Virtual reality headset Oculus Quest 2 is capable of great leaps and bounds. This capability will continue to advance as Facebook changes its name to include its VR section. If you use your Quest 2 to play SteamVR games, you are already aware that the official Air Link might occasionally give rise to issues. However, Virtual Desktop for the Oculus Quest is a pretty useful alternative. Virtual Desktop is an application that essentially streams your PC to the Oculus Quest 2. It operates on the same principles as Air Link. By doing this, you may use your computer to play games and control it while still wearing your quest. But how does it operate and how are things set up? Well, in this helpful guide we have written for you, we address all of those questions and many more. To set up and utilise Virtual Desktop on your Oculus Quest 2, continue reading.
Set up and Use Virtual Desktop on the Oculus Quest 2 (2022)
Even if the setup instructions for the Oculus Quest 2 for Virtual Desktop are simple as pie, there are still a few extra details to consider. Use the table below to see them all at a glance if you’d like.
Requirements to Use Virtual Desktop on the Oculus Quest 2
Virtual Desktop on the Oculus Quest 2 has a few important prerequisites users must fulfil before continuing, as is the case with setting up everything. Therefore, if you’re eager to do so, wait a little while more and read the prerequisites listed below.
Please take note that we are presuming your Oculus Quest 2 is already configured for everyday use. Check out our tutorial on how to set up and utilise Oculus Quest 2 if you haven’t already.
1. VR Ready PC
As was already said, Virtual Desktop is a programme that mirrors your complete desktop and allows you to play demanding VR games of all types in addition to browsing. Therefore, it should go without saying that you will need technology capable of simultaneously streaming and playing all of these activities. To have a better notion of what crucial characteristics your computer must have, please free to check throughFacebook s Quest 2 compatibility page. If you believe you meet these qualifications, keep on reading.
2. Oculus Software Already Set Up
Facebook s official programme calledOculus Link (Free)is the one that provides a smooth wired/wireless connection between a Quest 2 headset and a PC. Therefore, before you begin it is advisable you download and configure it before we begin. Thankfully, we have already done the effort for you and developed a specific guide onhow to play SteamVR games on your Oculus Quest 2. This will also be useful if you wish to play Steam games on your Quest 2 so make sure you have it set up and ready to go. Go through it and learn how to set up Oculus Link quickly.
3. 5GHz Router Connected to PC
Complementing the high hardware PC requirement, Virtual Desktop in order to work efficiently also requires a fast and reliable Internet connection. A 5Ghz AC Wi-Fi Router is required, according to the Oculus Quest store’s official Virtual Desktop page. Additionally, for a seamless connection, this router itself must be linked to your PC through an Ethernet wire. Ensure that the Oculus Quest 2 and your PC are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Before moving on, be certain that you understand this concept.
4.Fully Charged Quest 2
To stream and play games through Virtual Desktop, the Oculus Quest 2 will need to have a significant amount of battery life because we won’t be connecting it to anything. Make sure to fully charge your headset so you don t find yourself reaching for the socket in between your session.
How to Set up and Use Virtual Desktop on the Oculus Quest 2
Now that we have all the important points covered, we can begin setting up Virtual Desktop for the Oculus Quest. Now do be aware that you will require to download and install Virtual Desktop on both your PC and the Oculus Quest 2. Since VD is a paid app, you will first need to purchase it from the Oculus Store from your headset itself.
Note:Do not purchase the Steam or the Rift version since that is not the one we will be using. Make sure to buy Virtual Desktop from the Oculus Store itself.
Go ahead and getVirtual Desktop($19.99) from here and install it on your Quest 2. After that keep reading as we first set it up on our PC.
Setting up Virtual Desktop on PC
Let s begin by downloading and installing theVirtual Desktop Streamer app (Free)on our PC. This app will be the one responsible for essentially streaming your desktop to the Oculus Quest 2 itself. Depending on your platform, click on the relevant link, let it install, open it and then follow the steps below.
1. Upon starting Virtual Desktop, you will see the Accounts screen asking you to input your Oculus Username. This isNOTyour email address but the name you use on your Quest 2. If you re still unsure, then put on your headset and see the name from the Quick Settings tab. Once done, input that in the VD text box and press Save.
2. Once your username is set, you ll see the screen below.
And that does it for setting up Virtual Desktop on your PC. Pretty easy right? Keep VD running in the background and keep on reading to set the same up on your Quest 2.
Setting up Virtual Desktop on the Oculus Quest 2
Note:As mentioned before, make sure both your computer and the Oculus Quest 2 are on the same Wi-Fi network to use Virtual Desktop.
Now that we have set up Virtual Desktop on our PC and bought the same on Oculus, it s time to connect both together. Start up Virtual Desktop on your Quest 2 and follow the steps below to proceed.
1. As soon you open up Virtual Desktop, you will go through a small tutorial telling you just a bit about the UI.
2. You should see your computer connected to the Oculus Quest 2 in the computers tab. If you don t or cannot connect even after trying, that means your network is not stable enough. As you can see below, even our temporary network is a bit unstable but still can stream.
Your ideal connection should have the following markers to ensure an amazing experience:
- 5Ghz Band
- 866 Mbps
- Video Bitrate 8.0 Mbps and above
If your connection meets the above numbers then you should be able to stream and play Virtual Desktop on your Oculus Quest 2 easily. If not, then we advise figuring out a better connection.
Virtual Desktop Settings
Let s also go through some Settings so we get familiarized. Depending on your type of hardware and network, Virtual Desktop would have already applied the relevant settings for you by default. The most important of these settings are the two below.
1. VR Graphics Quality
Since our PC is the one doing all the heavy lifting, it s natural that the GPU power will be pulled from it. Depending on what GPU you have, make sure to select the relevant setting. You can even perform a bit of customization. Fortunately, VD makes the job very by already providing examples. For instanceWe chose High instead of Medium since our PC is equipped with an RTX 3070.
2. VR Bitrate
For those committed to having the highest image quality possible, the VR Bitrate setting is one that complements the above setting. You can crank this setting up to achieve better textures but remember that the latency (lag) itself might also increase.
As for the rest of the settings, you can go about and experiment with them to achieve a customized experience. However, in our experience, we found that the default VD settings work extremely well. We would advise running with them first and fine-tuning only if you encounter problems.
How to Launch Games on Virtual Desktop
Now that Virtual Desktop is all set and running on your PC and Oculus Quest 2, let s get right into the action. Thankfully, even here Virtual Desktop makes it extremely easy to go about it. Simply follow the steps below.
1. On your Virtual Desktop, find and click on theGamestab.
2. Here you will see all your games including the ones from Oculus and Steam neatly divided into categories. Virtual Desktop automatically fetches all the VR games from your computer and places them all here. However, do be aware that if you don t have the Oculus or SteamVR software installed beforehand, you won t be able to see your games here.
The reason we are not using that tempting Launch SteamVR button is because, not only does Virtual Desktop take an extra step out of opening Steam Home but automatically optimizes all games you run from it. This way you get to play games that have been polished just a bit further with most compatibility issues fixed.
3. Simply click on the game you want to play using your Quest 2 s controller and it will launch immediately.
And it s that easy! Virtual Desktop streamlines the entire process and ensures gaming is painless on your Quest 2.
Helpful Tips to Use Virtual Desktop with the Oculus Quest 2
Now that you have successfully set up Virtual Desktop on your Oculus Quest, here are two important pointers you should keep in mind to make your experience a smooth one.
1. Sit/Stand Close to the Router for the Best Experience
Unlike the wired experience, software like Virtual Desktop relies on complete Internet connectivity. As such, it is important the level of Wi-Fi signal strength is extremely important. Whenever you find yourself using Virtual Desktop on your Oculus Quest, make sure you are in close proximity of your router to ensure there s no signal loss. Moreover, also make sure there are no physical obstructions like any walls or barriers in the way too. Following this will make sure your streaming remains effortless.
2. Keep a Charging Cable Nearby for the Quest 2
We know we mentioned above to keep your Oculus fully charged before beginning but this tip is for the long run. Wireless streaming of desktop and more importantly games can take a heavy toll on your Quest 2. While the headset s battery can last aroundthree hours, you might be pulled from the experience nevertheless. To avoid such a shortfall, make sure your Oculus Quest 2 cable and charger are nearby so playing Virtual Desktop isn t interrupted.
Use Virtual Desktop on the Oculus Quest 2 and Have Fun
We hope you have an amazing time using Virtual Desktop alongside your Oculus Quest 2. Once you get bored of your VR games, you can always try thesebest VR experiencesfor a change of pace. So, how s your experience using Virtual Desktop? Let us know in the comments below.