You generally can’t keep OBS streaming on a Windows PC after logging out. Windows ends the processes in the logged-in user’s session when that user signs out, so OBS stops with them. To keep OBS running on that PC, leave the account signed in and lock the workstation. If the stream must continue after sign-out, use a host or workflow designed and tested to run without an interactive Windows session.
Why OBS stops when you log out
Logging out is not the same as locking Windows. A lock screen keeps the signed-in session active; signing out ends that session and its processes. Microsoft documents that processes in an interactive user’s logon session are terminated when the user logs off. That general Windows rule explains why you should not expect OBS to survive sign-out, although the cited documentation does not specifically test OBS.
YouTube’s server URL and stream key tell an encoder where to send its feed; they do not keep the encoder process alive. Similarly, YouTube’s broadcast controls govern the broadcast state, not whether Windows keeps OBS running.
Keep OBS running on the same PC
- Sign in to the Windows account that has the OBS profile, scene and playlist or media source you intend to use.
- Open OBS and start streaming. Check OBS for an active connection and confirm in YouTube Studio that the expected stream is arriving and the broadcast is live as intended.
- Lock the workstation without signing out. Use the Windows lock action, such as pressing Windows key + L. Do not choose Sign out, Log off or Shut down.
- Verify the setup before relying on it. Run a short private or unlisted test and confirm the playlist or media source plays, YouTube receives the feed, and the broadcast behaves as expected while the PC is locked.
Locking leaves the user session active, so OBS can remain in that session. That conclusion follows from Windows session behavior; validate it on your particular Windows and OBS setup before an important stream.
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What OBS launch automation can—and cannot—do
Start OBS streaming automatically
OBS documents the --startstreaming launch parameter for starting a stream automatically. For a scheduled or otherwise automated OBS launch on Windows, its launch-parameters documentation says to set the task’s Start in working directory to the folder containing obs64.exe. This can automate launching OBS; it does not make the application persist after its Windows user session ends.
Keep the YouTube and Windows states separate
YouTube’s encoder setup uses a Live server URL and stream key to receive the encoder feed. OBS starting to send that feed and YouTube’s broadcast being live are distinct states. An older OBS community guide describes scheduled broadcasts and Auto-start/Auto-stop, but its interface details date from 2015 and may no longer match YouTube Studio. Check the current labels in Studio rather than relying on an old menu path.
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Why a Windows service is not a drop-in fix
Running a desktop encoder as a Windows service is not an established, supported solution for this use. Microsoft says services cannot directly interact with a user as of Windows Vista; services normally run without the user-facing desktop that interactive applications use. Microsoft also discourages interactive services on systems with Terminal Services or fast user switching. The cited sources do not certify OBS running in a noninteractive service session, so do not assume that converting OBS into a service will preserve its scenes, media playback or stream.
A Task Scheduler option that launches a process without an interactive user session is not proof that OBS will work correctly there. The exact workflow, profile access, media sources and YouTube event behavior would need to be tested on the intended host.
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If OBS must continue after sign-out
Move the encoder to a host or workflow that is intended to operate independently of an interactive Windows desktop, then test that exact arrangement before using it for a critical broadcast. Verify that it can access the intended media and stream key, send the feed to YouTube, and recover in the way you need if the connection or ingest is interrupted. The cited Windows and OBS documentation does not establish a particular headless OBS configuration or endorse a specific third-party host.
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OBS stops as soon as you sign out
That is consistent with Windows ending processes in the logged-in session. Keep the account signed in and lock the PC, or move the workflow to a host designed to run independently of that session.
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OBS launches, but the stream does not start
Check that the intended OBS profile and scene are loaded, that the stream key and server settings are correct, and that OBS is actually sending data. If using --startstreaming through a scheduled launch, set Start in to the folder containing obs64.exe, as OBS documents.
YouTube receives a feed, but the broadcast is not live as expected
Check the event and current broadcast controls in YouTube Studio. Encoder ingest and broadcast state are separate; an OBS launch parameter does not replace YouTube’s event configuration.
The playlist or media does not play as expected
Before leaving the PC unattended, confirm that the intended OBS scene and media source are active and that the test broadcast shows the expected playback. The cited documentation does not guarantee a particular playlist or media-source configuration.
Copyright and stream checks
Use recordings and other material you have the rights to stream. A successful encoder connection does not establish that the content is authorized or that a particular broadcast will comply with YouTube’s rules. Check the current YouTube requirements and any applicable rights before scheduling a long-running stream.
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Quick Recap
Official references
- OBS launch parameters
- YouTube: Set up your encoder for live streaming
- Microsoft: Interactive Services
- OBS community guide to scheduled streams (published in 2015; interface details may be outdated)
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