Link always fails 1st time and works 2nd?!

Hi all,

Got a Quest 3 a couple of months ago and still haven't found a way to get Quest Link to connect successfully first time of trying.

From fresh PC & headset power-up with Link cable already connect, I power on headset and try to Enable Link which brings up the Link App splash-screen on desktop, but it never gets any further and the headset just stays on the Meta VR animation.

I then have to go into Task Manager, end the Oculus processes (5 or 6 grouped together) then restart the OculusVR service - after which I put the headset back on, Enable Link via prompt again and it works then every time.

Obviously it'd be nice if it just worked every time first time hence me wondering why I apparently always need to go through this odd process.

If unplugging and re-plugging in the link cable is a solution then I'd very much rather avoid this due to the "wear & tear" that'd likely cause, so I'm hoping there's an alternative solution. The back of the PC nor the power outlet for the Link Cable are easily accessible so I also hope that I don't need do anything often there.

I've experimented a bit with changing how I connect (such as launching Link app before powering on headset) and often end up making the connection process worse by the headset then demanding physical disconnection then reconnection.

AirLink works perfectly every time.

All of my hardware is completely up to date aside from my Windows 11 which is still on 23H2 version (I blocked 24H2 when I had a WMR headset and haven't unblocked it yet). I recently did a full factory reset on the Quest 3 which now has the latest update / firmware installed, bought a brand new Link Cable, and wiped Meta software from my PC and reinstalled. Using a firmware from about 1 month ago the Link Cable connected successfully first time about 1 in 5 times of trying, but it's 0 now.

Any pointers much appreciated. Thanks.