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OBS cannot keep streaming after the computer running it goes to sleep or shuts down. To keep a local OBS stream live, keep the PC awake and online. In Windows 11, set its plugged-in sleep timeout to Never under Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts. You can still set the screen to turn off separately.
Keep the Windows 11 PC awake while OBS streams
- Open Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts. Microsoft documents this path for Windows 11; labels can vary by device or Windows version. Microsoft’s Windows 11 power settings guide
- Under When plugged in, set the sleep timeout to Never for a continuous stream. Alternatively, choose an interval longer than the planned broadcast.
- If you want the display to go dark, set a separate screen-off timeout. Screen-off does not suspend the computer; sleep does.
- Leave OBS running and keep the PC connected to the internet. OBS encodes and sends the stream from that machine, so a sleeping or powered-off computer cannot continue sending it. OBS Project Forums
This documented settings path is for Windows 11, not every Windows release. Older versions use different menus; look for their power and sleep settings rather than assuming the same navigation.
If YouTube still stops receiving the stream
Disabling sleep addresses only one possible interruption. If the PC remains awake, diagnose the symptom separately:
- Dropped frames or intermittent disconnection: Check OBS stream health, network stability, and whether your connection can sustain the configured bitrate. OBS identifies unstable connectivity or insufficient capacity for the bitrate as causes of dropped frames and possible disconnection. Follow its stream connection troubleshooting guide, dated 2024-09-30.
- The YouTube broadcast starts or ends when encoder streaming starts or stops: Review YouTube Studio’s auto-start and auto-stop options. These govern broadcast behavior tied to the encoder; they do not prevent the PC from sleeping. See YouTube’s live stream settings guide and the OBS community guide to streaming to YouTube.
- The PC actually sleeps, loses power, restarts, or OBS closes: Address that specific local interruption. The sleep setting will not prevent power loss, an operating-system restart, an OBS crash, or a failed video source.
A 24/7 setup can still be interrupted by power, network, software, or source failures. Disabling sleep prevents one cause; it does not guarantee uninterrupted streaming.
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#1 Best Overall
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LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- 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.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- 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.
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- 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.
Rank #3
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Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- 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.
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Rank #2
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.
- 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.
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