Skip to main content

How to connect an Oculus Quest 2 to a PC

You can connect an Oculus Quest 2 to a PC in two ways: using an Oculus Link cable (or another high-quality USB-C cable) or wirelessly, using Air Link. This will unlock a range of PC-only VR experiences and let you use the power of your PC to deliver greater on-screen visuals.

Here's how to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to a PC in just a few steps.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

15 minutes

What You Need

Oculus Quest 2 headset connected with an Oculus Link cable.
Oculus VR / Meta

Connect an Oculus Quest 2 to a PC: Using Oculus Link

If you'd prefer to use a wired connection, follow the steps below to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to a PC via Oculus Link. This method should work for both Oculus Quest and Quest 2 headsets. You can use the official Oculus Link cable, or a high-quality USB-C 3.0 cable. Do check individual reviews of third-party cables, though, as not all of them are rated for VR performance.

Step 1: Review the compatibility requirements to make sure that your PC and headset meet all of the hardware and software requirements.

Step 2: Go to the Oculus app on your computer and power on your headset.

Step 3: You'll need to plug in one end of the USB or Oculus Link cable into your PC's USB 3.0 port. The other end should then be plugged into your headset.

Step 4: In virtual reality, you'll see an "Allow Access to Data" prompt. Be sure to select* Deny*.

Step 5: When you see the Enable Oculus Link prompt, choose Enable.

A person wearing and using an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset in front of a gray background.
Meta / Meta

Connect an Oculus Quest 2 to a PC: Using Air Link

If you'd prefer to use a wireless connection and you have a Quest 2 headset, follow the steps below to connect your headset via Air Link. This method only works for Quest 2 headsets. You'll need to make sure that your Quest 2 and that the Oculus app on your PC are both updated to version 28 (v28) or later.

Step 1: Make sure your PC is connected to the same network as your Quest 2. Then, on your PC, navigate to the Oculus app and turn on your Quest 2 headset.

Step 2: Put on your headset and then press the Oculus button on the right Touch controller to bring up the universal menu.

Step 3: Open the Quick Settings panel and select the Settings cog.

Step 4: Select Quest Link from the left-hand menu.

Step 5: Select Launch Quest Link. If necessary, toggle it to On, first.

Step 6: Toggle Use Air Link to On.

Step 7: Select your PC from the list of "Available PCs" and select Pair.

Step 8: A pairing code will be shown in your headset. Take off your headset and confirm that the code is the same on your computer screen. Then select Confirm on the desktop app.

Step 9: Next time you want to launch your Quest 2 using Airlink, you can simply launch it from the Quick Settings menu in the future.

Now that you've had a taste of PC-powered virtual reality, does it make you tempted to upgrade to a dedicated PC VR headset? Here are the best VR headsets you can buy today.

Editors' Recommendations

Anita George
Anita has been a technology reporter since 2013 and currently writes for the Computing section at Digital Trends. She began…
This deal gets you a Meta Quest 2 for $200, its cheapest price yet
A woman dives into action with the Meta Quest 2.

There's still a lot of demand for Meta Quest 2 deals, even with the arrival of more virtual reality headsets, including its successor. If you've had an eye on the Meta Quest 2 for a while now, your patience has paid off because it's now down to its lowest-ever price of $200 following a $50 discount by Best Buy on its original price of $250. You need to act fast though -- VR headsets almost always sell out quickly whenever they go on sale, and we don't expect anything different with this bargain.

Why you should buy the Meta Quest 2 VR headset
Even after the launch of the Meta Quest 3, the Meta Quest 2 remains in our list of the best VR headsets as the best budget option because you'll be getting amazing value from this device. It's a wireless headset with a built-in battery and intuitive controllers -- no need to connect to a PC or set up base stations -- so it's all you need if you want to jump into VR and play the best Meta Quest 2 games. You also have the option to wirelessly connect to a PC if you want to access SteamVR titles. The Meta Quest 2 also offers 3D positional audio, hand tracking, and haptic feedback for total immersion.

Read more
These are all the must-try apps for your Meta Quest 3
A profile shot shows Alan Truly wearing the Meta Quest 3.

The Meta Quest 3 is one of the coolest ways to experience next-gen gaming from the comfort of your home. Heck, you can ever wear the VR headset in public, and shame on those who judge! But gaming isn’t the only immersive capability your Quest 3 is capable of. Thanks to apps, you’ll almost be able to use your headset as a standalone computer or smartphone. Of course, there’s a little know-how that goes into just what apps to download, and where you can find them — which is where we come in.

For your education and entertainment, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up several of our favorite Meta Quest 3 apps. You’ll find options for everything from movie and TV show players to 3D model-making. There’s plenty of fun software to get into, so let’s not delay any further!
Web browsing in 3D

Read more
A cheaper version of the Meta Quest 3 now seems more likely than ever
A Meta Quest 3 sits on a wooden floor in moody backlighting.

Rumors have been circulating about Meta Quest 3 Lite, a budget model meant to replace the Quest 2, the world’s most popular VR headset. Meta will inevitably remove the Quest 2 from its lineup soon since it launched four years ago.

Meta launched the Quest 3, a VR headset with mixed reality features, in October 2023, and if you believe the rumors, it could be planning to add a new low-cost model to the lineup soon.

Read more