How to Capture One App’s Audio in OBS on Windows
OBS can capture an individual application's sound on supported Windows systems. This gives you control over which app is heard instead of sending every desktop sound into your stream or recording.
The built-in Application Audio Capture source is available from OBS 28 on Windows 10 version 2004 or later and Windows 11. Menu labels may include BETA.
Add the application as an audio source
Open the app you want to capture and start some sound so you can test it.
- 1.In your OBS scene, click + under Sources.
- 2.Choose Application Audio Capture.
- 3.Give it a recognizable name, such as Music App.
- 4.Select the application's window from the list.
- 5.Confirm the settings and look for its meter in the Audio Mixer.
Play and pause the app to confirm that the meter belongs to that application. Add your microphone separately if you also want to record your voice.
Keep capture attached to the correct app
The source's window-matching option controls what OBS does if a window title changes. Matching by executable can be useful for apps whose titles change with the document, tab, or song.
Choose the matching behavior for the app you actually use, then test after changing its window or content. Do not assume that every sound produced by a related app or helper process will be captured.
Avoid capturing the same sound twice
If Desktop Audio already captures the app, adding an app-specific source can capture it a second time. This may sound louder, delayed, or echoing.
When using individual application sources instead of all desktop sound, disable the relevant global Desktop Audio device in Settings → Audio. Confirm that this does not remove another sound you intended to keep.
OBS 30.1 and later can also include app audio through a Window Capture or Game Capture source where supported. Use one intended capture route, rather than enabling every route for the same sound.
If the app remains silent
Check that the app is playing audio, the correct window is selected, and the source is not muted. Some applications send particular sounds through a separate audio path that this source cannot capture.
A virtual audio cable can provide an alternative route, but it needs its own setup. Avoid installing one until you have confirmed that the built-in method does not meet your needs.
Check a recording before going live
Make a short recording containing your voice and the app sound. Listen for missing audio, doubled sound, and unwanted notifications. Capturing an app's audio does not itself give permission to broadcast its music or other copyrighted content.