OBS is one of the most popular streaming tools, allowing users to stream high-quality content across multiple platforms. However, some users have reported that they have encountered the dropping frames issue alongside stream lags. Most of the time, it occurs because of unstable connectivity, so here is a guide that you can use to troubleshoot your error on your own. Without further delay, let’s take a look.
How do I fix the OBS dropping frames issue?
It occurs most of the time because of unstable internet connectivity; likewise, check the high bitrate, look for an anti-virus/firewall, or any other. Follow the instructions mentioned below.
Troubleshooting the Hardware
This is the first thing most professionals say to do. Here is the step-by-step method.
- Check your Wi-Fi router and re-power the Wi-Fi router.
- Check the Ethernet cable. If it was damaged, change the cable.
- It is recommended to use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
After this troubleshooting, if you still encounter the error, check out the next fix method.
Update the drivers.
A driver is responsible for hardware working fine within your system, and you simply need to update your driver directly from the manufacturer’s website To update the driver, you have to check for Windows Update, the motherboard driver, and the network. Most likely, we recommend using Driver Booster to check all outdated drivers. If it finds any outdated drivers, it will update and install them automatically.
Temporarily disable Firewall/Antivirus
Sometimes, while using multiple anti-viruses or firewalls, your OBS might be restricted.
- Open Windows Firewall, and then head over to Defender Firewall.
- From there, click on Customise Settings and select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on/off accordingly.
- Once again, do we also recommend you disable the real-time Windows Defender turn-on/off?
Alternatively, when you were on the Windows Defender firewall, check for the obs32.exe/obs64.exe; if it was restricted, then you need to enable the OBS.
Lower bitrate value
If you have slow internet connectivity, then you need to lower the bitrate in the OBS settings. Therefore, it will reduce the quality of the stream, so follow the following instructions mentioned below.
- Open OBS Studio and then head over to the files.
- Navigate to the left panel, click on Settings, and then select Output.
- From there, under the Streaming option, change the value of the bitrate.
- That’s it. Click OK to make the changes.
If you are using OBS Studio 24, you don’t need to change the video bitrate because it changes according to internet connectivity.
Disable the bandwidth and Hoggin app services.
If your system has any bandwidth-hogging applications, then you need to disable them before starting streaming with the help of OBS.
- Open Task Manager, and then check for the application that is using most of the network.
- If you find any unwanted application utilizing your valuable resource, then simply end that task.
Switch the Stream Server
Most of us always use the default stream service, and then you need to switch the server.
- Open OBS and go to Settings.
- Navigate to the left panel. Click on stream, and then under Service, select Connect Account.
- Login with your account, and then change the server by choosing the server from the drop-down option.
- That’s it. Click OK to make the changes.