips for resolving these problems based on my experience:
- Restart OBS and try updating again.
- Temporarily disable firewall and antivirus.
- Reinstall OBS completely if issues persist.
- Update graphics drivers if OBS crashes.
- Revert to a backed up OBS settings folder.
- Search forums/Reddit or submit a bug report for unresolved problems.
With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get OBS updating properly again.
Comparing OBS to Other Streaming Software
While OBS is my streaming software of choice, programs like Streamlabs OBS, XSplit and Wirecast are alternatives.
OBS has some advantages over other options:
- Completely free and open source
- Supports more platforms like Linux
- Lower resource usage for better performance
- Highly customizable and plugin expandable
However, programs like Streamlabs OBS offer greater ease of use for beginners while Wirecast has robust multi-camera production features.
There are plenty of excellent streaming tools available, but OBS offers an ideal blend of power, customization and ease of use for most streamers. And staying updated ensures you get the best OBS experience.
Keep OBS Updated for Streaming Success
Like any actively developed software, keeping OBS updated is crucial for avoiding issues and utilizing the latest capabilities.
By following this guide, you can effortlessly keep OBS current and enjoy smooth, glitch-free streams. Just be sure to update regularly and enable auto-update for maximum convenience.
Feel free to reach out if you need help resolving any update-related issues. Happy streaming!
