Oculus Quest 2 Not Connecting to PC? Try These Fixes

While your Oculus Quest 2 doesn’t have to connect to the PC to function, there are so many other possibilities for programs and features on the PC that it’s an excellent upgrade for any Oculus user. However, struggling to link the two devices is common because many factors can prevent a successful connection. Isolating the source of the problem can help give you a direction to start fixing it so you can enjoy all the benefits of having your Quest 2 connected to your PC. 

How Do You Connect an Oculus to the PC?

Many people use the Oculus Quest 2 without connecting to the PC because the unit functions as a standalone piece. After downloading them from the Meta store, you can play games directly on the headset. However, connecting the Oculus to the PC offers many benefits, including virtual desktop use, an expanded selection of games, and other storefronts to purchase from. 

Here are the two ways you can connect the Oculus to your PC:

• Wireless Connection: A wireless link between the two devices can let you access your PC via the Oculus Quest 2 without even having to plug in a wire. To use AirLink for this purpose, you need fast internet, so you don’t get hit with lag and poor quality streaming.
• Wired Connection: You can also use a cable to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to your PC. It needs to be long enough to give you the range of motion your games require. Meta sells a 16-foot cable, but any USB-C to USB should work to connect the two devices.

Either method works, but the wired connection is probably better for those without fast internet access. However, AirLink is much more convenient if you can use it smoothly. 

What Stops the Oculus Headset From Connecting to the Computer?

Preparing Your PC for the Quest 2

Before you can connect Quest 2 to your PC, you have to make your PC ready for the connection.

Install the Oculus Software

You must do it immediately if you haven’t installed the Oculus software on your PC. The software is necessary to connect the headset to your computer. Without it, the connection won’t be possible.

1. Navigate to the Meta Quest setup page.
   
2. Choose Download Software.
3. Open OculusSetup.exe once the download is finished.
4. Click Yes to confirm you wish to install the software.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. You’ll need to decide where you want to save it on your computer and run it for the first time.

Installing the software on your computer is nonnegotiable if you want to use the Quest with your PC. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using AirLink or a cabled connection. The software must be present.

Consider the Operating System and Drivers

First, Windows 10 is the best operating system you can use for the Quest 2 at the current moment. Other versions of Windows – including Windows 11 – aren’t currently supported by the Quest 2 and other Quest headsets.

If you’re using Windows 10 and still having problems, try updating the operating system and your drivers. Some users have found outdated drivers stop the headset from connecting and working with your PC. When drivers are the problem, a clean installation can sometimes help fix the issues. 

Allow Wi-Fi When Connected to LAN

In Windows 10, you can turn off the Wi-Fi connection when connected to a local area network. If you have issues, you generally want to have them both active when connecting your Quest 2.

1. Open a File Explorer window and navigate to “Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center” by pasting the address into the box at the top of the File Explorer Window and pressing Enter.
   
2. Click on the linked name of your Wi-Fi network.
3. Choose Properties.
   
4. Click Configure.
   
5. Click Advanced.
6. Highlight Disabled Upon Wireless Connect in the menu.
   
7. Disable it.
8. Restart your computer.

Now the Wi-Fi connection should stay on even when Ethernet is connected.

Fixing a Connection Between Oculus and PC

If you’re trying to troubleshoot a wireless or wired connection, the suggestions below may help restore the connection between the two devices.

Before version 37 was released for the Oculus, the AirLink connection had to be switched on from the Beta menu before it was usable. Now, however, it’s enabled by default. That shouldn’t be an issue if your headset runs on the latest software.

Shut Down the Oculus and Any Related Programs

Some users found the connection worked after all processes related to the Oculus were shut down and the headset itself turned on and off. You can do all of this from your desktop as long as the Oculus software works.

1. Launch the Oculus Desktop Software.
2. Click Settings in the left pane.
3. Choose Beta from the options.
4. Click Restart Oculus.
   
5. Click Restart Oculus again to confirm.
   
6. Wait one minute.
7. Press the Windows Key + X.
8. Choose Task Manager.
9. Click Processes.
   
10. Look for any Oculus-related processes in the list.
11. Right-click on any Oculus Process you see.
12. Choose End Task.
13. Power on your headset.
14. Relaunch the Oculus app.
15. Try to connect your headset to your PC.

Sometimes simply turning everything off and letting it reload fresh can fix problems you’re having with the Quest 2 refusing to link up to your computer.

Check Your USBs

The problem might not be with the Oculus if you’re connecting via USB. Some users have found that the cable or port on their computer is the cause of the issue.

1. Power off your Oculus headset.
2. Unplug any connected USBs from the computer that aren’t completely necessary, including the Oculus link cable.
   
3. Plug the Oculus link cable back into a vacant USB port on your PC.
   
4. Power the Oculus on.
   
5. Try to connect to your computer again.

You can repeat this a few times with different cables or ports to see whether one of them is broken or not responding. 

Cycle Your Wireless Connection

One of the best ways to start fixing the wireless connection between the Quest 2 and your PC is to cycle your wireless connection. You can eliminate connection problems that might prevent the two devices from working together.

1. Turn off the computer with the Oculus software installed.
   
2. Unplug the router and modem. While some devices may have a reset button, this is the best way to cut the connection.
   
3. Wait three minutes.
4. Plug the modem back in. Before proceeding to the router, wait until all the lights are active and show the connection is functional.
5. Plug the router back in. Wait until all the lights are active and show the connection works.
6. Turn on your computer and let it connect to the network with the Oculus.
7. Try to reconnect via AirLink.

If this isn’t working, check the Oculus software on your computer to see whether it opens and works. When errors are present, you may need to flush your DNS. 

Flush Your DNS

Flushing your DNS can solve many problems with your connection, including removing stored, outdated settings. If your Oculus desktop software isn’t loading correctly or the link seems off, try these steps to fix the problem.

1. Press the Windows key + X.
2. Choose Windows PowerShell (Admin). 
3. Click Yes to proceed.
4. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each. Give each command time to finish before entering the next.
   1. ipconfig /flushdns
      
   2. ipconfig /registerdns
      
   3. ipconfig /release
      
   4. ipconfig /renew
      
   5. netsh winsock reset
      
5. Restart the computer.
6. Start the Oculus Desktop Software.
7. Try to reconnect your headset to your PC.

If flushing the DNS cleared the problem preventing the connection, it should work now. If not, try another solution.

Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus

Sometimes your firewall and antivirus programs prevent the Quest 2 from connecting to the PC. You can turn them off in Windows settings and try connecting while they’re inactive to see whether it fixes the issues.

1. Press the Windows key + X.
2. Click Settings.
3. Choose Update and Security.
4. Choose Windows Security.
5. Click Virus and Threat Protection.
   
6. Select Manage Settings.
   
7. Change Real-time Protection to Off.
   
8. Click the back button to return to Windows Security.
9. Select Firewall and Network Protection.
   
10. Choose Domain, Public, or Private, matching your choice to what the active network you’re using is marked as.
11. Toggle the Microsoft Defender Firewall to Off.
    
12. Launch the Oculus Desktop software.
13. Try to connect Quest 2 to the PC again.

You don’t want to leave your firewall or antivirus protection shut off for an extended period of time. Turn them back on once you’re done testing, and the connection is secure. 

Change Your USB settings

Sometimes USB settings create issues for Oculus users, both on the headset and the computer. Make a few changes if your settings aren’t quite right, and the connection may work perfectly when you’re done.

If you haven’t turned on Developer Mode, turn it on before you begin. You can switch it on from the Oculus app by choosing the Settings option for your connected headset.

1. Press the Windows Key.
2. Type Power Plan.
3. Choose Edit Power Plan.
   
4. Click Change Advanced Power Settings.
   
5. Expand the USB category.
6. Switch Off USB Selective Suspend Setting.
   
7. Open Settings on your Oculus headset.
8. Choose System.
9. Select Developer.
10. Enable the USB Connection Dialog.
    
11. Restart your PC.
12. Try to connect again.

If this works, leave the settings as they are. If not, you may have to consider resetting the entire headset to get it to work.