Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
For a video or scene that must begin at a specific clock time, use the Advanced Scene Switcher OBS plugin: create a macro with a date-and-time condition and a scene-switch action for each scheduled change. For clips that should advance when the current one ends, use media playback triggers instead. These are different schedules, so choose the trigger that matches your program.
Choose clock-time or clip-based scheduling
- Clock time: Use a date-and-time condition when a video or scene needs to start at a particular hour, such as 1:00 PM. Advanced Scene Switcher lists date and time as a condition type and switching scenes as an action type. See the Advanced Scene Switcher listing.
- Clip completion: Use a media playback-state or media-ended trigger when the next item should follow the current video’s end. A community-described workflow uses an OBS VLC source with files in a playlist, with automation controlling scene transitions around playback. See the OBS community discussion.
- Sequential library: A VLC playlist can play files in order in a scene, but confirm how it behaves with your OBS and plugin versions before relying on it.
A clock-time trigger does not mean “play the next clip when this one finishes,” and a media-ended trigger does not target a particular hour. If your program needs both kinds of change, configure and test each event according to its own trigger.
Check compatibility and install Advanced Scene Switcher
The OBS Project Forums resource listing for Advanced Scene Switcher 1.36.1 was last updated August 7, 2026. It lists OBS Studio 31.1.1 as the minimum version and Windows, macOS, and Linux as supported platforms. Check the current plugin listing before installing, since versions and compatibility can change.
- Confirm that your OBS Studio version meets the plugin’s listed minimum.
- Open the plugin listing and follow its “Go to download” link. Choose the installer that matches your operating system and OBS installation.
- For Linux, the project repository describes a Flatpak installation route for users whose OBS installation is Flatpak. Follow the instructions for that setup rather than copying installation commands from older forum posts. View the project repository.
- Restart OBS if the installer requires it, then confirm Advanced Scene Switcher appears in OBS before configuring automation.
Set up changes for specific clock times
Create one macro for each scheduled event: set the date-and-time condition for the intended time, then add a scene-switch action for the scene containing the desired video. Repeat for each time and destination scene. The plugin listing establishes that these condition and action types exist; it does not document a complete configuration for every recurring schedule, timezone, or recovery scenario.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Prepare a distinct OBS scene for each scheduled program item, and make sure each scene contains the intended video source.
- Open Advanced Scene Switcher and create a macro for the first change.
- Add a date-and-time condition and set the target time and any date or recurrence options available in your installed version.
- Add a switch-scene action and select the scene that should be active at that time.
- Create a separate macro for each later clock-time change, selecting its corresponding scene.
- Check the computer’s system clock and timezone. Run a private or otherwise safe test near the scheduled boundary to verify the actual transition.
Do not assume a recurring daily schedule, behavior after OBS restarts, or timezone handling without checking it in your version. The available plugin listing does not spell out those cases.
Set up a playlist that advances when a video ends
If the sequence should follow clip completion rather than the clock, community guidance describes putting files in an OBS VLC source playlist and using Advanced Scene Switcher media conditions or playback-state triggers to move to the next scene. Decide explicitly what each end-of-clip event should do: switch scenes, return to a holding scene, or begin another part of the sequence.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Create the scenes and media sources needed for your sequence.
- Add the video files to a VLC source playlist and verify their order in OBS.
- Configure a media-state or media-ended condition in Advanced Scene Switcher and pair it with the intended scene-switch action.
- Test whether playback starts, advances, loops, and returns as intended in the OBS and plugin versions you use.
This is a community-described approach, not a guaranteed playlist recipe for every installation. The forum discussion recommends testing the complete looping arrangement before relying on it for a continuous stream.
Test the schedule before using it on a live channel
- Use a private stream or another safe test setup while checking transitions.
- Verify each event at the intended local/system time and confirm the correct scene becomes active.
- For playlist-driven changes, check clip order, media start and end behavior, and looping.
- Test what happens if a clip or source fails, or if OBS is restarted. Do not assume the automation recovers correctly without observing it.
- After any change to scenes, file locations, plugin settings, or software versions, test the full sequence again.
Troubleshoot common scheduling failures
| Symptom | What to check |
|---|---|
| Advanced Scene Switcher is missing in OBS | Confirm that the installed plugin matches your operating system and OBS installation, and that your OBS version meets the plugin listing’s minimum. Revisit the plugin’s download link and repository installation notes. |
| The scheduled scene does not change at the expected hour | Check the macro’s date-and-time condition, the computer’s clock and timezone, whether the macro is enabled, and whether the action points to the intended scene. Test at a known upcoming time. |
| The next scene does not appear when a clip ends | Check that the media condition is watching the correct source and that the action targets the intended scene. Test the source’s playback and end behavior independently. |
| A playlist stops, skips, or loops unexpectedly | Verify playlist order and playback behavior in the VLC source, then test the whole sequence with your installed OBS and plugin versions. The community example does not establish identical behavior across setups. |
| The schedule behaves differently after a restart or failed source | Test restart and source-failure cases directly. The plugin listing does not establish a universal recovery behavior for these situations. |
Keep YouTube rights and live-stream rules in view
Automation changes when content plays; it does not grant permission to stream it. Make sure you have the necessary rights to every recording, music track, and other material in your playlist, and review YouTube’s applicable live-stream and copyright requirements before broadcasting. A scheduled change cannot prevent a rights claim or make reused material eligible for monetization.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is simply to keep uploaded videos playing as a YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative to maintaining an OBS computer at home. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than going live from a camera, and it streams to YouTube only.
- Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, once per account.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Visit StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
