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Is Snapdragon X PC Ready for Virtual Reality? Here’s How to Connect Your Meta Quest Headset.
You can now use your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S headset with the latest Windows computers running on Snapdragon X processors. Microsoft has updated its Mixed Reality Link application, which allows you to connect your PC to your virtual reality headset. This is a significant step forward, especially for owners of new Windows on Arm devices, such as the Surface Pro 11.
Previously, this feature seemed to be available only for PCs using Intel or AMD processors. The change was first noticed by a user on Reddit, who shared that they successfully connected their Snapdragon-powered Surface Pro to the app. While there was no major announcement, this quiet update means more people now have access to powerful virtual reality workflows.
What Exactly is Mixed Reality Link?
Think of Mixed Reality Link as a bridge between your Windows 11 PC and your Meta Quest headset. It is an application, currently in a preview phase, that lets you create a personal, multi-screen workstation inside your virtual reality environment. Once connected, you can see and use your computer in VR.
This technology offers several key features:
Multiple Virtual Monitors
You can set up as many as three virtual screens inside your headset. This allows you to multitask just as you would with a physical multi-monitor setup, but with the privacy and focus of VR. You can arrange these screens and resize them to fit your needs.
Wired or Wireless Connection
The app gives you the flexibility to connect your PC to your headset either wirelessly over your Wi-Fi network or with a physical USB cable.
Cloud PC Integration
Mixed Reality Link also works with Windows 365 Cloud PC. This means you can stream a virtual desktop directly to your headset, giving you access to a powerful computer without needing high-end hardware locally.
This update is a welcome addition for anyone looking to boost their productivity. It creates a private and immersive workspace that can be particularly useful for business professionals, students, or anyone with limited physical desk space.
Why This Update Is a Big Deal
The expansion of Mixed Reality Link to include Snapdragon X chips is important for a growing group of computer users. For years, Microsoft has been working to improve the capabilities of Windows on Arm, and this update brings these devices closer to feature parity with their x86 counterparts (Intel and AMD).
Users with a Copilot+ PC, which uses these new Arm-based chips, now have the same ability to integrate their local machine with a VR headset. This opens up new ways to work and play, blending the power of a traditional PC with the immersive nature of mixed reality.
This support is not just for the high-end Meta Quest 3. It also includes the more budget-friendly Meta Quest 3S. By supporting both models, Microsoft and Meta are making this advanced productivity tool accessible to a wider audience of VR users.
Getting Started with Mixed Reality Link
Although the technology is advanced, setting it up is straightforward. Before you begin, you need to make sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements.
What You Will Need:
- A Supported Headset: You must have a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S. Older models like the Quest 2 and Quest Pro are not supported at this time.
- A Compatible PC: Your computer must be running Windows 11 (version 22H2 or newer). It should have a processor that meets the minimum requirements, which now officially includes Arm-based systems like Copilot+ PCs.
- A Good Network Connection: For a smooth wireless experience, both your PC and Quest headset should be on the same Wi-Fi network, preferably using a 5GHz or 6GHz band. If your PC is connected via an Ethernet cable, ensure it is on the same subnet as your headset’s Wi-Fi.
Once you have confirmed your setup is ready, you can download the Mixed Reality Link application from the Microsoft Store on your PC and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your headset. Keep in mind that since the app is still in a preview stage, you might encounter occasional issues, and some features, like using the Quest controllers to operate the PC, may be added in future updates.