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Fix Elgato HD60 Not Working: Step-by-Step Guide

Card No. 06·44778 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

If your Elgato HD60 capture card isn’t showing a signal, dropping frames, or refusing to be recognized by your computer, this guide walks you through the most common fixes. We’ll cover connection checks, driver reinstallation, software settings, and hardware troubleshooting so you can get back to recording or streaming quickly.

What You’ll Need

  • The Elgato HD60 itself and its USB cable
  • The HDMI cable(s) you’re using
  • Access to the device manager on your PC (or System Information on Mac)
  • Internet connection to download drivers or software
  • A second screen or TV to test with (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step

  1. Check the basics first. Make sure the HD60 is plugged into a USB 3.0 port directly on your computer (blue interior, not a hub). The HD60 requires USB 3.0 for full functionality; a USB 2.0 port will often cause it to be unrecognized or drop frames.
  2. Verify HDMI connections. The HD60 has two HDMI ports: one labeled ‘IN’ (from your console or camera) and one labeled ‘OUT’ (to your TV or monitor). Swap the cables and ports to rule out a bad cable. Try a different HDMI cable if possible—many issues are simply a faulty or loose cable.
  3. Power cycle everything. Unplug the HD60 from USB, unplug the HDMI cables from both ends, and turn off your console/PC. Wait 30 seconds, then reconnect everything in this order: HDMI from source to IN, HDMI from OUT to display, then USB to the computer. This clears many handshake errors.
  4. Check the LED light. The HD60 has a small LED on the side. If it’s solid green, it’s receiving power. If off, try a different USB cable or port. If it blinks or is red, the device may be faulty or not getting enough power.
  5. Reinstall the drivers (Windows). Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager). Look under ‘Sound, video and game controllers’ for ‘Elgato HD60’. If there’s a yellow exclamation mark, right-click and select ‘Uninstall device’. Then unplug the HD60, restart your PC, and plug it back in—Windows will reinstall the driver automatically. If not, download the latest driver from Elgato’s website.
  6. Update or reinstall the Elgato software. If you’re using the Elgato Game Capture software, go to the official Elgato website and download the latest version. Uninstall the old one first, then install the new one. On Mac, also check that you’re on the latest macOS version compatible with the software.
  7. Adjust USB power settings. In Windows, go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Expand ‘USB settings’ > ‘USB selective suspend setting’ and set it to ‘Disabled’. This prevents the USB port from cutting power to the HD60 during idle periods.
  8. Test with a different source. If you’re using a PS4 or Xbox, try plugging the HDMI from a Blu-ray player or another device directly into the HD60’s IN port. If that works, the problem is with your console’s HDMI output settings (like HDCP). Disable HDCP on the console if possible, as it blocks capture.
  9. Check for HDCP conflicts. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is copy protection that can prevent capture. On PS4/PS5, go to Settings > System > Enable HDCP and uncheck it. On Xbox, go to Settings > General > TV & display options > Video modes and uncheck ‘Allow 4K’ and ‘Allow HDR’ if you’re using a standard HD60 (not the HD60 S or Pro). The original HD60 only supports 1080p.
  10. Try a different USB port. Sometimes a specific port fails. Try all the USB 3.0 ports on your computer. Avoid front-panel ports that may be on a separate header—rear ports are usually more reliable.
  11. Reset the HD60 to factory defaults (if possible). Some Elgato devices have a reset button (small pinhole) on the side. Use a paperclip to press it for 5 seconds while the device is plugged in. This restores default settings and can fix firmware glitches.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a USB 2.0 port or a hub—this is the #1 cause of ‘device not recognized’.
  • Plugging the HDMI into the wrong port (OUT instead of IN).
  • Not disabling HDCP on consoles—this causes a black screen or no signal.
  • Using a cheap or damaged HDMI cable that can’t carry the signal.
  • Forgetting to update the Elgato software after a major OS update.
  • Assuming the HD60 supports 4K passthrough—the original HD60 only does 1080p.

Tips

  • Always use the original USB cable that came with the HD60 if possible. Third-party cables may not have the right shielding.
  • Keep the HD60 away from other electronic devices that cause interference (like routers or power bricks).
  • If you’re streaming, lower the bitrate in your software to reduce dropped frames—the HD60’s hardware encoder can only handle so much.
  • Use a powered USB hub only if it’s a high-quality one with its own power adapter; otherwise, avoid hubs entirely.
  • Check that your computer meets the minimum specs: for 1080p60 recording, you need a relatively modern CPU (Intel i5 or better) and 4GB RAM.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t solve the problem, try these additional checks:

  • Device not recognized at all: Try a different computer. If it works there, the issue is your original PC’s USB controller. Update your chipset drivers from the motherboard manufacturer’s website.
  • Black screen but audio works: This is almost always HDCP. Disable it on your console or try a different source. Also check that your HDMI cable supports the resolution you’re sending.
  • Frames dropping during recording: The HD60 is a USB 3.0 device; if it’s plugged into a USB 2.0 port, it will drop frames. Also, close other programs that are using USB bandwidth. Reduce the capture resolution to 720p if needed.
  • No audio in capture: In the Elgato software, go to Settings > Audio and make sure ‘Analog Audio’ is set to the correct input. If you’re using HDMI audio, ensure the source is set to ‘HDMI’.
  • Green/pink static on screen: This indicates a handshake issue. Unplug the HDMI from the source and re-plug it while the source is on. Also try a different HDMI cable.
  • Software says ‘No Signal’ but the LED is on: The HD60 is powered but not receiving an HDMI signal. Check that your source is turned on and the HDMI cable is firmly seated. Try a different HDMI port on the source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Elgato HD60 not being detected by my computer?

Most often it’s a USB issue. Try a different USB 3.0 port, a different cable, and reinstall the drivers. Also, ensure you’re not using a USB hub.

Does the Elgato HD60 work with a PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Yes, but you’ll need to disable HDCP on the console and set the output to 1080p. The HD60 doesn’t support 4K passthrough, so you’ll need to use a separate splitter for 4K if you want to play in 4K while capturing.

Can I use the HD60 without installing Elgato software?

Yes, you can use it with OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS as a video capture device. The driver must be installed, but the Elgato software isn’t required for OBS.

Why is my recording choppy or laggy?

This is usually a USB bandwidth issue. Make sure the HD60 is on a dedicated USB 3.0 port, not shared with other high-bandwidth devices. Also, lower your recording bitrate or resolution.

How do I know if my HD60 is faulty?

If you’ve tried all the steps and it still doesn’t work on another computer with a different cable and source, it may be defective. Contact Elgato support for warranty options.

Is the HD60 compatible with Mac?

Yes, but only with Elgato’s software. OBS on Mac may work but with limited support. Check Elgato’s website for the latest Mac compatibility list.

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