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You can schedule Windows to open OBS Studio and start sending your configured stream at a set time: create a Windows Task Scheduler trigger and use OBS’s documented --startstreaming launch parameter. That starts the encoder, but it does not create the YouTube event or guarantee the broadcast becomes public. YouTube’s documented scheduled-stream workflow includes checking the preview in Live Control Room and clicking Go live.
What the scheduled task will—and will not—do
A scheduled YouTube event and an encoder feed are separate parts of the process. The event creates an upcoming stream page; OBS must still connect to that event using its stream URL and stream key, then send video. OBS’s launch parameter starts streaming from the configuration it loads, but it does not choose the event, configure a scene or source, or bypass YouTube’s preview and publication step.
For the normal scheduled-encoder workflow, YouTube says to start the encoder, wait for the preview in Live Control Room, and click Go live. Therefore, treat the Windows task as an automated encoder start—not a guarantee of an unattended public broadcast. Confirm the behavior for your channel and event before relying on it.
Prepare YouTube and OBS
Enable live streaming and create the event
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If this is the first time the channel is enabling live streaming, allow for activation: YouTube says it may take up to 24 hours. After activation, streams can start instantly. See YouTube’s encoder setup and scheduling instructions.
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In YouTube Studio, open Create → Go Live → Manage → Schedule stream. Reuse prior settings or create a new event, enter the event details, and choose the intended privacy setting. YouTube notes that privacy defaults differ for users aged 13–17 and users 18 or older; the streamer can change the setting.
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Open the event’s encoder settings and copy its stream URL and stream key into OBS. Keep the key private. YouTube’s workflow is to start the encoder, wait for the preview in Live Control Room, then select Go live.
Check the OBS scene and profile
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Make sure the OBS profile contains the intended YouTube streaming destination and event key, and that the correct scene is selected.
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Confirm the scene has an active video source and any required audio source. A task can start OBS streaming, but cannot supply missing media or fix a source that is unavailable at broadcast time.
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Verify the computer can reach the internet and that the Windows account used for the task can access the OBS configuration you prepared.
Schedule OBS with Windows Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler’s labels can differ by Windows version. The essential configuration is a time-based trigger and an action that launches the installed OBS executable with its supported argument. OBS’s official Launch Parameters guidance specifically says automated launches should set the working directory (“Start in”) to the folder containing obs64.exe.
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Open Windows Task Scheduler and create a task with a trigger for the date and time you want OBS to start. Choose a one-time or recurring trigger to match your schedule.
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Add a Start a program action. For Program/script, enter the full path to the installed
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In Add arguments, enter
--startstreaming. -
In Start in, enter the directory containing
obs64.exe, not the executable filename itself. OBS calls out this working directory for scheduled or other automated launches; an incorrect or blank directory can keep OBS from finding installation files such as its locale. -
Save the task. Review its trigger, action, executable path, argument, and working directory before depending on it.
Test the whole broadcast path before the scheduled time
Do a rehearsal early enough to correct problems. A task showing that it ran is not proof that YouTube received the right feed or that viewers could watch it.
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Run the task using the Windows account and session intended for the broadcast. Confirm OBS opens and loads the expected profile and scene.
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Check that the video and audio sources are present, the network connection is working, and OBS begins sending the feed.
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Open the scheduled event in YouTube Live Control Room. Confirm that its preview appears and that the feed is the intended one.
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Determine whether this event and channel require a person to click Go live. YouTube’s documented encoder sequence includes that confirmation; the Windows task alone does not establish that publication will happen unattended.
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If the stream must end automatically as well as start automatically, plan that separately. OBS documents
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Common failures and what to check
| Symptom | Likely area to check | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| OBS does not open from the task | Executable path or working directory | Use the installed obs64.exe path and set Start in to its containing folder. |
| OBS opens, but does not start streaming | Action argument or OBS configuration | Check that the action passes --startstreaming and that OBS has the intended streaming configuration. |
| YouTube receives no feed | Event URL/key, source, or network | Verify that OBS uses the scheduled event’s stream URL and key, that the scene has an active source, and that the computer is connected. |
| Preview appears but the public stream does not start | YouTube’s publication confirmation | Check Live Control Room and click Go live when required. Do not assume launching OBS completes this step. |
| The task runs but OBS has the wrong scene or settings | Profile, scene, or Windows session | Rehearse under the same account and session the task will use, and confirm the correct OBS profile and scene are loaded. |
When API automation is a different route
Google’s YouTube Live Streaming API reference documents resources for managing and scheduling broadcasts and streams. That is a software-development route, not a plug-and-play replacement for this Task Scheduler setup. The API implementation, including authorization and required scopes, is beyond the workflow described here.
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