Written by: Elijah Ugoh

OBS Studio (also known as Open Broadcaster Software or OBS, for short) is a free, open-source, and cross-platform screencasting and streaming app. In addition to video and audio capturing, it comes with features that allow for editing and mixing of the recordings using the intuitive audio mixer.

The application is available for free, and there’s a ton of information to help you understand how to use the app’s features maximally. Features of OBS Studio include screen snapping, automatic recording when streaming, online video streaming, effect filters, filters for better video and sound quality, etc.

Follow the instructions below and I’ll show you how to download and install OBS Studio on your PC for free.

How to Download and Install OBS Studio on Your PC for Free

  1. Click on the Download button on the sidebar to go directly to the official OBS Studio download page.
  2. Select your operating system, and click on “Download Installer”.
    OBS Studio download screenshot
  3. Once the download is complete, go to the download folder and double-click on the .exe file to run the installation.
  4. Once done, click Finish to end the process and launch the app.
  5. Don’t forget to select what you want to do with OBS Studio before you start using it. You’ll see the pop-up below on your screen when you launch the application.
    OBS Studio auto configuration wizard screenshot

How to Uninstall OBS Studio

If OBS Studio isn’t the right screencasting and streaming solution for you, you can uninstall it from your computer by following these simple steps:

  1. Type Add or Remove Programs in the Windows search bar and click the Enter key.
    OBS Studio add or remove programs screenshot
  2. Scroll and locate OBS Studio in the list of installed programs. Click the Uninstall button.
    OBS Studio uninstall screenshot
  3. Once the uninstallation wizard opens, click “Uninstall” to confirm that you want to remove the software, and it will be uninstalled from your computer.

If you prefer to use different screencasting and video streaming software, check the free alternatives below.

OBS Studio Overview

OBS Studio offers real-time capture, encoding, and broadcasting for various purposes, including video tutorials, work collaborations, YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, and more. It’s a user-friendly solution for individuals seeking easy ways to record and share their content without the need for advanced technical knowledge. You can perform high-quality, real-time video or audio capturing and mixing, using the in-built tools and create scenes and recordings made up of multiple sources, including window captures, images, text, browser windows, web pages, application windows, games, webcams, your desktop, microphone, capture cards, etc.

OBS Studio user interface screenshot

OBS Studio supports most streaming platforms and is built to offer plenty of video recording and streaming capabilities. The program also supports live streaming via Twitch, YouTube, hitbox.tv, DailyMotion, beam.tv, Livecoding.tv, Facebook Live, and Restream.io. With the Settings features, you can configure the program according to your preference.

Features of OBS Studio

  • High-performance real-time video and audio capturing and mixing with unlimited scenes.
  • Use multiple sources, such as window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards, etc., to create different scenes.
  • Set up an unlimited number of scenes and switch between them seamlessly, using custom transitions.
  • In-built audio mixer with audio and video filters (gain, video delay, noise suppression, noise gate).
  • Use the modular ‘Dock’ UI to set your preferred screen layout. You can also pop out individual Docks to their own window.
  • Supports all major streaming platforms.
  • Switch to either light or dark themes to fit your environment.

Free Alternatives to OBS Studio

CamStudio: With CamStudio, you can record your computer screen using audio input from your Mic or Speakers. CamStudio is also an open-source screencasting program, but only for Microsoft Windows. The interface is simple, easy to use, and the program can record in AVI or export as SWF.

XSplit Broadcaster: XSplit broadcaster is a live streaming and video-mixing application developed by SplitmediaLabs. It enables you to record your broadcast in real time using powerful features like multiple audio tracks recording. You can add Queue points to make post-production editing easier. XSplit Broadcaster is popularly used for capturing gameplay for live streaming or video recording.

FAQs

Is OBS Studio free?

Yes! OBS Studio is free and maintained as an open-source program. Anyone can contribute to improving the program’s performance for everyone. Use the simple guide I provided above to download and install OBS Studio on your PC for free.

Is OBS Studio secure?

Open Broadcaster Software Studio is very safe, provided you download only from the official OBS Studio site. The program is open-source and widely used by a growing community of streamers, vloggers, and broadcasters on multiple platforms. Avoid downloading the software from unofficial sites that may expose your computer to spyware and malware invasion.

Where are my recordings saved?

By default, all recordings are saved in your system’s video folder. You can find this from the program interface by going to File > Show Recordings. You can change the folder where your recording is saved by going to File > Settings > Output > Recording.
Download OBS Studio now!