Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A Windows restart stops OBS and interrupts its YouTube stream because the encoder runs on your PC. Before going live, check for a pending restart, set Windows active hours to cover the broadcast, and schedule updates for afterward. For a one-off event, you can temporarily pause updates. OBS’s automatic reconnect may help with some connection drops, but it cannot keep streaming through a PC reboot.
How to stop Windows from restarting while you’re streaming
- Check for a pending restart. In Windows 11, open Settings → Windows Update. If Windows says a restart is required, schedule it for after the broadcast rather than starting the stream with a restart already pending.
- Set active hours for the whole broadcast. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Active hours and choose hours that cover the expected stream from setup through wrap-up. Active hours tell Windows when the device is in use and reduce the chance of an automatic post-update restart during that period. They do not prevent updates or block every restart scenario.
- For a high-stakes, one-time event, pause updates temporarily. Use the pause control in Windows Update settings, then resume updates and install them after the event. The pause is a postponement, not a permanent shutoff; Microsoft currently documents a maximum pause of up to 35 days, and the exact interface depends on Windows version. Do not treat that maximum as a recommended delay for security updates.
- Test before the stream. Confirm OBS is sending video and audio, then check YouTube Live Control Room for stream health and messages. YouTube recommends testing before going live and monitoring stream health during the broadcast.
Active hours are a recurring scheduling control; a pause is a temporary measure for a specific event. Neither is a guarantee against restarts in every situation. Managed devices, organizational policies, update deadlines, and Windows-version behavior can affect what happens. If your PC is managed by work or school, ask its administrator rather than changing policy or registry settings yourself.
Microsoft lists 8 AM to 5 PM as the default active-hours period in its device-restart guidance; users can change it. Later Windows versions allow an active-hours range of up to 18 hours, while Windows 10 version 1607 and Windows Server 2016 support 12 hours. Those limits are version-specific, so check the settings available on your device.
Will OBS reconnect after my PC restarts?
No. OBS automatic reconnect can retry an output connection while OBS remains running, if that output supports reconnect. A Windows reboot closes OBS and stops the encoder, so it cannot send frames during startup. Reconnect is for supported connection interruptions, not recovery through a system restart.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Check OBS automatic reconnect
In OBS, open Settings → Advanced → Automatically Reconnect. Exact labels can vary by OBS release. Set a retry delay and retry limit appropriate to your connection. This can help with brief output disconnections, but it does not remove the need to restart the encoder after Windows restarts.
If the issue is dropped frames or an unstable connection rather than a reboot, OBS recommends investigating connection stability, bitrate, dropped frames, and the route to the ingest server. YouTube’s stream health messages can help distinguish an encoder connection issue from a PC restart.
Rank #2
- 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.
What to do after Windows has already restarted
- Once Windows has started, open OBS and check whether it is streaming. If it is not, start the encoder again.
- Open the scheduled stream in YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room. Confirm YouTube is receiving encoder data and check whether the broadcast is live or still waiting for a go-live action.
- Check that the scheduled stream has the intended auto-start and auto-stop settings. YouTube can start or stop a broadcast in response to encoder actions when those options are enabled; do not assume every interrupted event will resume automatically.
- Monitor stream health and, after the event, verify the archive. YouTube says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived, but that does not guarantee that segments interrupted by an encoder restart will join seamlessly or that the event will resume in the same state.
YouTube’s encoder workflow uses a server URL and stream key, and returning streamers may be able to load prior stream settings. Treat the stream key as a credential: use the key associated with the intended event and do not publish or share it. If OBS is sending data but YouTube is not showing the expected live state, check the Live Control Room status and the scheduled event’s settings rather than repeatedly changing keys without a reason.
Windows 10 users: account for the end of support
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says that after that date it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. The Windows 11 path above is the current settings path; menus and pause behavior may differ on older Windows releases. A pause remains a short-term scheduling tool, not a substitute for supported, up-to-date software.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded video playing on a YouTube channel without leaving a home PC on, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera or send to platforms other than YouTube.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream continues from the cloud with your computer off.
- Uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, with one free day per account. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
To try it, start with StreamNeo’s free day.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Does setting active hours stop Windows from installing updates?
No. Active hours reduce automatic restart risk during the chosen period; updates remain enabled.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Can a YouTube stream that was interrupted by a restart always be recovered as one archive?
No such guarantee is established. Verify the live state after restarting OBS and check the archive after the event.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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.
