If a recorded file contains audio but no video, the issue usually occurs during recording, during saving, or due to content protection.

Follow the steps below in order.

Start here

First, check where the issue occurs:

• the video is visible in the recording preview, but missing in the saved file
• the video is missing already in the preview after recording stops

The next steps depend on this.

Step 1: Check hardware acceleration in the application you are recording

Many applications and websites use hardware acceleration to render video and interface elements.
This is especially common for:

• web browsers
• browser-based applications
• streaming and communication services (such as Netflix, Discord, and similar platforms)

First, make sure that:

• the desktop is recorded correctly
• other applications are captured without issues.

If only a specific browser or application is not recorded correctly, continue below.

What to do

Why this happens

When hardware acceleration is enabled, video playback and interface elements are rendered directly by the graphics card. In this case, the CPU doesn’t process the video content, and screen recording applications may not be able to capture it correctly.

Important note about protected content

If disabling hardware acceleration doesn’t resolve the issue, the application or website may use DRM or screen recording protection.
In such cases:

• the video may appear as a black screen
• only audio may be recorded
• recording may not be possible at all

Movavi Screen Recorder does not bypass DRM or copy protection mechanisms due to copyright restrictions.

Step 2: Check the recording preview

Record a short test clip and check the preview immediately after stopping the recording.

If the video is visible in the preview but missing in the saved file
This usually indicates an output codec or acceleration issue.

Windows

1. Open Settings → Video.
2. Disable all enabled video acceleration options.
3. Save the recording again and check playback.

If the issue persists:

• try saving the recording using a different output format or codec.

macOS

This means the issue occurred during recording.

1. Open Settings→General→Advanced.
2. Enable Use alternative capture mode.
3. Restart the program and record a short test clip again.
4. Check the preview.

Also you can:

• update your graphics card drivers
• restart the computer after updating.

macOS

On macOS, missing video during recording is often related to permissions or system capture limitations.
What to check:

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security.
2. Make sure the Movavi program is allowed in:

3. Restart the program after changing permissions.
4. Record a short test clip and check the preview.

If you are still unable to see the recording, please double-check that the Hardware accelerations were disabled for the application you are trying to record.

Note: Older versions of Movavi Screen Recorder, including version 21 and earlier, may not work correctly on the latest macOS versions.

When to contact Movavi Customer Service

Contact Movavi Customer Service if the issue continues after trying all the steps above.

Include:

• whether video is missing in the preview or only in the saved file
• your operating system (Windows or macOS)
• screenshots of the preview window
• the output format and codec used
• a short sample recording (if possible)