You can configure Windows to reopen OBS after you sign in, using either a shortcut in the Startup folder or a Task Scheduler task. That only restarts the app: it does not prove that your particular playlist resumes at the right item or that a YouTube stream reconnects. Test the whole recovery sequence on your own PC before relying on it unattended.
What Windows startup can—and cannot—restore
Windows can launch OBS after sign-in. OBS community guidance describes two approaches: adding an OBS shortcut to the Startup folder, or creating a task in Task Scheduler. The latter provides more control over triggers and launch timing.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Opening OBS is separate from restoring a playlist’s playback state. The available guidance does not establish that a playlist’s position or playback state survives an operating-system restart. A 2019 discussion about OBS Studio 23.2.1 on Windows 10 Pro reported a media source playing on startup, but that anecdote—and its suggested blank-first-scene workaround—does not establish how current OBS versions handle playlists.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPrepare OBS before changing Windows startup
- Save your OBS scene collection and confirm which scene contains the playlist source.
- Check that the intended playlist and source are present in that scene.
- Note what “working” means for your setup: OBS opens, the right scene is active, playlist playback actually begins, and—if you stream—the stream reconnects.
This gives you specific things to verify after a restart instead of assuming that an open OBS window means the broadcast has recovered.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Option 1: Open OBS from the Windows Startup folder
A Startup-folder shortcut is the simpler route if OBS only needs to open when you sign in.
- Create or locate a shortcut to OBS.
- Open the Windows Startup folder for your user account. One way is to press
Windows key + R, entershell:startup, and press Enter. - Place the OBS shortcut in that folder.
- Restart Windows, sign in, and check whether OBS opens.
This approach launches OBS at sign-in; it does not provide the same trigger and timing controls as Task Scheduler.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Option 2: Launch OBS with Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler is a better fit when you need control over the trigger or want to account for startup timing. OBS community guidance describes using a task to launch the application. For a streaming PC that may start before its network equipment is ready, delayed launch or a retry may be needed: a 2024 community discussion describes an initial connection attempt occurring before network equipment was ready.
Recommended Free Tools
- Open Windows Task Scheduler and create a task with a trigger appropriate to your setup, such as signing in. The exact labels can vary between Windows versions.
- Set the task’s action to start the OBS executable.
- If a delay or retry is needed, configure the task or a script accordingly. Do not assume an immediate launch will wait for internet connectivity.
- Save the task, then test it by signing out and back in or by performing a controlled restart.
For scheduled recording, an OBS forum example uses the executable as the action, --startrecording --minimize-to-tray as arguments, and the folder containing the executable as “Start in.” The original poster reported success with that recording setup. Those arguments are for starting a recording; they do not establish that a playlist resumes or that a live stream starts. A separate forum discussion mentions a command-line argument for starting a stream and points to OBS launch parameters, while cautioning that OBS is not designed for unattended, noninteractive streaming.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
Test recovery after a Windows update or restart
Use a controlled restart after a normal reboot or update rather than trusting an untested startup setting.
- Restart Windows and sign in.
- Confirm OBS opens.
- Check that the expected scene is active and the playlist source is present.
- Verify that playback actually starts and proceeds as expected; do not infer this from the source merely appearing in OBS.
- If you stream to YouTube, check the stream status and confirm that viewers can see the recovered broadcast.
If one part fails, note which one: app launch, scene selection, playlist playback, network connection, or stream status. These are separate recovery steps, and success at one does not prove the others.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Troubleshoot the common failure points
OBS does not open after sign-in
- For a Startup-folder shortcut, confirm it is in the Startup folder for the Windows account that signs in.
- For Task Scheduler, check that the task is enabled and its trigger matches the sign-in or startup event you intended.
OBS opens, but the playlist does not play
Confirm the intended scene and source are present, then check playback directly. The available evidence does not establish that playlist position or playback state persists across a restart. Do not assume a fix based on the 2019 OBS 23.2.1 media-source anecdote applies to your current version.
The YouTube stream does not reconnect
Check whether OBS launched before the network connection was available. If that is happening, try a delayed launch or a retry approach, then repeat the full recovery test. Startup-folder launch guidance alone does not guarantee a successful stream connection.
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping on a YouTube channel, StreamNeo is an alternative to running OBS on a home PC. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- Nothing has to stay on at home.
- Videos stream as uploaded, at any quality up to 4K 60fps, for one flat price per slot.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
