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If OBS media sources go missing after a Windows update, first check that the files still exist and that their drive is connected. Then compare the file’s current location with the path saved in OBS and relink it if needed. The timing alone does not show that Windows caused the problem: OBS says updates should leave settings intact, though other software can interfere with OBS after an update.
Why OBS media files go missing
An OBS Media Source points to a local audio or video file through its Local File setting. If that file is moved, its drive is unavailable, or a drive letter changes, the saved path may no longer resolve. The file can still be on the computer even though OBS cannot find it.
OBS’s missing-files interface displays the message “Some files are missing since you last used OBS.” That tells you OBS cannot locate one or more referenced files; it does not identify what changed. Check the file, drive, and saved path before attributing the issue to Windows. See the OBS Media Sources guide and OBS general update troubleshooting.
Find the cause and relink the files
- Check the file in File Explorer. Browse to the affected audio or video file. If it is on a removable or secondary drive, reconnect the drive and make sure Windows can open its location.
- Compare the current path with the path OBS expects. Look for a moved folder or a changed drive letter. A source can point to the old location even when the file itself is intact.
- Use OBS’s missing-files controls. In the missing-files workflow, choose Search Directory… to search a folder, or Select file… to choose a replacement file. OBS reports how many files it found. Select the appropriate location for the missing media.
- Check the affected scene. Play the scene and confirm the repaired audio or video source works. Save the scene collection once the references are correct.
OBS documents Media Sources for local video formats including MP4, TS, MOV, FLV, MKV, AVI, GIF, and WebM, and audio formats including MP3, AAC, OGG, and WAV. The source’s Local File setting is where the referenced file is selected. See the Media Sources documentation.
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Keep the media path stable
For prevention, keep files in a folder on a volume that is consistently available, and avoid moving or renaming them after adding them to OBS. If you use removable storage, make sure it mounts at the expected path whenever you open OBS.
Use the same drive letter on removable storage
If you use an OBS portable setup across PCs, assigning the removable drive the same letter on each computer can keep its path consistent. This is the approach recommended in an older OBS community guide; the letter must remain available and the drive connected. See OBS and OBS-Studio: Portable Mode on Windows.
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Mount the volume in a folder
Windows can expose a drive through a folder path instead of relying on a particular drive letter. Microsoft documents methods using Disk Management, command line, and PowerShell. A folder mount point requires the volume to use NTFS or ReFS. Before changing a drive or folder path, check whether other applications rely on its existing location. Follow the steps for your Windows edition in Microsoft’s mount-point instructions.
If other OBS features also fail
If the problem extends beyond local media—for example, other OBS features stop working after an update—consult the OBS Help Portal. OBS notes that security software may scrutinize an updated application and recommends checking its whitelist settings. That possibility applies to broader OBS problems; it is not evidence that antivirus changed a media file’s path.
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded videos looping as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate option from repairing local OBS sources: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. The cloud keeps the stream running, so nothing has to stay on at home. Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded videos streaming to YouTube, not camera broadcasts. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
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