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How to Make OBS Restart Streaming After a PC Reboot

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On Windows, use Task Scheduler to open OBS Studio when the streaming user logs in, with --startstreaming as a launch argument. Set the task’s Start in folder to the one containing obs64.exe. Then test that the stream is actually live at its destination: opening OBS does not prove the service accepted the stream.

Before you automate OBS

First, start OBS manually and confirm it streams successfully with the account, profile, scene collection, scenes, and destination you intend to use. The launch argument can ask OBS to start streaming, but it cannot supply a missing stream setup or guarantee that the destination is reachable.

Find the full path to obs64.exe on your PC. Use the path that is actually installed rather than assuming a default location. OBS’s launch-parameter documentation advises setting the working directory to the folder containing the executable for scheduled and other automated Windows launches.

Set up a Task Scheduler logon task

  1. Open Task Scheduler in Windows and create a task for the Windows account that should run OBS. Choose a When I log on trigger for that account. Windows supports logon triggers and executable actions; its logon trigger can also be configured with a delay.
  2. Add an action to start OBS. Set the program or script to the full path to obs64.exe.
  3. Enter the launch argument. In the action’s arguments field, enter --startstreaming.
  4. Set the working directory. In Start in, enter the directory containing obs64.exe, not the executable’s full path. For example, if the executable is in C:SomeFolderbin64bit, put that folder in Start in.
  5. Save and test the task. Run it once from Task Scheduler and check that OBS opens and the destination shows the stream as live. Then sign out and back in, or reboot, and test the real startup sequence.

Microsoft documents executable actions and logon triggers in its Task Scheduler executable action and logon trigger references. Allow a modest trigger delay if OBS starts before the network or streaming service is ready, then test the timing on your PC.

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Shortcut alternative: simpler, with less control

For a basic launch, duplicate an OBS shortcut, open its Properties, and append --startstreaming after the quoted executable path in Target. Put that shortcut in the current user’s Startup folder to open OBS at that user’s logon. OBS documents adding launch parameters to a Windows shortcut and setting the working directory for automated launches in its launch-parameter guide.

Approach Best suited to Trade-off
Shortcut in the user’s Startup folder A simple launch whenever that Windows user logs in Less control over launch timing and an explicitly configured working directory
Task Scheduler A specific user’s logon, a configurable delay, and an explicit working directory More setup fields to configure and test

Choose the intended OBS profile and scene

If OBS should launch with a particular configuration, its documented launch parameters include --profile "name", --collection "name", and --scene "name". Add the appropriate options to the shortcut target or task arguments, using the exact profile, collection, and scene names. Keep quotation marks around names that contain spaces, and make sure the named items exist in OBS before relying on them.

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These options select an OBS configuration; they do not verify that the scene’s sources are working or that the streaming destination is ready. Test the selected scene and destination as part of the reboot check.

What happens at reboot—and what does not

A When I log on task starts OBS in the streaming user’s interactive session after that user signs in. It does not start OBS on the Windows boot screen before login. Windows also supports an ONSTART trigger, but running a task under SYSTEM is non-interactive: OBS’s desktop program is not visible to the user. For an ordinary desktop streaming setup, use the account and session where OBS is meant to run.

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--startstreaming requests that OBS start streaming when it launches. It is not a guarantee that the network, stream key, destination service, or scene sources will be ready, and the documented option does not promise automatic recovery if a stream drops. Keep the setup attended until a reboot test confirms it works in your environment.

Troubleshoot a task that does not stream

  • OBS does not open: Check the full executable path in the task action and confirm the file exists. Run the task manually in Task Scheduler to isolate startup configuration from the reboot sequence.
  • OBS opens but does not start streaming: Check that the argument is spelled --startstreaming and appears in the action’s arguments field. Confirm OBS streams manually with the intended configuration and destination.
  • The launch argument seems ignored: Test launching OBS with the same executable and argument outside Task Scheduler. Verify the task fields and argument spelling. The OBS source recognizes --startstreaming; the project’s launch documentation lists it as the option to start streaming automatically.
  • The wrong profile or scene appears: Check the names and quotation marks in --profile, --collection, and --scene. Confirm each named configuration exists and works in OBS.
  • OBS opens but the destination is not live: Check the destination’s live status rather than treating the OBS window as proof of a successful connection. Recheck the stream setup, stream key, network availability, and scene sources.
  • It works when run manually but fails just after login: Add a modest delay to the logon trigger and repeat the sign-in or reboot test. Windows supports a delay on logon triggers; the appropriate timing depends on when the PC’s network and streaming services become available.
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