I've definatly faced similar challenges running OBS on Windows 7, especially after support ended for the OS. While it's always best to upgrade to a supported operating system, I understand that sometimes circumstances require sticking with older software.
First and foremost, one critical step is to ensure you're using a version of OBS that's as compatible as possible with Windows 7. Although the latest versions post-23.X may present compatibility issues, some users have managed to use them with varying levels of success. You might need to experiment with different OBS versions (ideally newer than 21 but not beyond the very latest ones) to find one that strikes a balance between newer features and older OS compatibility.
Regarding stability and functionality, here are a few tweaks you can try:
Run OBS in Compatibility Mode: Right-click on the OBS shortcut or .exe file, select 'Properties', go under the 'Compatibility' tab, and set it to run in compatibility mode for an OS like Windows 8. This sometimes helps resolve minor compatibility issues.
Limit Resource Usage: Windows 7 isn't as efficient in managing modern software resources as newer operating systems. Limit your scenes and sources in OBS as much as possible and avoid high CPU usage features like browser sources or complex transitions.
Update Drivers: Ensure all your hardware drivers are up-to-date, especially video and audio drivers, since these can significantly affect OBS performance.
Use plugins cautiously: Plugins can enhance functionality but also introduce stability issues if they're not thoroughly tested on Windows 7. Test each plugin individually before adding it to your setup.
As for security concerns while using unsupported software like Windows 7:
- Regularly update all software: Keep all installed software up-to-date, not just OBS.
- Use robust antivirus/anti-malware solutions: This can mitigate some risks by protecting against malware designed to exploit older systems.
- Enable Firewall: Make sure your firewall is active at all times.
- Be cautious online: Avoid browsing unknown websites or downloading untrusted files on this system.
Ultimately, while these steps can help mitigate some problems with running OBS on Windows 7, upgrading your operating system should be considered as soon as practicable—not only for better compatibility with modern software like OBS but also for improved security and performance enhancements that approach with newer OS versions.
