Missed a great play because you hadn't hit record? Elgato 4K Capture Utility keeps a rolling Flashback buffer so the moment can still be saved, and records 4K and HDR gameplay through compatible Elgato capture cards.
How does Flashback Recording save a missed moment?
The utility continuously retains a configurable rolling buffer, allowing you to save recent gameplay even if you did not start a regular recording in time. Set the buffer length to suit the session and the free disk space.
For planned captures, recordings can be started directly in the app. Video is saved as MP4, without a separate export step.
Can it record while sending video to OBS?
Stream Link passes clean video and audio, up to 1080p60, to OBS Studio or XSplit while the utility records its own high-quality local file.
What capture and audio controls are included?
With compatible hardware, the utility handles gameplay capture up to 4K and supports HDR. Audio options include microphone capture with gain adjustment, mono downmix, and monitoring, allowing commentary to be recorded with gameplay.
The library lets you tag recordings and sort or filter them by game, date, length or size. Color controls for brightness, contrast, saturation, and hue, along with EDID settings, provide additional ways to tune the capture signal.
- Supported cards include the 4K60 Pro and 4K60 Pro MK.2, 4K60 S+, 4K X, 4K Pro, HD60 X, HD60 Pro, HD60 S, HD60 S+ and Game Capture Neo.
- Elgato now lists the utility as legacy software; newer cards such as the 4K S use Elgato Studio instead.
Pros
- Flashback buffer captures gameplay moments retroactively
- Records directly to MP4
- Stream Link shares the feed with OBS or XSplit while recording
- Library tools tag, filter, and sort recordings
Cons
- Works only with compatible Elgato capture cards
- Legacy software no longer in active development
- HDR recording needs an NVIDIA GTX 10-series GPU or newer
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · 64-bit only · Intel Core i5 (6th gen) / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or newer · NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series GPU or better for NVENC encoding; required for HDR recording · 8 GB RAM · USB 3.0 or newer port for external capture devices
Can Flashback Recording save gameplay that already happened?
Yes. The rolling buffer lets you save recent footage after the moment has passed.
Can the utility record while OBS is streaming?
Yes. Stream Link sends the capture feed, up to 1080p60, to OBS Studio or XSplit while the utility records a local file.
What file format does it record?
Recordings are saved directly as MP4 files.
Does it work with the Elgato 4K S?
No. The 4K S uses Elgato Studio, which Elgato offers as the successor to this legacy utility.