Shadowplay Not Taking Game Screenshots | How To Fix

Nvidia GeForce has been a great addition to PC Gamers' ability to not only take clips and videos, but screenshots of their games - organized into folders by game. Sometimes, however, the program doesn't recognize a game and Shadowplay just takes screenshots of the desktop behind the game window. While this is incredibly annoying, especially when you want to take a sweet picture, or clip an epic shot - there is a fix for Shadowplay not taking screenshots of games. In addition, this quick fix should also help with Shadowplay not capturing game clips, as well!

Below, you'll find two ways to fix common Nvidia GeForce Shadowplay Issues for PC.

Shadowplay Only Taking Desktop Pictures - How to Fix

Before we fix the underlying issues - make sure that you open the Shadowplay Menu (Default Alt+Z) and go to settings (Gear Icon) > Privacy Control to disable "Desktop Capture."

Sometimes this is the main problem, but in order to fix taking screenshots and clips, you'll want to make sure this is disabled before moving to the fix below just so you don't waste your time!

Shadowplay Not Taking Game Screenshots - How to Fix

The fix is relatively simple. Launch, and then close the game you're having issues. For example, if you're trying to take pictures of Halo Infinite - launch the game briefly and then close it. This will help populate a selection and make your life a bit easier to find it!

Step 1: Open Nvidia Control Panel

Click the little carrot at the bottom right of your desktop, and right click the GeForce icon, then select "Nvidia Control Panel"

 

 

Step 2: Add Your Game to Nvidia GeForce's Allowed Programs

From here go to 3D Settings > Manage 3D Settings

On the right side, click "Program Settings"

There are two ways you can add games:

1. Use the Dropdown, but in some cases the game is missing from this list. If it's in here, select and add it!
2. If it's not, click "Add" and a Window will come up with recent applications. Select your game and "Add Selected Program"

Step 3: Re-Open Your Game and Take Pictures and Video!

Now that your game is on the list of allowed programs for Nvidia Shadowplay - re-open it and take pictures. It's worth noting, sometimes after adding your game - the folder name won't exactly match the game name.

Hopefully this tip helped you fix any issues you may be having with Nvidia GeForce's Shadowplay not taking pictures or videos of the games you're playing. If you're looking for help with some of the games you're playing, check out our gaming guides section!