How to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to a PC

The Oculus Quest 2 headset sat on top of its box and next to its controllers
(Image credit: Shutterstock / agencies)

Looking to set up your Oculus Quest 2 on PC? You're in the right place as we're here to tell you how to make the best use of your VR headset on desktop.

While the Oculus Quest 2 (now Meta Quest 2) has an incredible selection of games that you can enjoy using on the standalone device, some of the best VR games are exclusive to the PC. Half-Life Alyx, Star Wars Squadrons, Boneworks, just a few examples of games not available natively on Meta's standalone headset.

Thankfully, there are a couple of ways to connect a Quest 2 headset to your PC. So, you can enjoy everything that PC VR has to offer, whether that's through Steam, Viveport, or other platforms. Plus, one of these options won't require you to buy any equipment, so you can give it a try right away.

Before diving in, you'll need a few things beyond the PC and Quest headset. You'll need to download the Quest 2 PC app, buy a Link Cable (optional, though we'd recommend a 5m Type-C cable) and then follow the Quest app’s connection instructions.

So, if you're ready to go, here's how to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to a PC.

Tools and Requirements 

  • Oculus PC app
  • A PC with a USB 3 port (optional)
  • Oculus Link Cable (optional) 

Steps 

  • Download the Oculus PC app from the Oculus website. Once it's downloaded, install the program, open it up, and follow the onscreen instructions to log in using the account associated with your Quest 2 headset. 
  • Use an Oculus Link Cable to connect your Quest headset to your PC. While using the Quest PC app select "Devices" from the menu on the left side, then press "Add Headset" if you don’t already have one connected. 

Oculus Quest 2 PC app, with an arrow pointing to Devices

Here's where to find 'Devices' in the Oculus Quest 2 PC app (Image credit: Future)

From here, you press Quest 2 > Continue > Link (Cable) > Continue to get to the "Connect your headset" screen. Here’s where you then plug the Link cable into your PC and Quest 2 headset. The app should then detect that your device is connected. A green tick will appear and this screen’s "Continue" button will illuminate.

An arrow pointing towards Link (Cable) in the PC app

Select Link (Cable) to connect your Quest 2 using a wired connection (Image credit: Future)

Your Oculus Quest 2 headset is now connected to your PC. It’s time to go and enjoy those PC VR games. 

  • Alternatively, use the Quest 2’s Air Link feature. Open up the Quest PC app, select  "Devices" from the menu on the left, and select "Add Headset" - just like you do with a Link Cable. 

An arrow pointing towards Air Link (Wireless) in the PC app

Select Air Link (Wireless) to connect your Quest 2 using a wireless connection (Image credit: Future)

Though this time, choose Air Link (Wireless). The next screen will instruct you to go into your Quest 2’s Experimental Features in Settings. These features aren’t as dangerous as the name makes them sound. Think of them more like functions that are still in beta testing - they aren’t yet fully optimized and may cause some dips in performance while using them, but they won’t break anything.

The Experimental Features option is lit up blue in the Quest 2 Settings

Where to find the Experimental Features option in Settings on your Oculus Quest 2 (Image credit: Future)

Once you’ve turned Air Link on in your Quest 2 headset, go back to your main Settings and open the new Air Link option to see a list of nearby PCs. Press your PC and check to see if the code on your headset and PC screen match up.

If they do, slip the headset back on and hit "Confirm" to finish pairing the devices.

Final thoughts 

Here you have a choice between a wired or wireless PC connection, and it’s going to come down to your personal preferences when deciding which one suits you best. If you’re after the most stable connection possible, then the Link Cable is your best bet. The wired connection is fast and won’t be impacted by your Wi-Fi speed.

However, using the cable does come with some downsides - you have to spend extra on an accessory and it takes away the freedom granted by the Quest 2’s all-in-one design. Opting for Air Link can get around these issues, but it’s only viable if you have a solid Wi-Fi connection.

We’ve had success using Air Link in our testing, but it can get a little choppy (and nauseating) if other people need to use the Wi-Fi while you’re in VR. There are rumors that Meta is developing a wireless version of its Link Cable that will pair your PC and Quest headset directly, but we’ll have to wait and see what comes of that.

For now, it's time to enjoy your new PC-connected Quest 2 and get back to playing the best Quest 2 games out there. Looking for more tricks? Here's how to extend battery life on your Oculus Quest 2, and here's how to connect your Oculus Quest 2 to a TV.

Hamish Hector
Senior Staff Writer, News

Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.

With contributions from
Read more
The Meta Quest 3 and controllers on their charging station which is itself on a wooden desk next to a lamp
How to set up your new Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S
Best VR headsets
The best VR headsets in 2025: top virtual reality headsets from Meta, Valve and more
An alien stands at a bar in a cantina. He has six eyes and orange skin, tattoos on his arms
Best Oculus Quest 2 games 2025: the VR hits you shouldn't miss
Girl wearing Meta Quest 3 headset interacting with a jungle playset
Start your Meta Quest 3 journey off right with my favorite VR games and apps of 2024
A ship docked on a red and blue planet, littered with bulbs of glowing light and dense foliage
Best VR games 2025 - top virtual reality experiences to play on your headset
Hamish hector drawing a bow in VR while wearing the Meta Quest 3S.
Meta's Horizon app was the no. 1 iPhone app on Christmas Day – and I'm not surprised. Here's why
Latest in Virtual Reality Gaming
Hitman's Agent 47 strangling someone while dressed as a sailor
‘Never say never’ – we ask Hitman developer if Project 007 is coming to VR, and learn how Hitman VR was fixed for PSVR 2
Agent 47 holding up duel pistols with a PSVR 2 headset outline over his head
I can’t believe it either, Hitman on PSVR 2 is actually, finally a great VR port of the World of Assassination trilogy – and my new favorite way to play the series
Meta Quest 3 in white with Batman: Arkham Shadow bundle on red background with don't miss text
Get a $50 gift card with this Meta Quest 3 + Batman Arkham Shadow bundle at Best Buy
A Dragonborn warrior, Tiefling rogue and Halfling mage preparing for battle next to a sign saying "Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked"
First Dungeons & Dragons VR trailer teases a beginner-friendly tabletop game – but I’m just begging for a custom game mode
Meta Quest 3S with Batman: Arkham Shadow banner behind it and red background with black TechRadar lowest price sign
Save $50 on the Meta Quest 3S with a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow
Aliens crawl out of the dark to attack Zula
Alien: Rogue Incursion review: superb survival horror with monsters I wish were more terrifying
Latest in How Tos
This City Is Ours
How to watch This City Is Ours online – stream Sean Bean crime drama from anywhere
Canada's Val Sweeting competes during the LGT World Womens Curling Championship match for third place ahead of Canada's showing at the Women's Curling World Championships 2025
Women's Curling World Championships live stream: how to watch Uijeongbu 2025 online, schedule, streaming guide
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts during a training session at St George's Park on March 17, 2025 in Burton upon Trent, England.
England vs Albania live stream: How to watch 2026 World Cup qualifier online and from anywhere today, team news
Smartphone with new logo X twitter app background. Application twitter old blue bird change X black and white new.
How to delete all your tweets on X
ChatGPT Voice mode
How to add ChatGPT or Gemini voice mode to your iPhone Action button (while you wait for Siri's big upgrade)
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri driving on a straight in qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix 2025
How to watch Chinese Grand Prix 2025: TV & live streams, schedule, start time, what channel is it on? Piastri on pole