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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBefore updating a PC that runs a 24/7 YouTube stream, export the active OBS Profile and Scene Collection separately, copy both exports off the PC, and preserve any media or plugin data they rely on. A Profile backs up stream, video, and output settings; a Scene Collection backs up scenes and sources. Neither replaces the other, and neither guarantees a no-interruption update.
What to back up in OBS
| Backup | What it contains | What it does not replace |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Stream settings, including a connected account; video settings such as base/canvas resolution; and output settings. OBS describes the JSON export as suitable for backup or use on another OBS installation. OBS: Profiles (2022-01-14). | Scenes and sources. |
| Scene Collection | Scenes and sources, including Global Audio Sources configured under Settings → Audio. OBS: Scene Collections (2022-01-14). | Output settings. |
| Linked assets and plugin data | Files or configuration outside those exports that your setup depends on, such as images, videos, audio, local browser-source assets, scripts, or plugin-specific settings. | Do not assume an OBS export includes every referenced file or every plugin’s private configuration. OBS says Portable Mode does not automatically package linked scene media. OBS: Running in Portable Mode (2024-07-23). |
Export every Profile and Scene Collection you may need if the PC uses different configurations for different streams or operating modes. Note their names before beginning so you can match each export to the right setup.
Export the Profile and Scene Collection
- Record what is active. In OBS, note the current Profile and Scene Collection. If more than one is in use, identify each one to export.
- Export each Profile. Open the Profile menu, choose Import/Export, and export the Profile settings to a JSON file. Give the file a clear name that identifies the Profile.
- Export the Scene Collection separately. Open the Scene Collection menu and export the active collection. Repeat for any other collections you need to preserve.
- Copy the exports off the PC. Confirm that the JSON and Scene Collection export files exist at the destination. An external SSD or offline USB drive is a practical option, not a specific OBS requirement. For a business-critical setup, keep a second copy.
- Copy dependencies separately. Preserve media, graphics, local browser-source assets, scripts, and plugin configuration as needed. Check source paths and keep files organized so you can locate them after the update.
- Keep the backup until you have verified the updated setup. Do not delete the exports just because OBS opens successfully.
Plan the update around the broadcast
For a 24/7 channel, schedule a maintenance window and stop the broadcast cleanly before updating. The cited OBS documentation describes backups and configuration features, but does not promise a zero-downtime update method.
After updating, open OBS and check that the intended Profile and Scene Collection are loaded. Inspect critical sources, audio meters, output settings, and the stream destination or connected account. If available, use a private or unlisted test, or another safe preflight, before resuming the public stream. Keep the exported files until the updated setup has also been checked during a normal stream cycle.
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Restore checklist: what to verify
- Correct Profile and Scene Collection are selected.
- Scenes, sources, and Global Audio Sources appear as expected.
- Media and graphics load; repair source paths if files have moved.
- Audio meters respond for the intended inputs.
- Video and output settings match the saved configuration.
- The stream destination or account is correct, and the stream can be tested safely before going public.
- Scripts and plugins required by the setup are present and working.
Portable Mode and manual configuration copies
Portable Mode is not a media backup
On Windows, OBS Portable Mode stores configuration in the application directory and can support relocation or separate instances. It requires the ZIP version of OBS. It does not automatically make linked scene media portable, so paths may need adjustment. Do not treat Portable Mode as a substitute for copying linked assets. OBS: Running in Portable Mode (2024-07-23).
Manual folder copy is a fallback
An OBS forum moderator’s reply dated 2021-01-05 identifies %APPDATA%obs-studio as a Windows settings location and also mentions exporting Profiles and Scene Collections. This is secondary guidance; prefer the current in-app exports for the two documented configuration types. OBS Forums: Save Settings.
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If OBS does not start normally after the update
OBS documents --safe-mode as a launch parameter that disables third-party plugins, scripts, and websockets. It can help troubleshoot startup, but it changes the runtime environment; do not mistake it for the normal configuration for a 24/7 stream. OBS also documents --disable-updater for Windows and macOS if an operator needs to disable the built-in updater. OBS: Launch Parameters (2021-05-30).
Common backup and update problems
- Scenes are missing after restoring a Profile: Profiles do not contain scenes. Import or select the matching Scene Collection separately.
- Output settings did not come back with the Scene Collection: Scene Collections do not store output settings. Restore or select the matching Profile.
- A source appears but its media is missing: The collection may point to a file that was not copied, or its path may have changed. Copy the asset and relink the source.
- A plugin-dependent setup behaves differently: Profile and Scene Collection exports do not claim to preserve every plugin’s private configuration. Check that required plugins, scripts, and their data are available.
- The backup is only on the PC being updated: Copy the exports elsewhere and verify the copies before maintenance, so they remain accessible if the PC’s local files are unavailable.
- The stream is interrupted during maintenance: The documented exports preserve configuration, not stream continuity. Plan a stop and safe post-update preflight rather than assuming the update can happen live without interruption.
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