Record Netflix/Peacock/Prime: Black Screen Fix 2026

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Have you ever tried to screen record a movie on Netflix, Peacock, or Amazon Prime Video to share a clip with friends, only to find that the resulting video is just a pitch-black screen with audio playing in the background?

You are not alone. This happens because of DRM (Digital Rights Management) and HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) technologies designed to prevent piracy. When your browser detects recording software, it automatically blocks the video feed.

However, there are legitimate ways to bypass this for personal use, such as creating memes or watching content offline. In this guide, I will show you 3 proven methods to fix the black screen issue and recommend the best software for the job.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is strictly for educational and personal use only. We do not encourage piracy or the illegal distribution of copyrighted content. Please respect the terms of service of each streaming platform.

Method 1: Disable Hardware Acceleration (Most Effective)

This is the easiest and most successful method for 99% of users.

Browsers use your computer’s GPU (graphics card) to load videos faster. However, the GPU is also where the DRM protection kicks in. By turning off Hardware Acceleration, you force the browser to use the CPU instead, effectively bypassing the black screen trigger.

1. Google Chrome

Most users stream on Chrome. Here is how to fix it:

  1. Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Settings.
  3. On the left sidebar, click on System.
  4. Toggle OFF the switch that says “Use graphics acceleration when available”.
  5. Relaunch Chrome for the changes to take effect.
Disable hardware acceleration in Google Chrome settings, fix Netflix black screen

2. Microsoft Edge

Since Edge is based on Chromium, the steps are similar:

  1. Click the three dots (…) and select Settings.
  2. Navigate to System and performance.
  3. Turn OFF “Use graphics acceleration when available”.
  4. Restart the browser.
Turn off hardware acceleration Microsoft Edge Peacock screen recording

3. Mozilla Firefox

Firefox sometimes works without any changes, but if you face issues:

  1. Go to Settings > General.
  2. Scroll down to the Performance section.
  3. Uncheck “Use recommended performance settings.”
  4. Uncheck “Use hardware acceleration when available.”
Disable hardware acceleration in Firefox settings to fix black screen

Method 2: Use a Virtual Machine (Advanced)

If turning off hardware acceleration doesn’t work (which is rare), using a Virtual Machine (VM) is a foolproof backup plan.

Streaming services check your physical monitor’s connection for HDCP compliance. When you run a browser inside a virtual machine (like a computer inside a computer), the streaming service cannot detect your actual hardware setup.

  • Tools to use: Oracle VirtualBox or VMware.
  • How it works: Install a Windows OS inside the VM, open a browser within that VM, and play your video. Then, use your main PC’s screen recorder to capture the VM window.

Method 3: Screen Mirroring

Another workaround is to play the video on a mobile device and mirror it to your PC. While some apps also block mirroring, this method can work depending on the device and app version.

  1. Download a mirroring tool like LetsView or use the built-in “Wireless Display“ feature on Windows 10/11.
  2. Cast your phone screen to your computer.
  3. Record the mirrored window on your PC.

Best Screen Recorders for Streaming Services

Now that you have fixed the black screen, you need reliable software to capture the footage. Here are the top 3 recommendations:

1. OBS Studio (Free & Best)

  • Why: It is the industry standard for streamers.
  • Setting Tip: Make sure to use “Display Capture” instead of “Window Capture” if you are still having issues. OBS is powerful but requires a slight learning curve.

2. Bandicam Screen Recorder (Windows & Mac)

  • Why: If OBS feels too complicated, Bandicam is the best user-friendly alternative. It offers a lightweight interface specifically designed for recording high-quality streaming video.
  • Windows Features: It excels at recording 4K UHD video with high compression (small file sizes) and supports hardware-accelerated codecs to prevent lag during recording.
  • Mac Features: It simplifies the process by recording system audio perfectly without complex setups, making it ideal for capturing movies with clear sound.

Conclusion

Getting a black screen when recording Netflix, Peacock, or Prime Video is frustrating, but it is easily solvable. For most people, simply disabling hardware acceleration in Chrome or Edge is the magic fix. Give it a try, and enjoy your content!