Alternatives to Desktop Duplication API that work when screen is locked

Question

Does that even make sense in principle?

Desktop Duplication API returns DXGI_ERROR_ACCESS_LOST, which makes sense, because the display output is taken over by the logon session.

However, DirectX games continue to run in the background, and a cursory search shows that OBS is able to continue streaming.

Answer 1

Desktop Duplication is your only choice:

With that said, we're still adding features and working on WGC so it doesn't have all of DDA's features yet. Namely:

• DDA can capture the secure desktop (UAC prompts) if started from the SYSTEM account.
• Dirty region reporting.
• Callable from a non-interactive user context.
• Can capture truly full screen exclusive games (both can capture EFSE games).