Quest 3 Link App Issue

[TheSNAFU]

Hi all. I’m curious whether anyone is having problems with the current version of the cable link app freezing and failing to connect the quest 3 to the pc? I’ve checked on a couple of FB meta quest groups and a large number of users are reporting the problem. If the app is deleted and reinstalled or repaired all works fine but as soon as the pc is shutdown and restarted the problem returns. 
 

It is suspected the issue is with a very recent update but of course Meta won’t admit that and instead their support people have you running in circles and getting nowhere.

 

Anyone here having this problem? 

Edited April 29 by TheSNAFU

[dgiatr]

10 hours ago, TheSNAFU said:

Hi all. I’m curious whether anyone is having problems with the current version of the cable link app freezing and failing to connect the quest 3 to the pc? I’ve checked on a couple of FB meta quest groups and a large number of users are reporting the problem. If the app is deleted and reinstalled or repaired all works fine but as soon as the pc is shutdown and restarted the problem returns. 
 

It is suspected the issue is with a very recent update but of course Meta won’t admit that and instead their support people have you running in circles and getting nowhere.

 

Anyone here having this problem? 

...to be honest I have some usb link disconnect issues lately....thought it was my cable..

[TheSNAFU]

The problem I and many other q3 owners have is that pcvr won’t connect at all after starting the pc. If the link software is reinstalled or repaired it works great and there are no disconnects that I know of. Once the pc is shutdown the link app is borked again and won’t work till reinstalled or repaired. 
 

Meta won’t even admit they have a problem. I sent the several Facebook threads from q3 groups and one from Reddit proving that there are a lot of people having the same problem and one where meta support were actually providing suggestions yet they say they don’t know about it. This morning I found I was blocked from the Facebook groups I referred them

too. What does that tell ya? They don’t control Reddit so the thread I sent them from Reddit remains. So distasteful and wrong! 
 

Im waiting for a fix from meta but not holding my breath. 
 

Apparently nobody here is having this issue with their q3 which is hard to believe or maybe they aren’t using the link app. 

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

I am so happy I stopped using Link and started using Virtual Desktop. Link should be replaced my Meta with new software.

[TheSNAFU]

8 minutes ago, 356thFS_Drewm3i-VR said:

I am so happy I stopped using Link and started using Virtual Desktop. Link should be replaced my Meta with new software.

Roger that LOL. Do you have to have an independent wired router to your pc to use that with good performance? 

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

3 minutes ago, TheSNAFU said:

Roger that LOL. Do you have to have an independent wired router to your pc to use that with good performance? 

I am actually using ghirnet (to set up a reverse tether between pc and headset) and a cable. It wasn't easy to set up but it has worked well for me, albeit with some crashes from time to time that I believe I have now solved. I couldn't stand the audiovisual stuttering on Link anymore.

[Comrade_Weng]

6 hours ago, 356thFS_Drewm3i-VR said:

I am so happy I stopped using Link and started using Virtual Desktop. Link should be replaced my Meta with new software.

Seconded. I had issues with a minor movement of the USBC connection in my headset causing disconnects so went fully to virtual desktop. I now use the cable just to keep the headset charged using a wall plug whilst playing since I was unable to keep full charge when connected to my computer port previously.

 

Virtual desktop also allows passthrough which is pretty cool if you want to go for an augmented reality setup.

[TheSNAFU]

4 hours ago, Comrade_Weng said:

Seconded. I had issues with a minor movement of the USBC connection in my headset causing disconnects so went fully to virtual desktop. I now use the cable just to keep the headset charged using a wall plug whilst playing since I was unable to keep full charge when connected to my computer port previously.

 

Virtual desktop also allows passthrough which is pretty cool if you want to go for an augmented reality setup.

I would go to a wireless setup at least for connection to the pc and like you do, use the cable for charging only. But I read the visuals and performance is not as good and sometimes down right bad. Do you have to have a wired router near the pc to pull that off? Mine is in a room downstairs and I’m afraid the WiFi connection won’t be good enough. I get about 150-300+ Mbps on my pc. Is that enough?

Edited May 1 by TheSNAFU

[dgiatr]

3 minutes ago, TheSNAFU said:

I would go to a wireless setup at least for connection to the pc and like you do, use the cable for charging only. But I read the visuals and performance is not as good and sometimes down right bad. Do you have to have a wired router near the oc to pull that off? Mine is in a room downstairs and I’m afraid the WiFi connection won’t be good enough. I get about 150-300+ Mbps on my pc. Is that enough?

Just saw an oculus update to oculus link...

[TheSNAFU]

I think the update was actually a rollback from Link App version 077 something to 076 something. It didn’t fix the problem.
 

I took a fly on the q3 even though I can’t stand Meta and most of what they stand for. This is what I get for trying to save some money vs buying one of the other more expensive headsets available. 

[Aapje]

I'm on 076 and I didn't have any problems connecting to the headset. Was using it wired.

Edited May 2 by Aapje

[TheSNAFU]

28 minutes ago, Aapje said:

I'm on 076 and I didn't have any problems connecting to the headset. Was using it wired.

What do you mean you didn’t have any problems? Are you having the problem now? If not what version are you on now? 

Edited May 2 by TheSNAFU

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

On 5/1/2025 at 12:53 PM, TheSNAFU said:

I would go to a wireless setup at least for connection to the pc and like you do, use the cable for charging only. But I read the visuals and performance is not as good and sometimes down right bad. Do you have to have a wired router near the pc to pull that off? Mine is in a room downstairs and I’m afraid the WiFi connection won’t be good enough. I get about 150-300+ Mbps on my pc. Is that enough?

Might be not good enough. I have WiFi 6e router 6ghz , 2400Mbps , 2ms delay at max . Wired or air I don't see any difference in graphics and latency while playing in VR. 

 

Btw new VD has more futures and need for ODT or OTT with meta air/cable link is not need anymore. Like fov tangent for better performance. I found that when my fps are dropped below 72Hz(DCS Berlin ) in VD image is not  stuttering like it is with meta application. 

 

BTW someone tested VDRX standalone runtime through oculus link ? 

Edited May 2 by 1PL-Husar-1Esk

[Aurelius999]

A simmer in the MSFS 2024 VR sub-forum posted this (which seems to work for some guys):

 

So to be clear I do not play MSFS. I use the q3 for IL2 but was looking for a solution to the Link App issue in which the app freezes and won’t connect the q3 to the pc after shutting down the pc and restarting it without repairing or reinstalling the link app. I found this thread seeking a solution and tried the workaround of going into services and stopping the automatic runtime then restarting it which did in fact work for me. But like the reinstall or repair fix it has to be done each time the pc is started.

By chance I saw the Automatic Delayed Start option and set it in Services and to my surprise it appears to fix the problem and does not require redoing it each time I start my pc. I don’t have a ton of reps but have tested it about 10 times and it seems to work. I can shutdown or restart the pc and the link app worked every time.

I signed up here to offer this and hope it works you you all as it appears to work for me. If you want, give it a try and report your results.

[TheSNAFU]

🤣 Yep twas I who posted it. I saw the thread when I was looking for a solution and there were a number of people having the same issue. When I discovered the possible solution I went back there and left the post. Nobody here said they we’re having the problem so I figured I wait to post the fix until someone said they needed help. 

Edited May 2 by TheSNAFU

[Aapje]

7 hours ago, TheSNAFU said:

What do you mean you didn’t have any problems? Are you having the problem now? If not what version are you on now? 

 

I never had any issues and Quest Link is now on v76. The Quest is still on V74.

[TheSNAFU]

24 minutes ago, Aapje said:

 

I never had any issues and Quest Link is now on v76. The Quest is still on V74.

Glad to hear you have no issues. Consider yourself fortunate. 

[Comrade_Weng]

No issues with quality for me. I run virtual desktop in godlike mode on a 3090 and have a unifi access point about 2 meters away which is hard wired to the router together with my pc. 

[Cestomano]

Hello!
I'm having the same problem. Since the Q3 update to v76 (and the Oculus app on the PC).
Normally, restarting the service through the ODT fixes it. The problem is that sometimes it doesn't even open the ODT, and I have to kill the OVR service through Task Manager.
I need to try the delayed service thing... as a temporary solution.
Let's see if Meta gets its act together and fixes the error. I've received several v76 updates, but nothing has been fixed.
Cheers!

[TheSNAFU]

17 hours ago, Cestomano said:

Hello!
I'm having the same problem. Since the Q3 update to v76 (and the Oculus app on the PC).
Normally, restarting the service through the ODT fixes it. The problem is that sometimes it doesn't even open the ODT, and I have to kill the OVR service through Task Manager.
I need to try the delayed service thing... as a temporary solution.
Let's see if Meta gets its act together and fixes the error. I've received several v76 updates, but nothing has been fixed.
Cheers!

It should work for you. Everyone with the problem has reported my solution works. Good luck! 
 

By the way, I spent 2 days working with Meta support who were absolutely terrible. They wouldn’t even admit they have a problem and having me doing the same bs they were telling others to do when they knew damn well it fixed nothing. Their last suggestion was to install the crap link app on another pc and report back if it worked or not. I told them that wasn’t gonna happen and maybe they should stop yanking customers chain and install their borked app on one of their own personal pc’s. They didn’t respond lol. 

 

I will NEVER buy another Meta product ever. 

Edited May 4 by TheSNAFU

[354thFG_Drewm3i-VR]

I would say virtual desktop has better quality, stability, and functionality than link--albeit over cable.

[JMax]

On 5/3/2025 at 6:11 PM, 356thFS_Drewm3i-VR said:

I would say virtual desktop has better quality, stability, and functionality than link--albeit over cable.

I have to say that I am finally fed up with Meta link. It takes alot of patience etc to get the VR setup working,but this mess happens over and over. I am hoping that Virtual Desktop is the way to go. If someone knows of a guide for setting up,that would be great. I have looked but have found the info a little confusing. THANKS.

[Comrade_Weng]

There's not a huge amount to it.

1. Purchase virtual desktop on meta on your quest 

2. Install on quest and on desktop 

3. Create account/ username and link quest to PC.

4. Fire up and you should see your desktop.

5. Install open xr toolkit and drop open composite API.dll into il2 folder 

6. Setup quality that you want. For my 3090 I use godmode. Note that there is no super sampling like the meta link app. It's a series of presets. You can override in open xr toolkit but I leave my resolution on default.

7. Set streamer to xrdp. Set preferred encoder. Auto works fine. 

8. Set sharpening. I use 15% in VD and 0% in open xr toolkit 

9. Fire up il2.

10. Profit

 

 

Other things to consider.

I use CAS in open xr toolkit. Have found it gives the best bang for buck.

I also use turbo mode.

Setting pre rendered frames to 3 in Nvidia control panel reduces stuttering too for me.

Edited May 9 by Comrade_Weng

[JMax]

Excellent.Thanks. I thought another router was needed. Going to get it up and running.

[Comrade_Weng]

You will want to be as close to your router as possible. For reference I use a unifi lr access point with 5gig wifi about 2 meters away from my sim rig. It's connected to my router via Ethernet which is in turn connected to my PC via Ethernet. 

 

[JMax]

Ok.... why not just use the router for your sim rig? Or is not a wireless router....?

[Comrade_Weng]

My sim rig is in the shed with my PC, the router is in the house. 

[JMax]

Thanks ...got it now. I am about 25 feet from my wireless router.Seems like I need to have an ethernet cable to my PC... And also a dedicated router or access point for the Quest 3.

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

3 hours ago, JMax said:

Thanks ...got it now. I am about 25 feet from my wireless router.Seems like I need to have an ethernet cable to my PC... And also a dedicated router or access point for the Quest 3.

For sure Ethernet connection is good to have. You can use different band for you quest 3. I use 6e 6ghz. Great connection 2400 Mbps and have only 2 Ms latency.

For easy use try Virtual Desktop. Results, configuration available same as in air link and ODT/OTT .

[chiliwili69]

I was also using USB Link connection with the Quest3 in the past, and the problem was that delicate USB-type-C connector which from time to time disconnected.

Then I tried all the wireless routes (Airlink, SteamLink, VirtualDesktop). And after analyzing pros-cons and currently use Airlink which works very well and give me the same image quality than the USB-link (since the real limit is the decoding bandwidth of the Quest3, for HVEC is 200Mbps).

 

My steps are:

 

1. Switch on PC and launch Meta PC app (called Meta Quest Link). Be sure to use Meta as OpenXR Runtime app.

2. Switch on headset and enable AirLink

3. Using the Quest controller click "Desktop"

4. Launch IL-2 using mouse or controller. SteamVR should be trigered automatically when launching IL-2

 

More info here:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/90514-quest-3-steam-vr-says-headset-not-detected/#findComment-1342670

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/86507-new-valve-steam-link-for-all-quest-devices/

 

 

 

 

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

One can use meta airlink but default settings are terrible. For new guy it's better to use VD , performance is also better IMHO essential when fps are dropping below headset Hz. Link stutters but VD doesn't.

[chiliwili69]

19 hours ago, 1PL-Husar-1Esk said:

Link stutters but VD doesn't.

 

This is not my case.

I use Airlink (I created a dedicated 5GHz network in the Wifi6 router just for the Quest3) using the H265 10-bit codec (Airlink default codec) at 72Hz and removing the Auto bandwidth and setting it at 180Mbps. Rendering resolution at 1.0 in Meta app and then I use SteamVR at 150%SS. I have zero stutters.

I didn´t find any advantage in using VD (which I bought) so I don´t use VD since it is simpler.

Also, I didn´t need to touch OTT at all.

 

Setting the frequency to 72Hz not only give you more CPU and GPU margin, but it produce a better image quality. For a given bandwidth, lower frequencies allows to put more info in the image.

[TheSNAFU]

No offense to anyone but this thread was intended to highlight a Meta problem causing the Link app not to start and the q3 

to not connect to the pc. There are alternatives but a cable connection is considered as good or better than any WiFi based connection. 
 

As of today Meta still has not even admitted they have a problem that was clearly caused by an update in late April. They continue to send me bs instructions to “fix” the problem that do not work. Anyone having this issue can refer to the following solution that works perfectly for me. 
 

open services.msc

page down to Oculus Runtime

right click that line opening a number of options

 Change from automatic to automatic delay.

apply and save. 
 

I hope this works for anyone having the problem. 
 

 

 

Edited May 12 by TheSNAFU

[WWCraven]

Tried your recommendation, unfortunately it didn't do the trick for me.  Almost ready to punt the Q3 out the backdoor into the yard and let the dog have a go at it.

[TheSNAFU]

21 hours ago, WWCraven said:

Tried your recommendation, unfortunately it didn't do the trick for me.  Almost ready to punt the Q3 out the backdoor into the yard and let the dog have a go at it.

Sorry it didn’t work for you. Guess there’s some hope Meta will get it fixed soon. I have turned off auto update of the link app until there is solid evidence an update fixed the issue for everyone suffering from this issue. 

[chiliwili69]

On 5/12/2025 at 12:44 PM, TheSNAFU said:

but a cable connection is considered as good or better than any WiFi based connection.

 

If the Wifi is configured correctly, the true limitation is just the Decoding capacity of the XR2 gen2 chip on the headset. For H265 codec it is 200Mbps. It doesn´t matter if they are transmitted trough the USB cable or through the wifi. The quality of the image will be the same.

 

Another matter would be that the Quest3 had a Dispaly Port Alt-mode over USB-C (so no compression codec), something that Meta could have done for the Quest3, but they didn´t, Meta just neglect PCVR niche. To my knowlege, the only Standalone headset with DP Alt-Mode over USB-C is the HTC Focus Vision.

 

[TheSNAFU]

4 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

If the Wifi is configured correctly, the true limitation is just the Decoding capacity of the XR2 gen2 chip on the headset. For H265 codec it is 200Mbps. It doesn´t matter if they are transmitted trough the USB cable or through the wifi. The quality of the image will be the same.

 

Another matter would be that the Quest3 had a Dispaly Port Alt-mode over USB-C (so no compression codec), something that Meta could have done for the Quest3, but they didn´t, Meta just neglect PCVR niche. To my knowlege, the only Standalone headset with DP Alt-Mode over USB-C is the HTC Focus Vision.

 

Well if a WiFi connection can compete with a wired one that’s great. In fact the wireless

connection is far better when the crap link app is so messed up it doesn’t work at all! 😁

 

You are certainly spot on that the wonderful world of meta doesn’t give a rats rear end about pcvr. It’s an afterthought and their pcvr tech support team is the most absolutely clueless collection I’ve ever seen. I have been contacted at

least ten times by eight different meta reps offering the same old tired solutions I’ve seen them provide to q3 owners all over the internet on Reddit, msfs forums and their own support sites while telling me they are unaware of a problem. 
 

I am fortunate that the solution I found works perfectly every time I play il2. Sadly it seems it doesn’t work for everyone. 
 

The q3 is a fine headset producing great visuals, smooth gameplay at a constant 90 fps on my 14600 3080 machine. With even a marginal effort meta could make even better but they are incapable of doing so. 

 

[Aapje]

15 hours ago, chiliwili69 said:

 

If the Wifi is configured correctly, the true limitation is just the Decoding capacity of the XR2 gen2 chip on the headset. For H265 codec it is 200Mbps. It doesn´t matter if they are transmitted trough the USB cable or through the wifi. The quality of the image will be the same.

 

But over the cable you can transmit a higher bitrate with lower compression (H264). That provides higher quality.

[Aurelius_IL2]

Chili, ... It is my understanding that the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip in the Quest 3 can decode at 8K at 60 Hz (see attached spec sheet here: https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/87-73689-1_REV_A_Snapdragon_XR2_Gen_2_Platform_Product_Brief.pdf).

 

The rate limiting factor of the Quest 3 headset is not the decode ability but the 2x2, 160 MHz Wifi 6E abilities of the XR2 Gen2 chip. It can go far higher than 200 Mbit/sec. Provided you are dedicating one 5 GHz or 6 GHz band from your wireless router to the Quest 3 with no other devices accessing it, ... you can and should be hitting up to 1300 Mbit/sec regularly. You will occasionally see spikes up to 2 Gbit/sec if everything is tuned correctly.

Edited May 14 by Aurelius_IL2

[Aurelius_IL2]

The SNAFU wrote, "You are certainly spot on that the wonderful world of meta doesn’t give a rats rear end about pcvr. It’s an afterthought and their pcvr tech support team is the most absolutely clueless collection I’ve ever seen. I have been contacted at

least ten times by eight different meta reps offering the same old tired solutions I’ve seen them provide to q3 owners all over the internet on Reddit, msfs forums and their own support sites while telling me they are unaware of a problem."

 

That is incorrect, ... You have been contacted by the exact same transformer neural network under eight separate guises most likely (this is the same LLM, .. large language model transformer AI). My guess is that no real human being ever "contacted" you. You (and I and everyone else) are now routinely failing the Turing Test

 

And yes, ... the PCVR "team" at Meta really has very little clue.

Edited May 14 by Aurelius_IL2