There are a number of different ways to connect your VR headset to your PC as we will explain in this post.
Not only can you use your PC as a processing unit for VR titles that are played on the headset but you can also cast the entirety of your desktop to it.
It’s something that you definitely need to know how to do as someone who owns a VR headset and a powerful enough PC.
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Quick Summary
In this post, we will shed light upon:
- PC system requirements
- How to connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC with the Oculus Link Cable?
- How to connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC with Air Link?
- How to connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC with Virtual Desktop?
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
PC System Requirements
Before we get into how you can connect the Oculus Quest 2 to your PC, let’s talk about how beefy your PC needs to be.
If you have an older PC with less-than-adequate components, you’ll run into a variety of issues that won’t let you connect the Oculus Quest 2 headset.
The minimum requirements you’ll need in your PC include the following:
- Processor: Intel i5-4590 or higher.
- RAM: At least 8 GBs
- GPU: Nvidia 970 series or higher/AMD 400 series or higher
While compatibility with Windows 11 is something that will definitely be on the table in the future, it’s not compatible right now. Hence, it’s a good idea to have Windows 10 on your PC rather than Windows 11 if you want to connect the Oculus Quest 2 to it.
If you’re interested in learning more about virtual reality, check out our comprehensive guide on the topic.
How to Connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC with the Oculus Link Cable?
This is the easiest way to connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC within no time. However, as you may have gathered, this setup requires the Oculus Link Cable.
This is a cable that is used to connect the headset to your PC and sadly, it’s not a cable that comes with the headset itself. Instead, you must buy it separately.
Important note: If your PC has a USB-C port, then only the Oculus Link cable is needed.
However, if your PC does not have a USB-C port, then you’ll also need a USB-C to USB-A cable.
While this is the easiest way to set your Oculus Quest 2 up with your PC, it also means that you won’t be able to move around as freely. This is, of course, because the headset will be connected to the PC with a cable.
After you get the Oculus Link cable, follow these steps to connect the Quest 2 to your PC:
Step 1: Turn on your Oculus Quest 2 headset.
Step 2: Launch the Oculus app on your PC and select Devices.
Step 3: Select Add Headset, and then select Quest 2.
Step 4: You’ll be prompted to provide the connection method. Choose Link (Cable).
Step 5: Plug one end of the cable into your Oculus Quest 2 and the other end into your PC.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a USB-C port on your PC, then you can connect the other end to a USB-C to USB-A cable and then connect that to your PC.
Step 6: Press Continue on the Oculus App, and on the next window, you have the option to test your connection if you wish.
You can do that if you want, and after that, your Oculus Quest 2 is successfully connected to your PC.
Find answers to common virtual reality questions in our extensive VR FAQs section.
How to Connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC with Air Link?
Connecting your Oculus Quest 2 to your PC using Air Link may have a few more steps than with the cable, but it has an advantage.
This is the fact that the connection itself is wireless and thus, you can move freely when you’re wearing the headset and experiencing virtual reality.
Follow these steps to connect it via Air Link:
Step 1: Ensure that both your Oculus Quest 2 headset and your PC are on the same wifi network. It’s recommended by Meta that you use a 5 GHz network.
Step 2: Launch the Oculus app on your PC.
Step 3: Select Devices and then select Add Headset.
Step 4: Select Quest 2 and then select Air Link (wireless) when it asks you for the connection method.
Step 5: Put on your Oculus Quest 2 headset.
Step 6: Hover over the clock on the left side of the navigation bar in order to access Quick Settings.
Step 7: Within Quick Settings, click on the Gear icon in the top-right-hand side of the window to open the full Settings menu.
Step 8: Click Experimental.
Step 9: Scroll down until you see Air Link and turn it on.
Step 10: Go back to the main Settings window and click on the Air Link option. From here, you will see a list of PCs that are connected to your wifi network (i.e., the same wifi network that your Oculus Quest 2 is connected to). Select your PC from the list.
Step 11: A unique pairing code will appear on your Oculus Quest 2 headset. Take off your headset and look at your PC screen to ensure that it’s also showing the same pairing code that you see inside the headset.
Step 12: Click Confirm.
Your Oculus Quest 2 headset is now paired with your PC via Air Link.
How to Connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC with Virtual Desktop?
Lastly, you can pair the Oculus Quest 2 with your PC with the help of the Virtual Desktop app.
You can download the Virtual Desktop Streamer app for PC for free, whereas on the Oculus, you’ll have to buy it.
You need the app on both devices for it to work properly. Once you have the app installed on both devices, follow these steps:
Step 1: Ensure that both your Oculus Quest 2 and your PC are on the same wifi network.
Step 2: Run Virtual Desktop on your PC. You’ll be asked to input your username. Enter it and click Save.
Make sure that Virtual Desktop stays running in the background of your PC.
Step 3: Wear your Oculus Quest 2 and run Virtual Desktop.
Step 4: Once you run Virtual Desktop, you’ll find that your PC and the Oculus Quest 2 are automatically connected.
If this doesn’t happen, it might be because your wifi network is not stable enough. Check your internet connection and try again.
Conclusion
That does it for our tutorial on how to connect a VR headset to a PC.
As you can see, there are many different ways and if you have a VR headset other than the Oculus Quest 2, you can still use third-party software to connect it.
What do you use to experience VR on your PC? Let us know about your headset and PC combination in the comments section below.
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