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To keep a YouTube stream running while OBS is out of sight, minimize OBS rather than closing it. In OBS, open Settings > General > System Tray and enable Always minimize to system tray instead of task bar; then click the window’s minimize button. The tray option changes where OBS goes when minimized. It does not make OBS immune to a sleeping computer, lost network connection, or encoder failure.
Minimize OBS to the system tray
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In OBS, open Settings > General > System Tray.
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Enable Always minimize to system tray instead of task bar.
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Apply the setting if your version presents an Apply button, then minimize OBS using the window’s minimize button. OBS should remain running in the system tray.
Do not use the X close button as a substitute for minimizing. The OBS forum clarification distinguishes the minimize button, which the tray option affects, from closing the application: OBS forum discussion. The current English interface strings include the setting label in the OBS interface file. Labels or behavior can vary by installed version and operating system; if you cannot find the option, check the available settings under Settings > General in your version.
#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.
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- 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.
Start OBS already minimized
If you want OBS to open minimized instead of minimizing it yourself, the OBS launch parameter is --minimize-to-tray. OBS documents it as starting minimized to the system tray. The separate parameter --startstreaming starts a stream automatically; the documentation of these parameters does not promise unattended or uninterrupted streaming. See the OBS Launch Parameters page, dated 2021-05-30, for details.
Keep YouTube stream information visible
If you want to hide OBS but still see YouTube’s stream information, open the stream dashboard in Live Control Room and choose Pop-out dashboard to display the Live Control Panel in a smaller window. YouTube says this is available for streams using an encoder or webcam. It is a monitoring view, not a way to keep OBS running: the encoder still needs to remain open. See YouTube Help: Create a live stream via webcam.
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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What minimizing does—and does not do
Minimizing changes OBS’s visibility and, with the tray setting enabled, places its minimized window in the system tray. It does not establish that the stream is more stable or protect it from the computer sleeping, network loss, or encoder problems. Keep the computer awake and the connection available if you are relying on OBS to continue encoding; minimizing alone does not address those conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
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- 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.
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- 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.
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Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on for the cloud stream to run.
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Uploads stream as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot rather than quality tiers.
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UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray- 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
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- 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
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Bestseller No. 5Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display- 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.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Monthly pricing: $9.99 per month.
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