Last Update on November 4, 2025
TL;DR
- Virtual Desktop (VD) streams your PC VR games wirelessly to Quest 3/3S, Pico 4/Ultra, etc.
- Best practice: PC via Ethernet → Wi-Fi 5/6/6E router in-room, headset on the same SSID, VDXR (OpenXR) enabled, and tuned bitrate/smoothing.
- Alternatives: Air Link, Steam Link, and Quest Remote Desktop / Windows Mixed Reality Link for multi-monitor Windows work in VR.
What is Virtual Desktop? (compatibility & requirements)
Virtual Desktop mirrors your Windows PC in VR (apps, web, video) and streams PC-VR games wirelessly if your PC is VR-ready.
- Get it: Quest/Pico/Viveport store app + Virtual Desktop Streamer on your PC.
- Supported headsets (2025): Meta Quest 1/2/3/3S/Pro, Pico (Neo 3, 4, 4 Ultra), HTC (XR Elite, Focus 3), Play for Dream MR, Samsung Galaxy XR.
- PC & network basics: Windows 10/11 64-bit, VR-Ready GPU (≥ GTX 970) for PC-VR; wire your PC (Ethernet) to the router; connect the headset over 5 GHz/6E on the same network.
New in 2025 — Windows workspaces in VR
Quest Remote Desktop / Windows Mixed Reality Link adds fast multi-monitor Windows 11 desktops in Quest (ultrawide view, quick pairing). Great for productivity; for PC-VR gaming, VD’s streaming & controls remain the go-to.
Step-by-step setup (PC & headset)
On your PC (Windows 10/11)
- Install “Virtual Desktop Streamer.”
- Connect your PC via Ethernet to a Wi-Fi 5/6/6E router (avoid Wi-Fi on the PC).
- Sign into the Streamer with the same account used on your headset.
- (Recommended) Set OpenXR runtime to VDXR to launch many games without SteamVR.
- Update GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) before first tests.
On your headset (Quest / Pico / others)
- Purchase/install Virtual Desktop from your headset’s store.
- Connect to the same Wi-Fi (5 GHz or 6E; a dedicated SSID is ideal).
- Launch Virtual Desktop → your PC appears → connect.
Recommended 2025 settings (Quest 3 / router)
Goal: crisp image + low latency on Quest 3/3S with a Wi-Fi 6/6E router.
- Codec: HEVC (H.265) by default; AV1 can look excellent on newer GPUs (test under load).
- Bitrate: start 120–150 Mb/s on Wi-Fi 6E; 80–120 Mb/s on 5 GHz (AC/AX). Tune for stability.
- Smoothing / Frame Smoothing: start Auto; if micro-stutters, try a fixed value suited to your GPU.
- Sharpening: start moderate, then increase gradually.
- FOV / distortion sliders: trimming slightly can free a few ms of GPU (popular with sim/flight users).
- Network placement: router in the play space, fewer obstacles/interference; PC on Ethernet; dedicated SSID for the headset.
OpenXR note: VDXR often improves stability and cuts layers by bypassing SteamVR for many titles. Try VDXR first; keep SteamVR as fallback.
Launching games (VDXR vs SteamVR), desktop & peripherals
- In Virtual Desktop (headset), open Games to launch PC-VR titles.
- VDXR runs many games without SteamVR (fewer layers → often more stable). Keep SteamVR for overlays/tools or edge cases.
- Desktop/productivity: open Desktop for browsing, apps, video. If streaming services show black video, try Firefox (DRM).
- Keyboard & mouse: supported; adjust passthrough and screen size for comfort.
Quick troubleshooting (common errors)
“Computer unreachable”
- Same network (avoid Guest), allow VD in Firewall/AV, disable VPN, prefer Open NAT; avoid double NAT/DS-Lite (ask ISP for public IPv4).
“Measuring bandwidth” loops / disconnects
- Update GPU/iGPU drivers, disable HDR/WCG during tests, remove blocking VPN/AV, keep PC on Ethernet, bring the headset closer to the router.
Black screen (games or streaming apps)
- Ensure Windows detects a monitor, apply Windows Updates, set High-performance GPU on laptops, and use Firefox for DRM services.
Playing from outside your home
- Enable UPnP or manual port forwarding; VD traffic is end-to-end encrypted. Performance depends on Internet latency/bandwidth.
Virtual Desktop vs Air Link vs Steam Link vs Quest Remote Desktop
| Solution | Primary use | Strengths | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Desktop | Wireless PC-VR gaming + Windows desktop | Deep controls (VDXR, bitrate, smoothing), excellent quality | Paid; needs a well-tuned network |
| Air Link (Meta) | PC-VR gaming | Built-in, free | Fewer advanced toggles; setup-dependent stability |
| Steam Link (app) | Direct Steam library streaming | Free, simple | Quality/perf can trail VD on some rigs; tied to SteamVR |
| Quest Remote Desktop / Mixed Reality Link | Windows 11 desktop (multi-monitor, ultrawide) | Quick pairing, passthrough, up to 12 apps | Not meant to replace VD for PC-VR gaming |
FAQ (2025)
Which headsets are supported?
Quest 1/2/3/3S/Pro, Pico 4/Ultra, HTC XR Elite/Focus 3, Play for Dream MR, Samsung Galaxy XR (see official list).
Do I need a special router?
A 5 GHz/AX (Wi-Fi 6) or 6E router near your play space. Ethernet your PC and consider a dedicated SSID for the headset.
What is VDXR?
VD’s OpenXR runtime that often lets you skip SteamVR, improving stability and performance on many titles.
Why do Netflix/Prime show a black window?
Browser DRM capture rules. Firefox inside VD usually works.
Can I connect from outside my home?
Yes, UPnP/port forwarding required; traffic is end-to-end encrypted. Expect performance to depend on Internet latency.
Useful resources
Official
- Meta — Link / Air Link overview
- Steam Link help (Meta/HTC/PICO)
- Quest Remote Desktop / Windows Mixed Reality Link (Meta help)
More Ressources
