[Windows] Multiple Video Capture Devices with Same Name

Operating System Info

Windows 11

Other OS

No response

OBS Studio Version

31.1.2

OBS Studio Version (Other)

No response

OBS Studio Log URL

No Log URL

OBS Studio Crash Log URL

No response

Expected Behavior

In Windows, I would like OBS to use the FriendlyName for the video capture device, and if that is not possible, to have it see if the same exact device (via serial number or something that is unique) is connected via USB, to look up its FriendlyName that way.

This already exists for audio and networking in Windows, I do not see why this cannot be implemented for video capture devices and more specifically video capture devices connected via USB.

Many streamers/users use the same video capture device for a myriad of purposes.

Current Behavior

In Windows, OBS shows the same make + model of device as exposed from the driver (don't know if it's the video capture driver or USB driver), thus a capture card will not "stick" (or save) to a particular source. When OBS is launched, the capture cards will "bounce around", requiring streamers/users to realign capture cards to those sources.

Steps to Reproduce

In Windows, just look at the list of video capture devices in a source.

Anything else we should know?

No response

Start by locating the Windows video-capture device enumeration and source-assignment code, then investigate how driver FriendlyName values and unique USB or serial identities can be obtained. Done means identical capture devices retain stable source assignments across OBS restarts while still displaying useful device names.