Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To keep desktop notifications out of an OBS broadcast, capture only the app or window you want viewers to see, or use your operating system’s notification or focus controls if you need to show the whole desktop. OBS does not document a universal notification-blocking switch: a Display Capture source captures the selected monitor, so alerts drawn on it can appear in the stream. Make a short test recording and inspect it before going live.

Choose the right fix for your capture source

OBS controls what it captures; Windows, macOS, or your Linux desktop environment controls whether it displays notifications. Start by checking the source in the active scene that supplies the desktop image.

Approach What it does Best suited to Important limit
Windows Window Capture Captures a selected window, even when other windows are in front of it. A stream focused on one application. It is not a system notification toggle. Check the selected window and captured content.
macOS Screen Capture in Window or Application mode Captures a chosen window or the visible windows of an application on macOS 13 or later. A focused app broadcast on supported macOS versions. Availability and controls depend on macOS and OBS versions.
Display Capture Captures the entire selected monitor. A stream that needs the full desktop. Anything displayed on that monitor, including notifications, may be captured.
Operating-system notification or focus controls Changes whether the operating system presents notifications. Full-desktop streaming where alerts should be silenced. Menu paths vary by operating-system version and were not verified here; consult current instructions for your version.
Minimize OBS or use a second display Keeps OBS’s own window away from the captured area. Avoiding OBS interface feedback in a display capture. Does not silence desktop notifications.

Switch to a window or application capture when possible

Windows

  1. In OBS, open the scene used for the stream and identify its desktop-capture source. If it is Display Capture, it covers the entire monitor.
  2. If viewers only need one application, add or select a Window Capture source and choose that application’s window. OBS documents that Window Capture shows only the selected window even when other windows are in front of it.
  3. Check the preview and make a short test recording. Confirm that the intended application is visible and notifications are not included before you go live.

macOS 13 or later

  1. Use the macOS Screen Capture source. OBS documents display, window, and application capture modes for macOS 13 and newer.
  2. Choose Window or Application mode if viewers only need one window or app. Use Display mode only when the full monitor needs to be shown.
  3. Check the preview and a short test recording. On macOS 13 and newer, OBS marks the older Display Capture and Window Capture sources as deprecated and directs users to macOS Screen Capture; the exact available controls depend on your installed versions.

Linux

OBS documents Linux capture sources including XSHM and PipeWire screen capture, but notification controls depend on the distribution and desktop environment. Select the narrowest suitable capture source and consult current instructions for your specific environment before changing notification settings.

If you need to show the whole desktop

Use your operating system’s current notification or focus controls to prevent alerts from appearing during the broadcast. The steps and labels differ across Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop environments, so verify them for the OS version you use rather than relying on a generic menu path.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Magicmoon 2-Pack 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Monitor
  • Compatible Model(s): Magicmoon brand filter only for 24 inch -diagonally measured - widescreen monitor - aspect ratio 16:9 - filter size: width: 20 15/16", Height: 11 13/16" (531mm x 298mm)
  • Superior Privacy: The computer privacy filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (the angle is about 30 to 60 degree), but bright when looking directly at it. To change the privacy level - simply adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly
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  • Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in open work spaces
  • Includes Two Options: Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed

Then make a short test recording or a private test stream. If appropriate, wait for an ordinary notification and inspect the resulting video—not just the OBS preview—to make sure the alert does not appear. OBS recommends testing settings before relying on them in a live session.

Keep OBS itself out of the capture

Hiding OBS from capture prevents OBS’s interface from appearing; it is not a switch for blocking notifications from other apps.

Rank #2
[2 Pack] 24 Inch Computer Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Widescreen Monitor
  • 【24 PRIVACY FILTER DIMENSIONS】 Width: 20 15/16" (20.9 inches/532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (11.8 inches/299 mm) - 16:9 Aspect Ratio. Mamol computer privacy filters are designed to be perfectly compatible with HP, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, LG, ViewSonic and other brands of monitors. Please check the width and height dimensions of your computer screen before ordering. If you have any questions about the dimensions, please contact us.
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  • 【ANTI SCRATCH & WASHABLE 】Our privacy anti-glare Monitor film has a surface enhancement layer to protect the privacy filter from scratches and fingerprints. It is washable and reusable. Even after prolonged use, you will get a brand new privacy screen for your desktop computer monitor after cleaning. Very Durable!
  • Windows: In OBS Studio, open Settings → General and enable Hide OBS windows from screen capture.
  • macOS 13 or later: With a macOS Screen Capture source in Display mode, select Hide OBS from capture.

OBS also suggests minimizing its window when it is not needed or using a secondary display to keep OBS away from the captured display. These workarounds address OBS’s own window, not operating-system notifications.

Desktop notifications are not stream alerts

Desktop notifications are generated by the operating system or applications and can be captured as part of the displayed desktop. Stream alerts are intentional graphics, such as an alert overlay added to an OBS scene as a Browser Source. OBS says OBS Studio does not directly provide stream alerts; a third-party overlay is a separate feature and does not suppress system notifications.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
SightPro 24 Inch 16:9 Computer Privacy Screen Filter for Monitor - Privacy Shield and Anti-Glare Protector
  • 【Privacy Filter Dimensions】- Width: 20 15/16" (532 mm), Height: 11 13/16" (299 mm), Diagonal: 24" (609.6 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Screen Filter is engineered to be compatible with HP, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, LG, Acer, ASUS, ViewSonic, and other monitor brands. Please verify your computer screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your computer screen's diagonal size.
  • 【Two Attachment Options】- Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any computer screen. Option 2 (for computer screens with a raised bezel only) uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the privacy screen filter on and off as needed.
  • 【Superior Privacy and Anti Glare】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your computer screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
  • 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
  • 【Package Contents】- Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
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Best Value
15.6 Inch Privacy Screen Filter for 16:9 Monitor 1920 x 1080 Resolution
  • Compatible Models: Width: 13 9/16" (13.5 inch/344 mm), Height: 7 5/8" (7.6 inch/194 mm), Diagonal: 15.6" (396.24 mm) widescreen laptops which have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Not touchscreen compatible !!! Not fit for 16:10.Do NOT rely solely on your laptop’s diagonal size when ordering. Use a ruler to measure your screen’s visible area (excluding the black bezels). If the width reads 344mm and height reads 194mm, this filter is a perfect match for your device.
  • Keep Information Privacy: Effective "black out" privacy from side views outside the 60-degree viewing angle. Designed for optical clarity when viewing from the front, a person not at the front of the screen can only see the dark side of the screen, so it protects buisness secrets and personal privacy
  • Eye and Screen Protection: Privacy filter does not only protect your private life but also protects your eyes by blocking 30% of blue light , blocking the harmful blue light between 380 - 495nm, it filters out the blue light and relieves eye strain. Our laptop privacy screen also helps keep your screen safe from dust and scratches
  • Perfect For Open Workspaces: Great for maintaining screen privacy in high traffic areas such as open work spaces, airports, airplanes, commuter trains, coffee shops and other public places, etc
  • Easy Installation: Choose between 2 simple Options; Slide-On/Off or Mounted. Not touchscreen compatible
Rank #4
SightPro Magnetic Laptop Privacy Screen 14 Inch 16:9 - Patented Removable Laptop Privacy Filter Shield and Protector
  • 【Instant Snap-on Magnetic Attachment】- The Patented Magnetic Privacy Screen – Protected by U.S. Patents 9,829,669 and D844,012. Simply place the privacy screen along the top of your MacBook and let the magnets attach along the top. No need for tricky placement, messy tape, or damaging adhesive. Easily remove and reattach when you need it.
  • 【Filter Dimensions】: Width: 12 3/16" (310 mm), Height: 6 7/8" (175 mm), Diagonal: 14" (355.6 mm) - There are two different 14 inch screen sizes, please select the correct one. SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
  • 【Superior Privacy】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful UV and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
  • 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- The Laptop Privacy Screen Filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports, and public areas.
  • 【Package Contents】- Each package includes a magnetic privacy screen filter, magnetic stickers, a webcam privacy cover, a storage folder, and a cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.