If you have the original Quest, be sure to read this update. ..

What Is SteamVR?

There are several Virtual Reality APIs and SDKs for VR on PCs. SteamVR is the standard used by the Steam client and VR games that run in it. SteamVR also runs as its own environment, separate from your computer’s operating system. This means you can launch games and otherwise tweak your VR settings without affecting other programs or files on your computer. ..

This is a problem if you want to use the Oculus Quest 2 with SteamVR, as it doesn’t work with the Oculus VR software. However, both Valve and Oculus have made efforts to help the Oculus Quest 2 work with SteamVR. So if you’re using an Oculus Quest 2, there’s a good chance that you can still play your games without issue.

  1. Your Oculus must be plugged in to your computer
  2. Your SteamVR game must be running
  3. The Oculus and SteamVR drivers must be installed on your computer
  4. The Oculus headset must be connected to your computer

Your Oculus Quest 2 is set up and with its native software in Windows. A USB 2.0 (preferably 3.0 or 3.1) USB-C cable to connect the Quest via Oculus Link.Alternatively, you need 5Ghz WiFi to use the (currently) experimental Oculus Air Link feature. Steam and SteamVR are installed on the computer.Some SteamVR games, such as Half-Life Alyx, are also installed on your Quest 2.

Oculus Quest is a new virtual reality headset that’s designed for gaming. It’s not the most advanced VR headset on the market, but it does a great job of delivering an immersive experience. It’s also very affordable, making it a great option for first-time VR gamers.

Get Your Quest 2 Set Up on Your PC

You’ll need to install the SteamVR software on your computer. Once you have it installed, you’ll need to plug it into your computer and follow the instructions. The next step is to cover the SteamVR part of the puzzle.

Make Sure SteamVR Is Installed

SteamVR is a software application that allows you to experience virtual reality games on your computer. However, SteamVR isn’t installed by default on most computers. You’ll need to install SteamVR if you want to play any of the games that use it.

If you haven’t installed SteamVR yet, you can do so by following these steps:

  1. Go to steam.com and sign in.
  2. Click the “Games” tab at the top of the page.
  3. Under “Activities,” find “SteamVR” and click it.
  4. On the next page, click the “Install SteamVR” button to start the installation process.
  5. After SteamVR is installed, launch it by clicking on its icon on your desktop or in your Steam library. ..

How to Play Oculus Software, SteamVR, and at Least One SteamVR Game

Method 1: Launch the Game From Oculus Home

If you’re starting from the Oculus Home environment, look down at the semi-circular dashboard and press the icon that looks like a computer monitor. This will bring your desktop into the virtual space. Your motion controller will act as a mouse, but you can also use your regular mouse.

Open Steam and click on the “VR” tab. Select the game you want to play and click on the “Play” button. If this is your first time playing the game, there may be some additional setup to perform. Once that’s done, you should launch directly into the game. ..

Method 2: Launch the Game From SteamVR Home

If you’re using the Oculus software described above, you can launch SteamVR as its own application. This will shift you over into the SteamVR home environment. From here, you can launch all your SteamVR games.

To adjust VR settings for all SteamVR games, you can use the SteamVR app.

Method 3: Just Launch the Game From Steam

If you plug in the headset, SteamVR will automatically launch and put you into the game. ..

Wired or Wireless?

Oculus Link is a new technology that allows you to use your computer as a tethered headset. This requires at least a USB 2.0 USB-C cable, but you can use it with a USB 3.0 or better cable if possible. The port should also be USB 3.0. This will ensure more stability and better image quality.

Oculus Quest 2 is a wireless VR headset that lets you play your PC VR games as if you’re tethered to the computer. You should only use this feature with a 5Ghz router in close range to the Quest 2. Preferably, your computer should be connected to the router using Ethernet, with only the link to the headset being wireless. ..

Playing with Air Link is more freeing and immersive than being tethered by a cable. However, it depends on having ideal network conditions and won’t match the image quality and exact latency of using the cable.

There are three different types of airlink alternatives available, and so far, our experience with the Virtual Desktop App has been much better than Air Link. You’ll need to buy the $20 app, but other than that, it’s smooth sailing. Have a look at How to Play Wireless PC VR Games on Oculus Quest with Virtual Desktop for more information.

Having Performance Problems?

We’ve found that bridging the Oculus-SteamVR divide is a smooth experience, but sometimes things go wrong. Oculus VR games played from the Oculus software are usually flawless, barring some unrelated problem, but sometimes the SteamVR version of the same game has performance issues. ..

Oculus Rift games are usually better played on the Oculus platform, as it has more features and is more recent. If a game is only available on SteamVR, make sure you’re running the latest version of all the software involved.

It’s important to check SteamVR settings when you’re in the SteamVR home environment. There have been instances where the SteamVR client sets resolution or other headset settings far too high for the GPU of an Oculus headset.