Nvidia ShadowPlay is a popular software that allows gamers to capture and record their gameplay effortlessly. With its easy-to-use interface and low impact on system performance, it has become a go-to choice for many gamers who want to share their gaming experiences with others. However, like any software, ShadowPlay is not immune to issues. One of the most common problems that users encounter is ShadowPlay not recording or capturing gameplay. If you're facing this issue, don't worry! In this article, we will discuss various solutions to fix the problem and get ShadowPlay up and running again.
Solution 1. Restart the Nvidia Services
When ShadowPlay fails to record, it can be due to various glitches or conflicts within the Nvidia services. Restarting these services will always be your first option to get it back to work normally. Because this operation helps to refresh the system and resolve any underlying issues that might be causing the problem.
Now by following the steps below, you'll be able to get ShadowPlay up and running again in no time.
Step 1. Open the Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. Alternatively, you can right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the menu.
Step 2. Navigate to the Services Tab
In the Task Manager window, click on the "Services" tab. Scroll down the list and look for any Nvidia services.
Step 3. Stop the Nvidia Services
Right-click on each Nvidia service and select "Stop" from the context menu. Make sure to stop all Nvidia services that are running.
Step 4. Restart the Nvidia Services
After stopping all Nvidia services, right-click on each service again. This time, select "Start" from the context menu to restart the services.
Step 5. Test ShadowPlay Recording
Once you have restarted all Nvidia services, open your game and try recording with ShadowPlay. Check if the issue has been resolved and if ShadowPlay is now successfully recording.
Additional Tips:
If you're unable to find the Nvidia services in the Task Manager, you can also restart them using the Services app.
To access the Services app, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type "services.msc" and hit Enter.
In the Services app, scroll down the list and locate the Nvidia services. Right-click on each service and select "Restart" from the context menu.
Solution 2. Check the ShadowPlay Settings
To begin troubleshooting, you'll need to access the ShadowPlay settings. Here's how:
- Open the Nvidia GeForce Experience app on your computer.
- Click on the "Settings" cogwheel icon in the top-right corner of the app.
- In the left sidebar, select "ShadowPlay."
You should now see the ShadowPlay settings panel, where you can make adjustments to ensure recording is enabled and functioning correctly.
1. Checking Keyboard Shortcuts
One common reason for ShadowPlay not recording is that the keyboard shortcuts may be disabled or conflicting with other programs. Follow these steps to ensure the shortcuts are properly configured:
- In the ShadowPlay settings panel, click on the "Keyboard Shortcuts" tab.
- Make sure the "Enable ShadowPlay" option is toggled on.
- Check that the keyboard shortcuts for starting and stopping recording are set to your desired keys. If they are not, click on the respective shortcut field and press the key(s) you want to assign.
- If you have any other programs running that may be using the same keyboard shortcuts, consider changing them to avoid conflicts.
2. Privacy Control
If your ShadowPlay settings are configured correctly but you're still facing issues with recording, it's worth checking the privacy control settings. Follow these steps:
- In the ShadowPlay settings panel, click on the "Privacy Control" tab.
- Ensure that the "Allow desktop capture" option is toggled on. This allows ShadowPlay to record your gameplay.
3. Audio Settings
Sometimes, audio settings can interfere with recording in ShadowPlay. Here's how to check and adjust them:
- In the ShadowPlay settings panel, click on the "Audio" tab.
- Make sure the "Record audio" option is toggled on.
- Check that the correct audio source is selected. If you're unsure, try selecting the default audio device.
4. Other Considerations
If you've followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with ShadowPlay not recording, here are a few additional things to consider:
- Check that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for using ShadowPlay.
- Restart your computer and try again. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve technical glitches.
Solution 3. Update the Nvidia Graphics Driver
Before we dive into the solutions, let's understand why an outdated or corrupted graphics driver can affect the performance of ShadowPlay. The graphics driver acts as a bridge between your operating system and the hardware components of your computer, including the graphics card. It is responsible for translating commands from the software into instructions that the hardware can understand.
When the graphics driver is outdated or corrupted, it may not be able to communicate effectively with ShadowPlay, leading to recording issues such as dropped frames, black screens, or audio sync problems. Updating the graphics driver to the latest version can help resolve these issues by ensuring compatibility and optimizing performance.
1. Manual Update
If you prefer to update the graphics driver manually, follow these steps:
Step 1. Identify Your Graphics Card Model
Before downloading the latest driver, you need to know the model of your Nvidia graphics card. To do this, right-click on the desktop and select "Nvidia Control Panel." In the System Information section, you will find the model name and type of your graphics card.
Step 2. Download the Latest Driver
Once you have identified your graphics card model, visit the Nvidia website (www.nvidia.com) and navigate to the Drivers section. Enter your graphics card model and operating system details, and click on the "Search" button. Download the latest driver that matches your system specifications.
Step 3. Install the Driver
After downloading the driver, double-click on the downloaded file to initiate the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. It is recommended to select the "Custom Installation" option and perform a clean installation to ensure the old driver files are properly removed.
2. Automatic Update
If you find the manual update process daunting or time-consuming, you can use a reliable driver updater tool to simplify the process. Here's how:
Step 1. Choose a Driver Updater Tool
There are several driver updater tools available online, but it's essential to choose a reliable and reputable one. One such tool is Driver Booster by IObit, which has a user-friendly interface and a large driver database.
Step 2. Download and Install the Driver Updater Tool
Visit the official website of the driver updater tool and download the setup file. Double-click on the downloaded file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool on your computer.Step 3. Scan and Update Your Graphics Driver
Launch the driver updater tool and click on the "Scan" button. The tool will automatically scan your system for outdated or corrupted drivers, including the Nvidia graphics driver. Once the scan is complete, click on the "Update" button next to the graphics driver to download and install the latest version.
Note: Some driver updater tools offer a "One-click Update" feature, which automatically updates all outdated drivers on your system. This can be a convenient option if you want to ensure all your drivers are up to date.
Solution 4. Run ShadowPlay as Administrator
By running ShadowPlay as an administrator, you're essentially giving it elevated privileges, allowing it to access the necessary resources it needs to record your gameplay. This can help resolve any permission-related issues that may be preventing ShadowPlay from functioning properly.
It's worth noting that running any program as an administrator should be done with caution, as it grants the program more control over your system. However, in the case of ShadowPlay, it's a necessary step to ensure smooth and uninterrupted gameplay recording.
And here is the how-to:
1. Running ShadowPlay as Administrator from the Shortcut
- Locate the ShadowPlay shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu.
- Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties" from the context menu.
- In the Properties window, navigate to the "Compatibility" tab.
- Check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator."
- Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
2. Running ShadowPlay as Administrator from the Properties Menu
- Right-click on the ShadowPlay executable file (usually located in the Nvidia folder in your Program Files or Program Files (x86) directory).
- Select "Properties" from the context menu.
- In the Properties window, navigate to the "Compatibility" tab.
- Check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator."
- Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Solution 5. Disable Other Recording Software
When you have multiple recording software installed on your computer, it can create conflicts and cause ShadowPlay to malfunction. This is because different recording software often use similar system resources and settings, leading to interference and compatibility issues. Some recording software may even take priority over ShadowPlay, preventing it from functioning properly.
There are several popular recording software programs that are known to conflict with ShadowPlay. Here are a few examples:
1. OBS (Open Broadcaster Software): OBS is a widely used open-source software for live streaming and recording. While it offers many features and customization options, it can interfere with ShadowPlay due to conflicting settings and resource usage.
2. Fraps: Fraps is a classic game recording software that has been around for years. However, it can cause conflicts with ShadowPlay, especially if both programs are trying to access the same resources simultaneously.
3. Bandicam: Bandicam is another popular game recording software that can interfere with ShadowPlay. Both programs may conflict when attempting to record gameplay, resulting in ShadowPlay not working properly.
How to Disable or Uninstall Other Recording Software
To resolve conflicts between ShadowPlay and other recording software, you can follow these steps to disable or uninstall the conflicting programs:
1. Disable Other Recording Software from Task Manager:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- In the Processes or Details tab, look for the recording software you want to disable.
- Right-click on the software and select "End Task" or "End Process Tree".
- Repeat this process for any other recording software that may be running.
2. Uninstall Other Recording Software from Control Panel:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "control panel" and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Click on "Uninstall a program" or "Programs and Features".
- Locate the recording software you want to uninstall and double-click on it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the software completely.
Solution 6. Reinstall ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience
Sometimes, the recording function of ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience can be affected by corrupted or missing files. By reinstalling the software, you'll replace any problematic files and ensure that everything is working as it should.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reinstalling ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience
Step 1. Uninstall ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience
Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu. Click on "Uninstall a program" under the "Programs" category. Locate ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience in the list of installed programs. Right-click on it and select "Uninstall" or "Remove".
Step 2. Download the latest version of ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience
Open your preferred web browser and visit the official Nvidia website. Go to the downloads section and search for ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience. Download the latest version compatible with your system.
Step 3. Install ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience
Locate the downloaded file and double-click on it to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Once the installation is finished, restart your computer.
Step 4. Configure ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience
Launch ShadowPlay or GeForce Experience. Make sure the recording function is enabled and set up according to your preferences. Test the recording function by capturing a short gameplay video.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several solutions to fix the issue of Nvidia ShadowPlay not recording. By checking your settings, updating your graphics drivers, disabling third-party overlays, adjusting your ShadowPlay settings, or reinstalling Nvidia GeForce Experience, you should be able to resolve the problem and continue recording your gameplay videos. Remember to always keep your software up to date and check for any conflicts with other programs running on your system. If you're still experiencing issues, don't hesitate to reach out to Nvidia support for further assistance.
