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A Complete Guide: Fix ShadowPlay Not Recording with 5 Simple Ways + 1 Tip

Encountering ShadowPlay not recording issue can be frustrating. But don’t worry, this tutorial has summarized 5 simple ways to help you solve this problem.

In the world of content creation and gaming, Shadowplay has become a popular tool for recording gameplay and capturing memorable moments. It is a powerful, easy-to-use recording tool provided together with NVIDIA graphics cards. However, many users experience the frustrating problem of Shadowplay not recording.

If you are suffering from the same problem, then you have come to the right place. In this tutorial, we will explore the possible factors that lead to the problem of Shadowplay not recording sound and provide 5 most effective fixes. Also, reading to the end, you will be able to get a bonus tip.

Shadowplay Not Recording

Possible Factors Causing NVIDIA Shadowplay Not Recording

Before solving the problem of NVIDIA Shadowplay not recording, you should first understand what the possible causes of the problem are.

  • Outdated Graphics Drivers: An outdated graphics driver can often result in compatibility issues with Shadowplay, leading to recording problems.
  • Incorrect Shadowplay Settings: Misconfigured settings within the Shadowplay software may prevent it from recording effectively.
  • Hardware Limitations: In some cases, the hardware specifications of your system might not meet the requirements necessary for Shadowplay to function optimally.
  • Conflicting Software: Other third-party software or overlays, such as Discord, OBS, or antivirus programs, might interfere with Shadowplay's functionality. 
  • Incompatible with System Requirements: It's also possible that Shadowplay doesn't work properly because the system doesn't meet the minimum requirements for Shadowplay. 

After knowing the possible reasons that may cause Shadowplay not recording audio, next, you will be able to find effective solutions to this problem and a best screen recorder for Windows 10. Please continue to read the following with patience.

5 Practical Solutions for Shadowplay Not Recording Sound

Fix 1. Update Graphics Drivers

To fix Shadowplay not recording mic, please ensure your graphics drivers are up to date. You can go to the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the latest drivers specifically designed for your graphics card model.

Fix 1 Nvidia Shadowplay Not Recording

Fix 2. Enable In-Game Overlay

In-game overlay is a feature provided by NVIDIA GeForce Experience that allows you to access the recording capabilities of Shadowplay without leaving the game. To resolve the issue of Shadowplay not recording, make sure that the In-Game Overlay feature is enabled in GeForce Experience. Here’s how to enable it:

Step 1. Launch the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app and click on the Settings button in the top-right corner of the window.

Step 2. Scroll down to find the In-Game Overlay and turn on the toggle. 

Fix 2 Shadowplay Not Recording Sound

Step 3. Now the feature is turned on, you can check if the Shadowplay recording feature works well. 

Fix 3. Turn on Desktop Capture

When you're facing issues with Shadowplay not recording audio or screen, you can also turn on the desktop capture toggle. Desktop capture allows ShadowPlay to record your desktop in addition to in-game footage. 

Step 1. Use the Alt + Z shortcut to open Shadowplay and find the Settings button > Privacy Control.

Step 2. Make sure Desktop Capture is turned on. After enabling the change, try using Shadowplay again to see if you can record successfully.

Fix 3 Shadowplay Not Recording Audio

Fix 4. Check Your System Compatibility

Examine your system's hardware specifications and compare them with the minimum requirements specified by Shadowplay. If your system falls short, consider upgrading your hardware components to fix the NVIDIA Shadowplay not recording issue.

Fix 4 Shadowplay Not Recording Desktop

Fix 5. Disable Conflicting Software

Temporarily disable any overlays, screen recorders, or antivirus software that might interfere with Shadowplay's functionality. Test Shadowplay after disabling each program to identify the potential culprit. Just open the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, and Uninstall a program that causes your Shadowplay not recording sound. 

Fix 5 Shadowplay Not Recording Mic

Bonus Tip: Best Shadowplay Alternative to Capture Memorable Gameplay Moment 

While troubleshooting Shadowplay issues, you might want to consider a reliable alternative for capturing your gameplay moments. iTop Screen Recorder is a versatile and powerful screen recording software that offers an array of features, making it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators. 

iTop Screen Recorder-Record HD Gameplay With No FPS Drops

  • Record high-performance PC game with no lags
  • Record HD game clips up to 200 FPS
  • Record real-time gaming with audio & webcam
  • Upload game video to YouTube, Instagram, Facebook

It’s the best free 1080p screen recorder for users like you who want to record gameplay with no limitations. Now you can have a look at some of its powerful features to start recording gameplay. 

Record Any Content on the Screen

iTop Screen Recorder allows you to record not only gameplay but also any other activities on your screen. You can record on Roku and other streaming platforms, tutorials, presentations, and video conferences as well.

Record Gameplay with Full Screen or Part of Screen 

You can record gameplay, record streaming platforms, or other activities with full screen or to record part of screen as you like. 

Record High-Quality Gameplay with No Lag

With iTop Screen Recorder, you can capture game videos in up to 4K resolution, ensuring crystal-clear visuals for your recordings and without lag. 

Record Gameplay with Voice

You can screen record with voice if you want to capture a gameplay easily. iTop Screen Recorder allows you to record both system audio and external sound at the same time.  

Multiple Output Formats for Game Videos 

iTop Screen Recorder supports various video formats, such as MP4, AVI, FLV, and more, enabling seamless compatibility with different devices and platforms.

How to use the best Shadowplay alternative iTop Screen Recorder to capture gameplay:

Step 1. Download iTop Screen Recorder on your Windows PC to start recording your game moments.  

Step 2. Configure the settings according to your needs. When it is settled, open the game you want to play and capture the wonderful moments by clicking the REC button. 

Fix Shadowplay Not Recording with iTop Screen Recorder

Step 3. When the gameplay is finished, click the red square button to stop recording. 

Step 4. You can go to the Files tab to find the recorded gameplay videos, and go further editing if needed.

Fix Shadowplay Not Recording with iTop Screen Recorder 2

The Bottom Line

Shadowplay not recording can be a frustrating issue for gamers and content creators. By understanding the potential causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can resolve this problem and resume capturing your gaming moments seamlessly. While troubleshooting, consider iTop Screen Recorder as an excellent alternative to Shadowplay, for it offers you flexibility, high-quality recording, customizable settings, and multiple output formats to record gameplay. Upgrade your recording experience with this free screen recorder for PC - iTop Screen Recorder today!

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