How To Fix NVIDIA ShadowPlay Not Recording

Sara Alsaqaf
NVIDIA ShadowPlay is an incredible tool for recording your gameplay. If you're having trouble with recording, read on to find out how to fix it.

Are you a gamer who loves to capture your amazing moments while playing your favorite games? If so, NVIDIA ShadowPlay is one of the best tools you can use. It’s a powerful, easy-to-use, and free tool that comes with NVIDIA graphics cards. However, sometimes ShadowPlay may stop working, and you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t record your gameplay.

In this article, we'll be discussing how to fix NVIDIA ShadowPlay not recording so that you can get back to capturing your gaming highlights.

NVIDIA ShadowPlay

Table of Contents 

Common Issues That Cause NVIDIA ShadowPlay Not to Record

One of the most common reasons why ShadowPlay is not recording is due to a conflict with other programs. If you have other recording or capture software running, it can cause interference with ShadowPlay. Another common issue is not having enough storage space on your hard drive. You need to make sure you have enough space for ShadowPlay to store your recordings. Additionally, outdated drivers or software can also cause problems.

  • Conflicts with other programs - Check if other recording software is running, such as OBS, Bandicam, or Fraps, as they can cause conflicts with ShadowPlay. Close these programs to resolve recording issues.
  • Low storage space - Low storage space on your hard drive can prevent ShadowPlay from recording. Ensure you have enough space or clear some on your hard drive or transfer files to an external one.
  • Outdated drivers or software - Outdated drivers or software can cause recording issues with ShadowPlay. Update your graphics card drivers on the NVIDIA website and download the latest version of ShadowPlay to resolve the issue.
  • System requirements - If your system doesn't meet the minimum requirements for ShadowPlay, it won’t work properly. Check the system requirements and make sure your hardware meets them before trying to use ShadowPlay.

After identifying the possible cause, you can try the following solutions to get ShadowPlay recording again.

Fixed: NVIDIA ShadowPlay Not Recording

Let's take a look at some solutions to fix NVIDIA ShadowPlay not recording.

1. Restart the In-Game Overlay

If you're experiencing issues with the in-game overlay in NVIDIA GeForce Experience, restarting it can be a quick and simple solution. To do this, simply close the game you're playing and reopen it. This can often resolve any problems and get ShadowPlay back to recording seamlessly.

  1. Launch the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app.
  2. Click on the Settings button in the top-right corner of the window, right next to your user info.
    Settings
  3. Scroll down until you see the In-Game Overlay. Click on the toggle once to turn it off, and then click the toggle again to turn it on.
    In Game overlay

These steps will restart the In-Game Overlay, and might just be the quick fix you need to get NVIDIA ShadowPlay working again.

2. Close Problematic Web Pages

One possible reason for ShadowPlay not recording is the presence of certain web pages that may interfere with the program. Websites that utilize privacy protection for their content, such as Netflix and Spotify Web, can cause recording issues for NVIDIA ShadowPlay. To fix this, simply close these web pages and try recording again.

It is essential to be aware of the type of websites that can interfere with ShadowPlay recording, as these issues can be easily resolved by simply closing the web page. However, if the problem persists even after closing the web pages, there may be other underlying issues that need to be addressed. In such cases, we recommend you keep reading to find a different solution.

3. Sign Out of Twitch

Some users have reported that having a Twitch account linked to the NVIDIA app may prevent ShadowPlay from recording. Here are the steps to sign out of your Twitch account in NVIDIA.

  1. Make sure that GeForce Experience is running, and then open ShadowPlay using the Alt + Z keyboard shortcut.
  2. Click on the Settings button.
    Settings
  3. From the available settings, click on Connect. This is where you’ll find all the accounts you’ve connected to ShadowPlay.
    Connect
  4. Click on your Twitch account, if you’ve connected one, and then click the Log out button in the top right.
    Twitch
  5. After disconnecting Twitch from ShadowPlay, check if you’re able to record videos.

4. Check System Requirements

Your device must meet the minimum requirements to use ShadowPlay. Check if your system meets the following requirements:

  • Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 11
  • Memory: 2GB RAM
  • Hard Disk: 1 GB disc space required
  • Processor: Intel Pentium G Series, Core i3, i5, i7, or higher. | AMD FX, Ryzen 3, 5, 7, Threadripper or higher.
  • GPU: GeForce GTX 750 or higher on desktop. | GTX850M, 860M, 950M, 960M series or higher or notebooks.
  • Other: Some functions of ShadowPlay such as GameStream require other hardware. Click here to review all the system requirements.

If one or more component doesn't meet the requirements, upgrade your hardware to fix ShadowPlay not recording.

5. Enable In-Game Overlay

The in-game overlay feature in NVIDIA GeForce Experience enhances your gaming experience by allowing you to access ShadowPlay's recording and streaming functions without leaving your game. To ensure ShadowPlay is recording correctly, make sure the in-game overlay is enabled in GeForce Experience.

  1. Launch the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app. Click on the Settings button in the top-right corner of the window, right next to your user info.
  2. Scroll down until you see the In-Game Overlay. Make sure that the toggle is turned on.
    Enable in game overplay
  3. After turning the feature on, press the Alt + Z keyboard shortcut to see if recording with ShadowPlay works now.

6. Turn On Desktop Capture

Desktop capture allows ShadowPlay to record your desktop, in addition to in-game footage. Ensure that the Desktop capture option is enabled to resolve any recording issues related to recording.

  1. Make sure that GeForce Experience is running, and then open ShadowPlay using the Alt + Z keyboard shortcut, and then click on the Settings button.
  2. Scroll down and click on Privacy control from the menu.
    Turn on dsktop capture
  3. Make sure that the Desktop capture feature is toggled on.
    Desktop capture
  4. After enabling this setting, go back to your ShadowPlay menu and attempt to record. You should instantly see if the recording is working.

7. Close or Uninstall Third-Party Apps

Third-party recording and capture apps, such as Fraps, OBS, and Bandicam, can interfere with ShadowPlay and cause recording issues. To resolve these issues, close or uninstall these apps and rely solely on ShadowPlay for recording and capturing gameplay. This will ensure a smooth and seamless recording experience, without any interference from other software.

  1. Click on the Start menu and choose Settings. You can alternatively use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut as well.
  2. Switch to the Apps section using the menu on the left, and then click Installed apps. All of your installed applications will load on this page.
    Installed apps
  3. Make sure to switch your filter to All drives. Find any other recording applications that may cause conflicts with NVIDIA ShadowPlay. We recommend removing the following apps:
    • Fraps
    • OBS Studio
    • Bandicam
    • CamStudio
    • Xbox Game Bar
  4. Click on the 3 dots next to an application’s name, and click Uninstall from the list.
    Uninstall app
  5. Allow the uninstaller to remove the application and any residual files. When the process is done, reboot your device and see if this helped you resolve the problem at hand.

8. Check the NVIDIA Service

If the NVIDIA service is currently disabled or misconfigured, it could easily be the reason why ShadowPlay is not recording. You can check and enable the service on Windows by following the steps below:

  1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility. Type in "services.msc" and click on the OK button. This is going to launch the Services window.
    Windows key + R
  2. Scroll down and find the NVIDIA services. Right-click on the first one of them, and select Properties. In the new window, use the Startup type drop-down menu, and set it to Automatic.
    Check NVIDIA Services
  3. Repeat this procedure for all NVIDIA services, and then restart your computer.

9. Reinstall GeForce Experience

No luck with the solutions above? Don't worry, you can try reinstalling GeForce Experience to get ShadowPlay recording again. This will ensure that the application is working properly and all your settings are configured correctly. You can download GeForce Experience here.

FAQ

What is NVIDIA ShadowPlay?

NVIDIA ShadowPlay is a recording and capture software for gamers, allowing them to capture and record their gaming experiences.

Why is ShadowPlay not recording?

ShadowPlay may not record if your hardware doesn't meet the system requirements, or if there are other applications interfering with its functions. Additionally, issues with your NVIDIA settings or Twitch account can also cause recording problems. To fix these issues, try one of the solutions listed above.

What is the hotkey to record in GeForce Experience?

The hotkey to access the capture and record features in GeForce Experience is "Alt+Z" or you can use the Share icon.

What resolution does ShadowPlay record at?

ShadowPlay will record gameplay at 60 FPS at up to 4K for both full-screen and windowed modes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ShadowPlay is a powerful tool for capturing and recording your gaming experiences, but it can sometimes experience issues. By following the steps outlined in this guide, such as checking for other recording software, ensuring adequate storage space, updating drivers and software, and enabling in-game overlay and desktop capture, you can quickly and effectively resolve any recording issues with NVIDIA ShadowPlay.

If you continue to have trouble, be sure to seek further technical assistance to ensure that your ShadowPlay recordings are captured smoothly and seamlessly.

One More Thing

We’re glad you’ve read this article. :) Thank you for reading.

If you have a second, please share this article on your socials; someone else may benefit too. 

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to read our future articles, reviews, and blog post right from your inbox. We also offer deals, promotions, and updates on our products and share them via email. You won’t miss one.

Related Articles 

» Nvidia Telemetry Container Missing: How to Fix Error Code 0x0003
» NVIDIA Control Panel Missing on Windows 10
» How To Fix the NVIDIA Control Panel Not Opening on Windows

Tags: How To
Author: Sara Alsaqaf