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How to install SteamVR on Quest

Short answer: SteamVR is installed on a compatible Windows PC, not as a native Quest headset app. For wireless PC VR, install Steam Link on Quest; alternatively connect through Meta Horizon Link or Air Link. Keep SteamVR and the VR game on the PC. Last checked October 11, 2026.

What gets installed where?

Think of the setup as two sides of one PC-VR session:

This page is specifically about installing and launching the SteamVR runtime. For a full comparison of USB Link, Air Link and Steam Link—including connection steps—use How to connect Meta Quest to a PC.

Check Steam Link requirements first

Valve currently lists a computer running Steam and SteamVR, Windows 10 or newer, an NVIDIA GTX 970-or-better or AMD RX 570-or-better GPU (with RX 6400 and 6500 XT excluded), a 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 router minimum, and Quest 2, Quest 3 or Quest Pro with Quest software version 74 or later. Valve recommends Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E. This list is specific to Steam Link and can change; check Valve's live requirements before relying on it. Do not infer that an unlisted model, including a newer headset, is supported by Steam Link.

Meta Link/Air Link use Meta's separate Windows requirements and supported headset list. Check Meta's current PC requirements if using that route instead.

Install SteamVR on the PC

  1. Install or update the Steam desktop client on the Windows computer and sign in.
  2. Open Steam's Store, find SteamVR, and install it on the PC. Keep Steam available while using the runtime.
  3. Install the VR game on the PC and confirm its current store listing explicitly supports VR and the runtime you plan to use. A regular desktop game does not become a VR title merely because SteamVR is installed.

Choose one Quest connection route

Steam Link: install the free Steam Link app from the Quest store, make sure Quest and PC are on the same network, open Steam Link, and follow its on-screen pairing flow. Steam must be open on the PC. Once the headset connects, start SteamVR from the PC's Steam library if it has not already launched.

Meta Horizon Link or Air Link: install Meta Horizon Link on Windows, then follow Meta's current cable or Air Link connection procedure. After Quest is connected, open SteamVR from the PC and launch the compatible VR game. Meta's current starting point is Set up and connect Meta Horizon Link and Air Link.

Verify the runtime before playing

  1. Confirm the headset connection is active and the PC can see the headset/controllers in the selected runtime.
  2. Open SteamVR from the PC and wait for its status window to show the headset as ready.
  3. Launch a VR-supported title from Steam. If it offers desktop and VR modes, select the VR mode.
  4. Start with the play area clear and the headset boundary configured. Stop if tracking is lost; do not keep walking while trying to reconnect.

If SteamVR does not see the Quest

First check that Steam, SteamVR and the selected Quest connection app are open and current. For Steam Link, confirm the headset model appears on Valve's live support list and both devices use the same network. For Meta Link/Air Link, follow Meta's troubleshooting path. If the connection itself needs attention, use the Quest-to-PC guide rather than repeating installation steps. Avoid unofficial APKs, firmware downloads, driver-fixer utilities and destructive headset resets.

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