How to Record Two Windows Side by Side on Windows 10 with OBS

To record two app windows at the same time on Windows 10, use OBS Studio and add each app as its own Window Capture source. Resize the two sources so they sit side by side on the OBS canvas, then start recording. OBS saves the combined layout as one video.

OBS currently lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 as supported Windows platforms. Download it from the official OBS Studio download page. Window Capture records a specific app window instead of your entire display, so unrelated desktop windows do not have to appear in the final video.

What this setup records

This method creates one recording with two live windows visible at once. It works well for comparisons, demonstrations, browser-and-notes layouts, and similar tutorials. It does not automatically create a separate video for each window.

How to record two windows side by side on Windows 10

1. Install OBS Studio and open both apps

Install and launch OBS, then open the two application windows you want to capture. Keep both apps running while you build the scene.

2. Add the first Window Capture source

In the Sources dock, click + and choose Window Capture. Give the source a recognizable name, such as the app name.

3. Select the first app window

In Window Capture properties, open the Window menu and select the first app. Leave Capture Method on Automatic unless you are troubleshooting compatibility. You can also choose whether to capture the cursor.

4. Resize and position the first source

Select the source in the preview and drag its red handles to resize it. Move it to the left or right half of the canvas. For precise placement, use Edit > Transform > Edit Transform. To crop unwanted edges, hold Alt while dragging a source edge. These controls are documented in the OBS Sources Guide.

5. Add a second Window Capture source

Click + under Sources again, choose Window Capture, and create a new source. Each source must point to a different window.

6. Select the second app window

Choose the second application from the Window menu and confirm the source. OBS says Window Capture can keep showing the selected window even when other windows are in front of it. See the official Window Capture documentation for capture-method and window-matching options.

7. Arrange both windows side by side

Resize and move both sources until they fill the canvas without overlapping. For a clean 50/50 layout, make them similar in height and crop only when needed.

8. Check audio and start recording

Watch the Audio Mixer to make sure the sound you want is active, then click Start Recording. OBS recommends making a short test recording before a longer session. Click Stop Recording when finished.

Capture audio from each window

On Windows 10 version 2004 or later, OBS supports per-application audio capture. Newer OBS versions can include a Capture Audio (BETA) option with Window Capture. The OBS Application Audio Capture Guide explains the supported Windows versions and options.

Avoid capturing the same app through both per-app audio and global Desktop Audio, which can duplicate the sound.

Useful recording settings

Before a long session, open Settings > Output and confirm the recording path and format. The official OBS recording guide recommends MKV because an interrupted recording is less likely to make the entire file unusable. If you need MP4 afterward, use File > Remux Recordings.

If one window is blank or the layout looks wrong

• Check the selected window: reopen source properties and confirm the correct app.
• Try another capture method: Automatic is the normal starting point, but alternatives are available for compatibility.
• Reset the transform: use Edit > Transform > Reset Transform if a source has moved off the canvas.
• Make a short test: the OBS Quick Start Guide recommends testing before a full recording.

Once both Window Capture sources are visible and positioned correctly, OBS will record the two windows side by side in a single video.