Steam Link VR works with specific standalone headsets when they stream from a compatible Windows PC over the same local network. The PC still runs the game and SteamVR; Steam Link sends the video and audio to the headset and returns its input. Check your headset model, headset OS, graphics card, and network against Valve’s requirements before installing the app.
Steam Link VR requirements at a glance
| Component | Valve’s minimum or requirement | Valve’s recommendation or note |
|---|---|---|
| Host software | Steam and SteamVR on the PC | Restart Steam if needed to receive current software, per Valve’s launch instructions. |
| Operating system | Windows 10 or newer | The current support FAQ does not name a newer Windows version as a requirement. |
| Graphics card | NVIDIA GTX 970 or better, or AMD RX 570 or better | NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better is recommended. RX 6400 and RX 6500 XT are excluded because they lack the hardware encoding support Steam Link requires. |
| CPU and memory | No minimum CPU or RAM figure is stated in Valve’s current support FAQ. | Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better, and 16 GB RAM. |
| Router and local network | 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 or newer router; PC connected to the router by Ethernet; headset and PC on the same network | Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E is recommended. |
| Headset | A supported consumer headset model with its specified vendor OS version | Business headset editions are not officially supported. |
These specifications and model-specific software requirements are from Valve’s Steam Link FAQ. Its recommendations are not additional minimum requirements.
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Which headsets are compatible?
Valve’s current support FAQ lists these consumer models and minimum headset software versions:
| Manufacturer | Supported models | Required headset OS |
|---|---|---|
| Meta | Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest Pro | Meta OS v74 |
| PICO | PICO 4 Ultra, PICO 4, PICO Neo 3 | PICO OS v5.13 |
| HTC | Vive Focus Vision, VIVE XR Elite | HTC OS v7.0.999.344 |
Do not assume every headset from these manufacturers is supported: Valve names specific models, and says business headset editions are not officially supported. Valve announced Steam Link VR for Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro on November 30, 2023, then announced PICO and HTC consumer headset support on September 25, 2025; the current FAQ gives the supported model and OS list. See Valve’s 2023 announcement and 2025 announcement.
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Why the headset OS version matters
Compatibility depends on software as well as the headset name. Valve specifically warns that earlier PICO OS versions can cause major video corruption with Steam Link. Update the headset to the listed version before troubleshooting a connection or image problem.
What PC do you need?
The PC is the host: it runs the Steam game and SteamVR, while the headset receives the stream. Steam Link does not make an underpowered PC capable of rendering a demanding VR game. Valve requires Windows 10 or newer, Steam, SteamVR, and at least the listed GPU tier. Its current FAQ does not specify a minimum CPU or memory amount, so do not treat the recommended CPU and 16 GB RAM as stated minimums.
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- Minimum listed GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970 or better, or AMD RX 570 or better.
- Not supported by the stated AMD GPU requirement: RX 6400 and RX 6500 XT, which Valve excludes due to lack of required hardware encoding support.
- Recommended GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better.
- Recommended CPU and memory: Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better, and 16 GB RAM.
Meeting the minimum GPU requirement establishes a compatibility floor, not a guaranteed frame rate or image quality. Results depend on the host PC, the game, and the wireless conditions.
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No. Valve’s minimum network specification is a 5 GHz router using Wi-Fi 5 or newer, with the PC wired to the router and the headset and PC on the same local network. Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E is recommended, not required. If the PC is currently on Wi-Fi, the first configuration change to make is connecting it to the router by Ethernet.
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Valve does not publish a universal latency, frame-rate, or image-quality guarantee for different routers, distances, and levels of wireless congestion. Its general Remote Play page describes streaming as occurring “within milliseconds”; that broad wording is not a measured VR latency promise. Valve’s explanation of Remote Play describes the PC sending video and audio while receiving input, consistent with this PC-hosted setup.
How to connect Steam Link VR
- On the Windows PC, sign in to Steam and make sure SteamVR is installed. Valve’s FAQ lists both as host requirements.
- Connect the PC and headset to the same local network. For the stated configuration, plug the PC into the router by Ethernet and connect the headset over 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
- From the headset’s app store, install the Steam Link app. Valve describes it as free.
- Open Steam Link on the headset and follow its on-screen connection and pairing instructions.
If the app cannot connect, check that the PC is running Steam, both devices are on the same network, and the PC’s Ethernet connection reaches the router used by the headset. Then confirm that the headset model and OS version match Valve’s list.
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- 2+ HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Charge less, play longer and stay in the action with an improved battery that keeps up.
Is Remote Play Together supported for VR?
No. Valve states that “Remote Play Together is not supported for VR” on its Remote Play page. That limitation concerns Remote Play Together; it does not mean Steam Link’s one-PC-to-headset VR streaming is unsupported.
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