How to Use Discord Screen Share With Capture Card Input as Source

Discord screen share is a core feature for streaming gameplay, tutorials, or live content to friends and communities. However, when you want to share the feed from a capture card such as an Elgato HD60 S, AVerMedia Live Gamer, or a USB HDMI capture dongle, Discord does not always detect the capture card as a separate source by default. This happens because Discord treats capture cards as generic video devices and may show only your main monitor or a blank screen. This article explains how to configure Discord to recognize your capture card input and share it as a dedicated screen share source without workarounds or third-party software.

How Discord Handles Capture Card Video Input

Discord’s screen share system has two distinct modes: screen/window sharing and camera sharing. Capture cards connected via USB or HDMI are typically recognized by Windows as a video capture device, similar to a webcam. Discord lists these devices under the Camera dropdown in User Settings > Voice & Video. When you select a capture card as your camera, Discord treats its feed as a webcam stream.

If you want to share the full capture card output without overlays, you need to share the window of the capture card’s companion software such as Elgato 4K Capture Utility, OBS Studio, or AVerMedia RECentral. Sharing a monitor that shows the capture card preview can also work, but this method shares everything on that monitor. Understanding these two paths — camera mode versus window sharing — is the foundation of the setup.

Prerequisites for Capture Card Screen Sharing

Before you begin, confirm the following:

• Your capture card is properly connected to your computer and the video source such as a game console or second PC.
• The capture card driver is installed and Windows detects the device. Open Device Manager and look under Sound, video and game controllers or Cameras.
• The capture card’s companion software is installed and shows a live preview of the input.
• You have Discord open and are logged into a server or direct message where you have permission to share your screen.

Steps to Share Capture Card Input as a Screen Share Source

There are three reliable methods to share your capture card feed on Discord. Each method suits a different use case. Choose the one that matches your setup.

Method 1: Share the Capture Card as a Camera Source

This method is the simplest. It streams the capture card feed as your camera video, which appears as a small overlay on your screen share or as a standalone video feed in a voice channel.

1. Open Discord User Settings
   Click the gear icon next to your username at the bottom left of the Discord window.
2. Go to Voice & Video Settings
   In the left sidebar, select Voice & Video under App Settings.
3. Select Your Capture Card as the Camera
   Under the Video Settings section, open the Camera dropdown. Choose your capture card device from the list. The name typically includes the brand name such as Elgato Game Capture HD60 S or AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable.
4. Test the Feed
   Below the Camera dropdown, a preview window shows the live capture card input. If the feed appears blank, check that the capture card software is running and the source is sending a signal.
5. Start a Screen Share
   Join a voice channel. Click the Share Your Screen button at the bottom left. In the Share Screen modal, select a screen or application window to share. Your capture card feed will appear as a small camera overlay in the bottom-left corner of the shared content. To share only the capture card feed without a screen, select the Camera tab in the Share Screen modal and choose your capture card device.

Method 2: Share the Capture Card Software Window

This method shares the full capture card preview window. It is ideal for streaming gameplay at high resolution without the camera overlay framing.

1. Open the Capture Card Software
   Launch the companion software provided by your capture card manufacturer. Ensure the live preview is visible and the source is active.
2. Maximize or Resize the Preview Window
   For the best viewing experience, set the software window to full screen or maximize it. Discord will share exactly what the window displays.
3. Join a Voice Channel and Start Screen Share
   In Discord, join the voice channel where you want to share. Click the Share Your Screen button. In the Share Screen modal, select the Application Window tab.
4. Choose the Capture Card Software Window
   From the list of open windows, select your capture card application such as Elgato 4K Capture Utility or OBS Studio. Discord will share that window’s content.
5. Set Audio Sharing Options
   If your capture card carries audio from the source, check the Share Audio checkbox below the window list. This transmits the audio from the capture card to the voice channel.

Method 3: Use OBS Studio as a Virtual Camera

This method is the most flexible. It lets you combine the capture card feed with overlays, scene transitions, and other sources before sending the output to Discord.

1. Install OBS Studio and the Virtual Camera Plugin
   Download OBS Studio from obsproject.com. During installation, the Virtual Camera plugin is included by default. If you already have OBS, update to the latest version.
2. Add Your Capture Card as a Source
   In OBS, click the + button under Sources. Select Video Capture Device. Name the source and choose your capture card from the Device dropdown. Click OK.
3. Configure the Capture Card Source
   Right-click the new source and select Properties. Set the resolution and frame rate to match your source. Close the properties window.
4. Start the Virtual Camera
   Click the Start Virtual Camera button in the Controls dock at the bottom right. OBS now outputs the scene as a virtual webcam device named OBS Virtual Camera.
5. Select OBS Virtual Camera in Discord
   Go to Discord User Settings > Voice & Video. Under Camera, choose OBS Virtual Camera. The preview shows your OBS scene including the capture card feed.
6. Share Your Screen with the Virtual Camera
   Join a voice channel and begin a screen share. In the Share Screen modal, select the Camera tab and choose OBS Virtual Camera. The capture card feed with any overlays will be shared.

Common Capture Card Screen Share Problems and Fixes

Discord Shows a Black or Blank Screen When Sharing the Capture Card

This usually happens when the capture card software uses hardware-accelerated rendering that Discord cannot capture. To fix this, disable hardware acceleration in the capture card software. In Elgato 4K Capture Utility, go to Settings > Advanced and turn off Hardware Decoding. In OBS, go to Settings > Advanced and set Video Renderer to Direct3D 11. Restart the software and Discord.

Capture Card Audio Is Not Transmitted to Discord

If you are sharing a window or application, ensure the Share Audio checkbox is checked in the Share Screen modal. If you are using the camera method, Discord does not transmit the capture card audio through the camera stream. In that case, use Method 2 or 3 and check Share Audio. Alternatively, connect the capture card audio output to your PC’s line-in or use a separate audio cable.

Capture Card Feed Has Low Frame Rate or Stuttering

Discord limits screen share to 60 FPS on standard servers and 30 FPS for non-Nitro users. If your capture card outputs 60 FPS and the feed stutters, reduce the capture card output to 30 FPS in the companion software. In OBS, set the Video Capture Device source to 30 FPS. Also, close unnecessary programs to free GPU resources.

Method	Pros	Cons
Camera source	Quick setup, no extra software needed	Small overlay size, no audio pass-through, limited to camera resolution
Software window share	Full resolution, audio pass-through, simple	Requires companion software to be open, window must stay in foreground
OBS Virtual Camera	Full control over overlays, audio, and scenes	Requires OBS installation and configuration, higher CPU/GPU usage

Each method serves a different purpose. The camera method is best for quick streams. The software window method is ideal for pure gameplay sharing. OBS Virtual Camera is the best choice for professional streams with branding and multiple sources.

You can now share your capture card input on Discord using one of three methods. Start with the camera method for a fast test. If you need audio or full resolution, switch to sharing the capture card software window. For advanced overlays and scene control, set up OBS Virtual Camera. To improve stream quality, consider enabling Discord’s hardware acceleration in User Settings > Voice & Video > Advanced and setting your capture card to output 1080p at 30 FPS for stable performance.