obs64.exe

What is obs64.exe?

obs64.exe is the 64-bit executable for OBS Studio, the open-source software used for live streaming and screen recording. It orchestrates capture sources, scene composition, encoding, and output delivery, typically running alongside helper components within the same process.

OBS Studio uses multi-threaded capture and encoding, distributing work across CPU cores to sustain smooth streaming and recording without freezing the UI or dropping frames.

Types of OBS Processes

• Main Process: UI, scene collection management, and global settings (single instance)
• Capture/Render Threads: Source capture and video rendering workflows within the app
• Encoder Threads: Software or hardware encoders (x264, NVENC, etc.) for output
• Output/Streaming: RTMP/RTSP streaming and local recording modules
• Plugin/Module: VSTs, scripts, and third-party plugins loaded in-process
• Utility/Background: Auto-save, scene switching, profiles, and config management

Is obs64.exe Safe?

Yes, obs64.exe is safe when it's from the official OBS Studio project downloaded from obsproject.com or through trusted distribution channels.

Is obs64.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real obs64.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade under similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if obs64.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64\obs64.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\obs-studio\bin\64\obs64.exe. Any obs64.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show signer "OBS Project".
3. Resource Usage: Normal OBS usage varies; typical streaming/recording can peak CPU; see Task Manager for image path: C:\Program Files\obs-studio\bin\64\obs64.exe.
4. Behavior: OBS should be active only when the application is running. Unexpected background execution may indicate a misnamed or malicious file.

Why Is obs64.exe Running on My PC?

obs64.exe runs when you start OBS Studio or when OBS is configured to run in background or to start streaming/recording tasks.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Streaming or Recording: OBS processes encoding and IO for live output or local recordings; the app remains active during a session.
• Scene/Source Capture: Capturing sources (display, window, game, webcam, audio) spawns processing work to render frames.
• Background Output Tasks: While streaming, OBS keeps network outputs and file writes active to maintain the stream/recording.
• Profile/Scene Changes: Switching scenes or sources triggers processing; OBS stays running to apply transitions smoothly.
• Startup or Background Services: If OBS is set to start with Windows or to continue in the background, obs64.exe will run even when UI is minimized.

Can I Disable or Remove obs64.exe?

Yes, you can stop OBS when not in use and uninstall if desired. You can disable startup and stop background tasks to prevent automatic running.

How to Stop obs64.exe

• End Recording/Streaming: Click Stop Recording and Stop Streaming in OBS to end active tasks
• Close OBS: Use File > Exit or the X button to close the application
• Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable OBS Studio
• Prevent Background Start (if configured): Check OBS settings: General > Output > Replay Buffer and ensure no auto-start scripts are present (if applicable)
• Check Task Scheduler: Open Task Scheduler and remove any OBS Studio tasks that launch on startup

How to Uninstall OBS Studio

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → OBS Studio → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → OBS Studio → Uninstall
• ✔ Restart the PC and reinstall from https://obsproject.com if needed

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If obs64.exe is consuming excessive resources during streaming or recording:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Sources or High-Resolution Sources: Disable or cap sources; reduce resolution/FPS; consider using hardware encoding
• Hardware Encoding Limits: Switch to a less demanding encoder (e.g., use NVENC/AMD VCE) and adjust bitrate
• Scene Complexity: Simplify scenes, reduce filters, and avoid heavy effects during streaming
• Background Tasks: Close unnecessary browser tabs or widgets integrated via browser sources
• Outdated OBS: Update OBS Studio to the latest version from obsproject.com
• Graphics Driver: Update GPU drivers and disable conflicting features like Game Mode

Related Processes