Oculus Link Windows 11 & Mac Check (How it works)


Users immediately install updates whenever Microsoft releases a new Windows version. If you are using your PC for gaming, it is best to know whether making an OS upgrade will interfere with VR performance. Therefore, as an Oculus Link user, you may wonder whether your Windows 11 runs it as effortlessly as Windows 10 does.

So, does Oculus Link work with Windows 11? Oculus Link is compatible with Windows 11 but needs serious updates to eliminate bugs. It doesn’t work flawlessly since many users across various forums are complaining about performance issues. Users have so far reported issues such as lagging, failure to connect, shuddering, and having a black screen, among other problems. Therefore, it may be best to stall updating Windows 10 if you are a regular VR gamer unless the developers fix these issues and send updates.

No gamer wants to be left out of the latest VR titles, especially not because their gaming PC and Oculus device or app are incompatible. The idea behind Windows 11 was to get an updated OS that fixed all the issues of its predecessor.

New users loved how this version worked efficiently for applications and couldn’t wait to try it on VR gaming. Therefore, it is understandable to want to know the influence of this upgrade on your gameplay if you are a die-hard for Oculus games.

Oculus Link connects with Windows 11 but not perfectly as with Windows 10. Many gamers across the Oculus forums complain about several issues when connecting their updated PCs to Oculus Link. The concerns range from lagging, stuttering, experiencing a black screen, and general malfunctions that prevent regular gameplay.

Other users even complain about getting dizzy in seconds of using the headset. Therefore, Windows 11 may not be the best option for Oculus Link unless the developers create an update that solves these bugs.

Windows 11 is a great new design for users, and many appreciate how well it works with applications and gaming. However, this case seems to change when you connect your Quest to access VR through Oculus Link. When you wear the headset and move the controllers, you first notice shuddering that can easily make you sick, forcing you to take off the gear.

The problem persists even when you want SteamVR or the conventional Oculus games. Moreover, the issues don’t disappear even when using wireless Air Link and connecting a cable to the headset. If you search through the internet, you will meet other users complaining of various performance issues with their Windows 11 and Oculus Link.

Some state that the setup doesn’t work unless they switch back to Windows 10. On the other hand, another section of users states that the connection works but frequently lags after a few minutes.

There are still complaints about juddering for the lucky ones whose linking is successful. Although they may launch applications from SteamVR, they find it hard to navigate through Oculus home due to the shakiness. The home page is an essential part of game and app selection, and the shudder makes it challenging to pick icons.

Note that most of these concerns center around Oculus Link, the Air Link, and the wired connection. Therefore, you may be lucky if your setup can run even when you don’t use the above programs. Also, remember that the case is different for every user, although the typical case is the nauseating feeling in the first seconds of use.

You can still try setting up your Windows 11 and Oculus Link to determine whether you experience the above. Otherwise, you may be among the lucky ones whose gaming system works as usual. For now, the only hope is that Oculus and Microsoft resolve these issues.

Is Windows 11 Good for VR?

It is typical for VR fans to question whether they are making the right choice by updating their systems to the new Windows 11. The gaming platform is gaining more users, but so is Windows 11, and it would be fantastic if the two worked together to improve VR gaming, but what is the case?

Windows 11 is generally an excellent operating system for gaming, including virtual reality. Unlike its predecessors, it has unique features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR. Besides, Windows 11 has improved Mixed Reality, which was there in Windows 10.

Suppose you are using Oculus Quest or the original device for Oculus Link. In that case, you will also be glad to know that developers are working on some fixes, as they announced in November last year that you can access manually or automatically.

Virtual reality has gradually become very popular among players. Instead of using your PC screen, you can now get HD gaming in the best quality through your headset, where you entirely immerse yourself in the gaming world. Hardware and software manufacturers know that many of their consumers need access to VR, and they ensure that their products meet the market demands.

Therefore, it is understandable for users to question whether Windows 11 can provide access to VR gaming. You will be glad to know that Windows 11’s design is a careful construction for your virtual reality titles. You can attest to this with the new incredible features that the OS brings to gaming, like Auto HDR. Additionally, you can have a better version of mixed reality than the one in Windows 10.

Mixed reality is another VR version that you can use to play famous games like Half-Life: Alyx from SteamVR. If you are uncertain about your PC offering mixed reality, you can always confirm it from the portal. However, the most pressing issue among gamers is the compatibility between Windows 11 and Oculus. While Windows 10 had no problems with Oculus support, the 11 version has some problems that need fixing.

Interestingly, the testing players didn’t have any hitches when using it during the Beta era. However, several users are having operational issues, especially when using Oculus Link. Some of these issues include the connection having problems, a decline in the frame rates, and experiencing nauseating juddering when gaming. Fortunately, there is a silver lining to all this.

Since Windows 11 is otherwise compatible with VR, including Oculus gadgets, it doesn’t come as a surprise that developers are confident that they can fix these issues. The most recent post was in November last year by Guy Odin, a developer, stating there was a solution for Oculus Link and Windows 11 on the Virtual Desktop. Hopefully, this update will fix all the performance problems that users experience.

Does VR Work With Windows 11?

Over the years, Windows 10 has given fans some of the best PCVR gaming experiences since the developers custom-made the Oculus app to run on the software. With the entry of one of the latest versions, Windows 11, fans can’t help but wonder whether it performs equally well with Windows 10. 

Unfortunately, the Oculus app isn’t officially on Windows 11, but ardent gamers have successfully managed to play VR games on it. Still, the few who know how to install Oculus on Windows 11 report numerous bugs causing shutdowns.

You can also expect dark screens, lower frame rates, and continuous disconnections. Generally, using Windows 11 may expose you to poor performance and a non-functional system, although you can try some effective tricks to improve playability.

According to Microsoft, Windows 11 is the ultimate gaming software developed. However, the initial users who linked the program to Oculus complained of smooth gaming experience issues.

For instance, there are concerns that the Oculus app does not run on the PC, and, secondly, there are problems with darkened screens and poor frame rates. Overall, even if you can operate the app on the PC, there are high chances that it won’t play out seamlessly as it does in Windows 10.

Facebook designed Oculus to run on Windows 10 specifically, and to date, they are yet to confirm whether they have enabled it on Windows 11 or not. Therefore, technically, the VR application cannot play flawlessly on the 11th Windows version.

It isn’t very reassuring when you come home with your new Oculus only to find out that it can’t play on your updated Windows version. The good news is that some individuals have worked around the issue to make it work.

You can deploy some tricks that have worked for most users. Some software developers believe that updating the Windows 11 software can fix most of the performance issues with your system. It would minimize visual judders, but the frame rates may remain lower than expected. Also, Windows 11 has an all-new Mixed Reality Portal, a platform that will enhance your VR experience.

Mixed Reality will make Steam VR content and other exciting titles accessible, but sadly this is still not achievable with Oculus. During Windows 11 Beta testing, fans had a smooth experience with the new version. However, users started complaining about dropped frame rates and stutters after the release. Therefore, using an updated Windows 11 may allow you to play VR games successfully.

Additionally, besides completely updating your Windows to 11, you may opt to repair any infected files that cause bugs. Also, ensure that you use tools that will leave your data intact. Performing a power cycle may be another sure way to fix Oculus’s failure to function on Windows 11.

Moreover, it may be practical to check the USB cables and ports connecting the two devices or switch off the USB power adjustments. All these can help you detect and solve the root of your problems.

Alternatively, you can factory reset the Oculus and let it start afresh to make it function like an updated Windows version. Finally, if none of these processes works, it may be best to contact Microsoft or Facebook customer support for assistance.

Oculus Link has been a mind-blowing option to play all PCVR games using your VR headset but your computer model and its specifications are essential for smooth gameplay. Therefore, is Oculus Link compatible with MacBook?

You can use Mac to run Oculus Link, although it is a challenging procedure involving system tweaking. The software requires Windows 10 to operate but Apple PCs do not run on the operating system. Furthermore, some Mac computers lack the ideal GPU and processor that the Oculus Link needs.

You will notice that some Apple computers use Silicon or M1 chips and an integrated graphics card. Therefore, this incompatibility makes it problematic to enjoy PCVR games on your Oculus headset, although you can deploy some workarounds to gain access.

However, you can overcome the challenges of not having a Windows OS and use your Mac for VR gaming. It involves modifying some settings, although the process is pretty involving unless you are tech-savvy.

To do this, you need to download and install Windows Bootcamp then choose a partition size of 10GB or more to accommodate the Oculus Link. Next, maneuver back to Bootcamp, find the Windows ISO file, reboot the system, and open in Windows.

Afterward, you can go to the Oculus official website, download the app, open the Oculus Link, and adjust its settings accordingly. If you find problems launching it, it may be due to the graphics card rejecting the software.

You may solve the issue by visiting the GPU’s support page and accepting the drivers that support Bootcamp. Once you fit the Mac with a functional Oculus Link, you can use a compatible cable to tether the PC to the VR headset.

Sometimes, a message may pop up claiming that the Mac doesn’t have the minimum specs that the platform requires. If you get this, you can go to system settings and tweak resolution and FPS, which will allow you access to all your PCVR titles that you can play in HD.

Note that VR games require dedicated graphics cards and the Oculus Link runs on top-of-the-line GPUs. Therefore, you can check the drive and see whether to upgrade it or not before you launch the Oculus Link.

Otherwise, you may experience bugs when playing demanding titles. Generally, Mac computer designers didn’t make the device perfect for gaming, as you can tell from the power of the graphics processors.

On the upside, specific models stand out with impressive GPUs like AMD Radeon Pro 560, which can effectively run VR games. However, regular Apple computers require Windows 10 and a dedicated GPU before accessing VR titles.

Oculus Link is an excellent way to improve the Quest 2 and original functionality, whether you prefer a wireless or tethered method. Its working principle increased the number of Oculus gamers but prospective users don’t know how it works. If you are interested in how the Oculus Link works, read on.

Oculus Link attaches your VR headset to a compatible gaming PC to transmit data between the two devices. You connect one end of a recommended USB to the PC and the other to your headset. A message will appear on the Oculus headset prompting you to allow data transfer.

Accepting it will enable you to start playing VR titles, including those from SteamVR. The software powers the headset for enhanced video quality and significantly minimizes latency. The application also ensures that it balances the runtime on both ends to give you the desired output.

Initially, you have to download and install the application on your VR-ready PC and check whether the Oculus link on both devices is running on similar software versions. If so, you can link the computer to the headset using an ANKER cable, the officially recommended type from Oculus.

Third-party wires can also function but many stop working after a while. A text will pop up on the headset screen asking you to accept data transfer once you insert the suitable cable on both ends.

Clicking the button means that you can access all the VR content you need from Oculus. PCs running Windows 10 have the necessary processing power and GPU to run the application. Oculus Link is graphics intensive, hence requiring a dedicated graphics card.

Before installing the program, it is best to check the minimum GPU requirements from Oculus official website. Otherwise, you will not have smooth VR gaming. To be safe, you will need high-end AMD and NVIDIA, some of the best graphic cards in the market.

On the other hand, Mac users face challenges trying to run the Oculus Link with their computers since Apple PCs do not run on the Windows operating system, which is the foundation of Oculus Link. Moreover, most Mac systems have weak GPUs, insufficient to handle demanding Oculus titles.

Luckily, the Bootcamp software usually enables the Oculus Link to work on Apple computers. Oculus Link requires a minimum of Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 1500X graphics card, 8GB RAM, and a Windows 10 OS for smooth operation. Its cable must also be compatible, preferably ANKER wires at least three meters long for better room scaling.

Finally

It is best to be patient if you have not upgraded your Windows to version 11 if you game with Oculus Link. Many upgraded users face several issues with their systems, unlike with Windows 10. According to their complaints on Oculus support and subreddits, the system has a lot of bugs that need fixing first.

There are problems with stuttering, lagging, black screen, and other inconveniences. On the positive side, the developers are working on bug fixes for Windows 11 to handle Oculus Link. If you are an Apple user, using Oculus Link if you have a Mac PC is challenging and tedious but some settings will make the app compatible.

Bal Kang

Bal Kang is a technology expert based in the UK, with experience across a number of technology areas from phones, tablets, computers to gaming.

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