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To use Steam Link VR, run Steam and SteamVR on a Windows PC, connect the PC and a supported standalone headset to the same home network, install Steam Link on the headset, then follow its pairing prompts. Steam lists specific headset, software, PC, and Wi-Fi requirements; check those before troubleshooting.
Check whether your PC, headset, and router are supported
Steam Link streams VR games from a PC running Steam and SteamVR; it does not replace that host computer. The requirements below are the compatibility guidance on Steam’s Steam Link support page, not a guarantee that every game will perform well at the minimum specification. Steam does not state a universal performance result.
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Supported headsets and software versions
| Headset family | Models listed by Steam | Minimum software version shown |
|---|---|---|
| Meta | Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest Pro | v74 |
| PICO | PICO 4 Ultra, PICO 4, PICO Neo 3 | v5.13 |
| HTC | Vive Focus Vision, VIVE XR Elite | v7.0.999.344 |
Check the exact headset model and update its software to the version Steam lists before trying to pair. Support and required software versions can change, so confirm the current listing on Steam’s page for your device.
Windows PC and graphics requirements
- Windows 10 or newer, with Steam and SteamVR installed.
- Minimum GPU guidance: NVIDIA GTX 970 or better, or AMD RX 570 or better. Steam specifically excludes the AMD RX 6400 and RX 6500 XT because they lack the required hardware-encoding support.
- Recommended PC specifications: Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better, 16 GB RAM, and NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better.
Router requirements
Steam specifies a 5 GHz channel and Wi-Fi 5 as the minimum router class. It recommends Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E, but these are recommendations rather than absolute requirements. Steam also lists broadband internet as recommended. If your existing router meets the stated minimum, the support guidance does not say you need to replace it.
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Install Steam Link and connect the headset
- On the PC, sign in to Steam and make sure SteamVR is installed and running.
- Connect the PC and headset to the same home network. For the best starting point, connect the PC to the router with Ethernet and connect the headset over 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Install Steam Link from the headset’s app store. Steam describes Steam Link as free to download from the headset or phone store where applicable.
- Open Steam Link in the headset and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the PC. Steam’s instruction is: “After you’ve installed Steam Link, open it and follow the on-screen instructions for connecting your headset to your PC.”
The headset remains wireless when the PC is wired; Ethernet is for the host computer’s connection to the router.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix discovery or pairing problems
Work through these checks in order, changing one thing at a time so you can identify what resolves the issue:
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- Confirm model and headset software. Check that your headset model is listed above and that it meets the software version Steam specifies.
- Check the host. Confirm the PC meets Steam’s operating-system and GPU guidance, and that Steam and SteamVR are running.
- Check the network. Make sure the headset and PC are on the same home network, rather than separate guest or isolated networks.
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the headset. Steam recommends 5 GHz instead of the more congested 2.4 GHz band. Keep in mind that 5 GHz has shorter range, so distance or walls may affect the connection.
- Wire the PC to the router if practical. Steam says, “We highly recommend making sure your computer is directly connected to the router with Ethernet.” A wireless PC-to-router link plus wireless router-to-headset streaming can contribute to interference and choppy streaming.
- Check isolation and firewall settings. Disable access point or client isolation so devices on the network can discover one another, and allow Steam through the host PC’s firewall.
Networks and ports that can block a connection
Steam says Remote Play is generally unsupported on public, workplace, school or university, guest, captive-portal, and client-isolated networks. For VR streaming, Steam lists UDP ports 10400 and 10401. Its Steam Link/Remote Play guidance also lists UDP 27031 and 27036, and TCP 27036 and 27037. If you manage the router or firewall, check that the relevant traffic is not blocked; on a managed network, you may need to use a permitted home network instead.
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