Use your computer in VR with Meta Virtual Display

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Updated:a week ago
This article provides guidance for connecting your Meta Quest headset to your computer, covering both the default pairing method for Windows 11 (Mixed Reality Link) and the Meta Quest Virtual Display app for Mac and older Windows versions.

Meta Virtual Display lets you wirelessly connect your computer to your Quest headset to extend your computer with multiple large virtual displays.

For Windows 11 PCs, pairing is done with the Mixed Reality Link app. For Mac and older Windows versions, use the Meta Quest Virtual Display app.


Setup Instructions

Select the type of device you're trying to set up for help getting started:

To start using Mixed Reality Link on Windows 11:

  1. Install Mixed Reality Link: Download and install from the Microsoft Store on your PC.
  2. Pairing:
    • Ensure your PC is nearby, turned on and unlocked.
    • Put on your Quest headset.
    • A prompt to pair should appear above your keyboard, select pair to continue.
    • If not, open the Virtual Display and select Add computer.
    • You can also select Quick Settings, then Virtual Display and Add a new device.
    • Select Windows 11.
    • Follow on-screen instructions to complete pairing.
    • Note: During pairing you’ll be prompted to install the Windows App which is required to complete pairing with Mixed Reality Link. Once downloaded, Nearby Device permissions for the Windows App are automatically enabled.

  3. Reconnecting:
    • Unlock your PC, look at the keyboard, and press Connect.
    • Or reconnect via Quick Settings or the Virtual Display.


Requirements for using Mixed Reality Link on Windows 11

To connect with Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11, you'll need:

  • Headset: Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S.
  • PC: Windows 11 (22H2 or newer).
  • Horizon OS: v81 or newer on your headset.
  • Network: Your PC and Quest headset must be connected to the same network. The Wi-Fi spectrum is 5 Ghz or 6 Ghz. Your Wi-Fi must be 802.11ac or higher.
  • GPU: See Mixed Reality Link system requirements for details.

To start using Virtual Display with a Mac or older Windows PC:

  1. Download the Meta Quest Virtual Display App:
  2. Open the app and log in with your Meta account.
  3. Permissions (MacOS only). Follow the prompts in-app to enable:
    • Screen recording (to view your computer screen in headset)
    • Accessibility (to reduce cursor latency)
    • Microphone (to stream computer audio to headset)

  4. Connect from Quest:
    • In Quick controls select Virtual Display.
    • Ensure your computer is powered on, unlocked, and the app is running.
    • Your computer should now appear, select it to connect


Requirements for using the Meta Quest Virtual Display app for Mac and Windows

To connect with the Meta Quest Virtual Display app on Mac and Windows, you'll need:

  • PC: MacOS or Windows (older than Windows 11 22H2)
  • App: Meta Quest Virtual Display app installed on your computer (MacOS and Windows)
  • Account: Log in with the same account as your Quest headset

Adding and resizing virtual displays

When you use your computer in mixed reality with Virtual Display, you can have up to 3 virtual displays.

Adding virtual displays:

  1. From your headset, hover over the Virtual Display panel.
  2. Access Setting from the dropdown menu at the top center of the Virtual Display panel.
  3. Select Add display.
  4. You can now resize and move each of your displays to meet your preferences.

Changing aspect ratio (Wide and Portrait)

  1. From your headset, hover over the corner of the virtual display.
  2. Access Setting from the drop down at the top center of the Virtual Display panel.
  3. Select Monitor Formats.
  4. Select from the list of options, Portrait (3:4), Compact (16:9), Wide (21:9), Ultrawide (32x9)
  5. Note: Ultrawide is currently only available in focus view.

Resizing your virtual displays:

  1. From your headset, hover over the corner of the virtual display.
  2. Grab the handle that appears on the corner of the display and drag to resize the virtual display.

Sharing feedback and reporting issues

If you have suggestions or encounter any issues while using Virtual Display with your Windows 11 PC, please report an issue and send feedback:



Frequently asked questions

Why can't I pair or reconnect my Quest and Windows 11 PC?

If you're having trouble with pairing or reconnecting, verify that your Quest and Windows 11 PC are on the same network and your PC is unlocked. If both the PC and Quest are on Wi-Fi, make sure that they are both connected to the same SSID. If your PC is ethernet connected, make sure that your Quest Wi-Fi subnet is on the same subnet as your ethernet connected PC.

Why do I need the Windows app on my Quest?

The Windows App from Microsoft powers Virtual Display when you use it to connect to a Windows 11 PC. You do not need to launch the Windows app directly, but it needs to be installed to handle the connection and streaming from Windows 11 to Quest Virtual Display. If you are a Quest for Business user, you can also use the Windows App on Quest to connect to your Windows 365 Cloud PC, Azure Virtual Desktop, or Microsoft Dev Box.

Why does Windows App Require Nearby Device Permissions?

Nearby Device permissions enable the Windows App to maintain pairing with a previously paired Windows 11 PC when the PC is no longer discoverable over the active WiFi connection due to network configurations on your current network.

Why do I need to install Mixed Reality Link on my Windows 11 PC?

Mixed Reality Link from Microsoft enables Quest to pair with and connect to a Windows 11 PC. Later this year, this experience will be available by default on new Windows PCs.

Why is my Virtual Display highly pixelated or showing distortion?

Verify that your current network setup meets the system requirements outlined here. If you can, please send us feedback by following the instructions below.

Can I change the aspect ratio and resolution of my virtual monitors?

You can create up to three virtual monitors, resize them, and place them where they work best for you. You can select from 3 resolution settings (Larger Text - 720p, Default - 1080p, and More Space - 1440p) and 4 aspect ratio settings (Portrait, Compact, Wide, and Ultrawide). Note that default resolution settings were selected for the best text quality; changing resolution settings may degrade visual quality.

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