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Back up both your OBS Profile and Scene Collection, then back up the video and other media those scenes use. The Profile contains most stream, video, and output settings; the Scene Collection contains scenes and sources. They are separate exports, so saving only one will not preserve the whole setup. Store the exports and media somewhere other than the computer you are protecting.
What an OBS backup needs to contain
An OBS configuration is split across different parts. A Profile saves most OBS settings, primarily those related to outputs, including stream, video, and output settings. A Scene Collection saves scenes, sources, and global audio sources. Neither export is a complete copy of the other.
- Profile: export the active Profile to preserve its settings.
- Scene Collection: export each collection you rely on to preserve its scene and source setup.
- Media and other assets: separately copy the loop video, images, audio files, and other files referenced by sources.
- Stream key: treat any export that might contain credentials as sensitive. A stream key functions as the password and address for your stream.
Export your OBS Profile and Scene Collection
- Export the active Profile. In OBS, open the Profile menu and choose its export option. Give the file a clear name that identifies the computer or stream and the backup date, such as
Loop-PC-Profile-2026-10-03. A Profile export is a configuration file, not a copy of your media assets. - Export each needed Scene Collection. Open the Scene Collection menu and choose its export option. Give each file a name that identifies the collection and backup date. Repeat this for every collection you may need to restore; exporting one collection does not save other collections.
- Copy the exports off the computer. Save the files to a removable drive or managed backup destination separate from the computer being protected. A USB flash drive is one option, not an OBS requirement. If the loop stream matters operationally, keep more than one independent copy.
- Back up the source media separately. Copy the loop video, images, audio, and any other referenced files. Keep their paths stable where practical, and note where you put them so you can restore them later.
Keep configuration exports private. YouTube says stream keys act as the stream’s password and address. If you think a key has been exposed, reset it in YouTube Live Control Room and update the key in OBS before going live again.
Choose a backup approach
| Approach | What it preserves or helps with | Limitation | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profile export | Most Profile settings, especially stream, video, and output settings | Does not preserve scenes and sources | Use as one half of the standard OBS backup |
| Scene Collection export | Scenes, sources, and global audio sources | Does not preserve output settings; referenced assets need separate care | Use as the other half of the standard OBS backup |
| Manual settings-folder copy | A broader copy of local configuration | Folder locations vary by installation and platform; in-app exports are the clearer primary backup | Optional extra recovery copy; in OBS, use File > Show Settings Folder to locate it |
| Windows Portable Mode | Keeps OBS configuration beside the application for relocation or separate instances | Does not package referenced media and is not supported by OBS on macOS or Linux | Optional Windows deployment arrangement, not a substitute for off-computer backups |
For most loop-stream computers, export the Profile and Scene Collection, then copy the assets they reference. Portable Mode can help with a Windows setup, but it does not make the media files portable or protect against losing the computer if the only copy is stored on it.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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LAPGEAR Home Office Pro Lap Desk - Black Carbon, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
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Restore OBS on the same or a replacement computer
- Install and open OBS. If moving to different hardware or a different operating system, treat the restore as a fresh setup until you have verified it; device sources and encoder behavior may differ.
- Import the Profile and Scene Collection separately. Use the Profile menu to import the Profile export, then the Scene Collection menu to import the collection export. Import additional collections separately if needed.
- Restore the media files. Put the loop video and other assets where OBS can access them. Open the relevant scenes and check each media source. An import can succeed while a source still points to a missing or moved file.
- Inspect the settings and sources. Check the stream destination and key, output and video values, audio, and any hardware-dependent sources. Confirm that the intended loop video and sound appear in the correct scene.
- Verify in YouTube Live Control Room before returning to the schedule. Check the stream preview and monitor stream quality. A successful configuration import alone does not prove that OBS is sending the intended picture and sound.
Protect the stream key and YouTube archive
Keep the key private
Because a stream key functions as the password and address for a stream, do not post configuration exports publicly or send them casually. If a key may have been compromised, reset it in YouTube Live Control Room and replace it in OBS.
Keep a local recording of important events
YouTube says streams shorter than 12 hours can be automatically archived, recommends keeping a local archive, and warns that streams longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. For a loop stream, do not treat a YouTube replay as the only copy of important video. Verify local archive files during an encoder event.
Rank #2
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Do not mistake reconnect for backup
OBS lists automatic reconnect as an Advanced setting. It can matter for continuity when a connection drops, but it does not preserve the Profile, Scene Collection, or media needed to rebuild a failed computer.
Troubleshooting a backup or restore
- Scenes are missing after import: import the Scene Collection separately. The Profile export does not contain scenes and sources.
- Output or video settings are missing: import the Profile separately. The Scene Collection does not contain output settings.
- A media source is blank or unavailable: restore the referenced video, image, or audio file and check the source path in OBS. Portable Mode does not bundle these files.
- The stream preview is wrong or absent: inspect the restored scene, source paths, stream destination, and key, then check the YouTube preview before resuming the loop.
- The key may have been exposed: reset it in Live Control Room and update OBS; do not continue using a key you believe is compromised.
- A replacement computer behaves differently: check hardware-dependent sources and encoder settings rather than assuming the old configuration will behave identically. Test the stream before returning to its normal schedule.
- You cannot find the local settings folder: in OBS, select File > Show Settings Folder. Use a manual folder copy only as an additional backup, not instead of exporting both the Profile and Scene Collection.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube loop made from uploaded videos, StreamNeo is an alternative to keeping a local OBS computer running: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It loops from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. It is for YouTube streams from uploaded videos, not camera-based live capture. Start the free day on StreamNeo.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
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LAPGEAR Home Office Lap Desk – Pink, Fits 15.6” Laptops
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
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Yilador Webcam Cover 3 Pack, 0.03 inch Ultra Thin Laptop Camera Cover Slide
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
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- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
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