You can keep a YouTube stream running from a Windows PC by sending video through an encoder such as OBS to YouTube Live. The PC, its internet connection and the encoder must remain available for the stream to continue. Choose settings your measured upload speed can sustain, check YouTube’s preview and stream health, and make a local recording if you need a complete archive: streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured by YouTube.
Before you set up the PC, check YouTube Live eligibility
Confirm that your channel is verified and has not had a live-streaming restriction in the preceding 90 days. YouTube’s general eligibility guidance also sets a minimum age of 16 for streaming. Check YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility requirements before troubleshooting your encoder.
Create a stream and connect your encoder
- In YouTube Studio, open Live Control Room and create or schedule a stream. YouTube’s encoder setup guide walks through creating a stream for an encoder.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key from the stream settings. Enter them in OBS or another encoder. If the encoder offers YouTube or RTMPS as a destination, use it; otherwise enter the URL and key manually. YouTube recommends RTMPS, which encrypts the connection. See YouTube’s RTMPS guidance.
- Keep the stream key private. YouTube describes stream keys as the stream’s “password and address.” If someone else gets the key, reset it in the stream settings. Details are in Manage live stream settings.
- Start streaming from the encoder, then wait for the preview to appear in Live Control Room. Check the picture, sound and stream-health messages before starting the public broadcast. YouTube’s computer live-streaming tips cover the preview and monitoring workflow.
Choose resolution and bitrate for your actual connection
Use an upload-speed test under conditions similar to your planned broadcast, then choose a bitrate the connection can sustain consistently. YouTube recommends keeping 20% headroom above the stream’s total bitrate; other devices sharing the network can reduce the capacity available to the PC. These are YouTube recommendations, not a guarantee that any particular connection in India will support them. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
YouTube’s H.264 encoder recommendations include the following settings. They are useful starting points; reduce quality if your measured connection cannot sustain the selected total bitrate with headroom.
#1 Best Overall
- [INTEL POWERED CONTENT] - Built with a 8th Generation Hexa-Core Intel i5 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM; Modern, Windows 11 ready, with 4K support, Executive multitasking, media streaming and smooth, multi-tab web browsing; Perfect as an all-purpose multimedia computer; built for content creators; Plenty of RAM and Mass storage for photo and video editing powered by Intel HD 630
- [LATEST WIRELESS TECH] - This Dell Desktop Computer easily connects to the internet through the Built In WiFi / Bluetooth
- [SOLID STATE STORAGE] - This Dell Computer setup comes with an ultra-fast 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD); Setup as the primary boot device; Boot and load programs with lightning speed ; Additional expansion available
- [BUY & OWN WITH CONFIDENCE] - From the world's largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher; Quality Guarantee and Free Tech Support; Award-winning Customer Service; | Support Sustainable Business
- [MODERN HI-SPEED PORTS] - USB 3.0 (x4) | USB 2.0 (x4) | DisplayPort (x1) | HDMI Port (x1) | Audio Combo Jack (x1) | Audio Out (x1) | RJ-45 Ethernet (x1) | Internal SATA (x3)
| Resolution and frame rate | Recommended video bitrate |
|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 3 Mbps |
| 720p at 60 fps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 6 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 12 Mbps |
| 1440p at 30 fps | 9 Mbps |
| 1440p at 60 fps | 24 Mbps |
For RTMP or RTMPS, YouTube’s encoder guidance recommends constant bitrate (CBR) and a 2-second keyframe interval, with intervals no longer than 4 seconds. Consult the current YouTube encoder settings, bitrates and resolutions when setting up OBS. The cited guidance is for general encoding; HDR-specific instructions are not necessary for an ordinary SDR stream.
Keep the stream running—and understand what can interrupt it
An encoder-based stream depends on the Windows PC, encoder and network staying available. If the PC or connection disconnects, the broadcast can be interrupted. YouTube’s documentation does not promise recovery from Windows sleep, a power loss or a local internet outage. Monitor stream health during the broadcast, and if you have a backup encoder, test the failover rather than assuming it will work. YouTube’s streaming tips address bandwidth and monitoring.
Rank #2
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
A wired connection can be a useful troubleshooting option if Wi-Fi is unstable, but YouTube’s cited guidance does not require Ethernet. No particular ISP, data cost, power backup or Windows sleep-prevention menu path is established here; check your own connection and power situation before committing to a long broadcast.
Protect the archive: a 12-hour stream can be missing its replay
Leaving a stream live and preserving its full replay are different goals. YouTube warns that it may not capture a live stream that exceeds 12 hours at all, and recommends keeping a local recording as a backup. If the full archive matters, record locally and plan shorter sessions rather than relying on one uninterrupted broadcast. Read YouTube’s archive guidance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- 【Processor】 Latest 13th Gen Intel N100 Processor (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz, 6MB cache, 4 threads) with integrated Intel UHD Graphics, delivering efficient performance for everyday computing.
- 【Premium RAM and Storage】 Equipped with up to 32GB DDR5 RAM, ensuring lightning-fast performance, seamless multitasking, and superior responsiveness for heavy workloads. Up to 640GB total storage (128GB UFS + 512GB HP External Flash Drive) offers the perfect combination of high-speed internal storage for quick boot-ups and app launches, plus massive external storage for large files, media, and backups.
- 【Ports】 1x USB Type-C (5Gbps, data transfer only), 2x USB Type-A (Hi-Speed), 1x USB Type-A (5Gbps), 1x headphone/microphone combo (3.5mm), 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x HDMI-out, and built-in WiFi 6 & Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity.
- 【Display and Built-in Features】 21.5" Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, offering sharp visuals with an anti-glare coating for comfortable viewing. Dual stereo speakers provide clear and immersive audio, while a built-in HD webcam with a privacy shutter ensures secure video conferencing and online meetings.
- 【Operating System】 Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro (64-bit), providing enhanced security, business-grade features, and remote desktop support, making it an excellent choice for professionals and power users.
Rewind is a separate consideration: DVR can be limited or unavailable on streams longer than 12 hours, with lower limits on some devices and older app versions. See YouTube’s DVR guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded video playing on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo is a cloud alternative to running an encoder on a Windows PC. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded videos from the cloud; it does not stream from a camera.
Rank #4
- 【AN INDUSTRY LEADER】- As a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, we pride ourselves on producing quality remanufactured PCs. Every machine is handled with care, and our experts are dedicated to giving them a new life. We are committed to reducing e-waste, and it is our goal to ensure each machine we process can satisfy our customers needs.
- 【PROCESSOR】- Intel Core i5 7500 (6MB Cache, 3.4GHz up to 3.8GHz Turbo Boost). TPM 2.0 is recommended for Windows 11, yet this PC only has TPM 1.2. This PC may not support all security features and newest updates.
- 【RAM & STORAGE】- 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, Preloaded with Windows 11 Pro 64-bit.
- 【CONNECTIVITY】- 2x Display Port 1.2; 1x HDMI 1.4; 1x USB 3.0 Type C; 5x USB-A 3.0; 4x USB-A 2.0
- 【BUILT IN WIFI & BLUETOOTH】- Built-in Intel 7260 featuring the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi for enhanced wireless performance and integrated Bluetooth for seamless device connectivity.
- Nothing has to stay on at home: your PC and home connection are not responsible for keeping the cloud stream running.
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K at 60 fps, with no re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required, one free day per account.
The monthly option is $9.99 per month. The same features apply across plans; only the billing length changes. See StreamNeo for details, then start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Connectivity: Includes WiFi, Bluetooth, and LAN for wireless and wired connections
- Memory: Features 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and performance
- Storage: Combines 500GB SSD and 1TB HDD for ample storage space
- Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 for crisp visuals and video playback
- Design: Sleek desktop tower with black color and slim profile for modern look
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.
Recommended Free Tools
