OBS can start streaming automatically when it launches: add --startstreaming to its launch command. To recover after a Windows reboot, you must also configure Windows to launch OBS at startup; to recover from an OBS crash, you need separate process supervision. OBS’s automatic reconnect setting handles a different problem: a dropped stream connection while OBS is still running.
Know which failure you want to recover from
“Restart OBS” can mean several things. Choose the mechanism for the failure you expect; no single OBS setting handles all of them.
| Mechanism | What it handles | What it does not handle |
|---|---|---|
--startstreaming |
Starts the stream when OBS is launched. | It does not launch OBS, start it after a reboot, or supervise a crashed process. OBS launch parameters |
| OBS automatic reconnect | Retries a disconnected output while OBS is running. | It does not restart a crashed OBS process or launch OBS after a reboot. Retry count and interval are output-reconnection settings. OBS output reference |
| Windows startup shortcut or Task Scheduler | Launches OBS when Windows or a user session starts, depending on how it is configured. | It does not by itself monitor OBS for a later crash. A startup task might also run before the network is ready; this timing concern is discussed anecdotally in a March 2024 OBS forum thread. |
| External process supervisor or script | Can monitor and relaunch an exited OBS process if configured to do so. | Setup depends on the operating system and whether OBS runs in an interactive user session. The OBS launch and reconnect documentation does not provide a complete, cross-platform crash-supervisor recipe. |
Prepare OBS before automating it
First make sure the stream works when started manually. Configure and save the profile, scene collection, scene, and YouTube streaming service or stream key. Confirm the fireplace video source is playing as intended, then start the stream normally and check that it reaches YouTube. Automation will repeat your saved setup; it will not fix a missing source, invalid key, or incomplete configuration.
Start streaming when OBS launches
OBS documents --startstreaming as the launch parameter for starting a stream as the application opens. On Windows, add it to the shortcut or the program arguments used by your scheduled task.
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Using an OBS shortcut in Windows
- Find the OBS shortcut you want to use. If necessary, create one that points to
obs64.exe. - Open the shortcut’s Properties and locate the Target field. Leave the existing executable path intact, add a space after the closing quote, then add
--startstreaming. The resulting target will resemble"C:Program Filesobs-studiobin64bitobs64.exe" --startstreaming; your installation path may differ. - If you need OBS to open a particular saved setup, the launch guide also documents
--collection,--profile, and--scene. Use the names of your actual collection, profile, and scene, and follow the guide’s quoting rules for names containing spaces. - Save the shortcut, close OBS, and launch it with that shortcut to check whether the intended setup opens and the stream starts.
For automated Windows launches, OBS’s guide says to set the working directory—shown as “Start in…” in relevant Windows launch settings—to the folder containing obs64.exe. This matters especially when using Task Scheduler rather than opening OBS from its usual shortcut.
Launch OBS after a Windows reboot
The launch parameter starts streaming only after OBS has been launched. To cover a Windows restart or power interruption, also arrange for Windows to launch the configured shortcut or task at startup. OBS documents launch parameters and the working-directory requirement; the exact startup trigger depends on your Windows account and task setup.
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- Use a Startup-folder shortcut or configure a Task Scheduler task to launch OBS when the appropriate user logs on or the system starts.
- In the task’s action, point to
obs64.exeand include--startstreamingin the arguments. - Set the task’s “Start in…” working directory to the folder containing
obs64.exe. - Choose a trigger and account that fit how the computer is used. A task configured for a user session may depend on that user signing in; system-start behavior varies with task settings.
- Test the trigger deliberately and confirm both that OBS opens and that the stream reaches YouTube. Do not assume that adding the launch argument created a boot trigger.
Network equipment may take longer to become available than the computer. A March 2024 forum discussion about a Windows 11 24/7 camera stream raises this as a possible cause of a failed first connection after an outage and suggests waiting for connectivity before launching or restarting OBS. That is community advice, not a guaranteed fix. If your network is not ready at startup, a delay or connectivity check may be needed in your Windows automation.
Enable OBS automatic reconnect for dropped connections
Automatic reconnect is for a temporary disconnection of the streaming output while OBS remains open. Configure it in OBS’s output/reconnect settings for your version, and choose a retry count and retry interval appropriate to your connection. The OBS API reference describes retry intervals that double on each retry. It is not an application watchdog: if OBS exits or the PC reboots, reconnect settings cannot launch it again.
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What to do about an OBS crash
If OBS itself closes unexpectedly, a launch shortcut or startup trigger will not necessarily notice or relaunch it. Use a separate process supervisor or monitoring script configured for the operating system and session in which OBS runs. It should detect that OBS has exited, relaunch it with the intended arguments and working directory, and avoid creating multiple OBS instances. The launch and output-reconnect documentation establishes those two OBS behaviors but does not give a complete supervisor recipe for every Windows, macOS, or Linux setup.
Troubleshoot a stream that does not restart
- OBS opens but does not start streaming: Check that
--startstreamingis in the actual launch arguments, not merely in a separate shortcut that the task does not use. Confirm a normal manual stream works with the saved profile and key. - OBS does not open from Task Scheduler: Check the executable path, the task’s arguments, account and trigger settings, and “Start in…” directory. For automated Windows launches, set the working directory to the folder containing
obs64.exe, as OBS’s launch guide specifies. - The stream disconnects but OBS stays open: Review automatic reconnect settings and whether the output can reach YouTube. Reconnect retries cannot fix a continuing network or platform problem.
- The PC reboots but OBS stays closed: The launch parameter is not a startup trigger. Check that the Startup-folder shortcut or scheduled task is configured for the intended boot or logon event.
- The task runs but the stream fails immediately after power returns: Consider whether the router or internet connection is ready when OBS starts. The forum thread describes this as a possible timing issue; a delayed launch or connectivity check may be appropriate.
- OBS crashes and remains closed: Configure a separate supervisor to monitor and relaunch the process. Automatic reconnect only operates while OBS is running.
Power, internet, and platform limits
Automation cannot guarantee an uninterrupted 24/7 stream. A computer, router, internet connection, YouTube, and OBS can each fail independently. A UPS sized for the computer and network equipment may help with brief power interruptions, but it does not restart OBS or guarantee internet service. Treat it as optional power protection, not an OBS requirement.
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