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inceptional
Inspiring
October 12, 2024
Question

Stop Meta PC app running at startup

Since my last update around 12/10/2024 I've noticed the Meta PC app keeps running when I restart my PC and even it seems random other times where I not doing anything with my Quest 3 or any VR stuff that I'm aware of, and I'd like to turn this off, but it's not an option in the Startup menu and there doesn't appear to be an option to turn this off inside the app itself.

 

So, does anyone know how to stop the app from running when it shouldn't be, and especially at startup?

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    72 replies

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    Persvicx
    Persvicx
    Inspiring
    November 26, 2024

    What if everytime i turn on my pc I DONT WANT META LINK TO OPEN? Someone on the software side is changing it for the worse and trying to ask for help you just gets you hit back with a "oh contact support" or "you cant do anything" instead of actually fixing the app.

    Hi, I'm Aech. Stupid moth and total nerd in VR owning 3 headsets including Meta Quest 2/3 and PSVR2.
      george570239
      New Participant
      November 26, 2024

      To stop the Meta PC app from running at startup, you can try these steps:

      1. Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find the Meta PC app under the "Processes" tab, right-click, and choose "End Task."

      2. Startup Apps: Go to Settings > Apps > Startup, and if the Meta PC app is listed, toggle it off.

      3. Disable via Services: Press Win + R, type services.msc, and look for Meta-related services. Right-click to disable them.

      4. Check for Updates: Ensure the Meta PC app is up-to-date, as a recent update may have added an option to control startup behavior.

        Noctrunos
        New Participant
        May 24, 2025

        thanks. really **bleep** of them to program this malware and not fix it despite us clamoring

        Persvicx
        Persvicx
        Inspiring
        November 27, 2024

        Meta really needs to fix all of the issues related with the PC app because it seems they are focusing on standalone now instead of pc like at all. Just a few hours ago i started having issues connecting to link, and when i would half of the time load in, the dashboard wouldn't even work. it'd just say "No connection :warning:" and i couldn't even launch anything from the app or in headset. Even a reinstall didn't work

        Hi, I'm Aech. Stupid moth and total nerd in VR owning 3 headsets including Meta Quest 2/3 and PSVR2.
          Godlesslessness
          New Participant
          November 30, 2024

          yup the solution from george.570239 is the only thing that worked for me. I'm glad this community is big enough to help out as the company seems either unable or unwilling to do something. 

           

            Mudgy
            New Participant
            December 2, 2024

            Yes, the solution works if you can see through the minor errors.  I suspect the real problem with Oculus is that we have a situation where there is no holistic overview of what the developers are doing in their independent siloed groups.  Something I've found a lot when outsourcing software.  Group B developes a fix for problem Y that, when implemented, conflicts with or undoes the patch just rolled out by Group A for problem X.   

            Lawislaw
            New Participant
            December 27, 2024

            Hi 

            I found a solution. For me aswell it wasn't able to cancel the autostart from the programm. But it is possible to prevent the "oculus vr runtime service" from starting automaticly. This solved it for me. I used CCleaner to do that.

             

            Hope this helps.

            MarbleS
            MarbleS
            Inspiring
            December 27, 2024

            I wish I could use your solution tbh. Unfortunately, I have literal OCD ( diagnosed)  and my brain won't allow me to use 3rd party softwares or programs , due to not wanting shadow copies, misc data, and various other folders related to third party software. If I did install it, my brain would force me to do a full wipe of my drives within an hour/ buy a new one that doesn't have it or related data on it within the same day at best buy or Walmart lol.

            I'm glad it works for you and that you have a workable solution that will be great for others, including for OP, but I straight up can't install CCleaner and would much rather drown before doing so lolol. I hope Meta gets it together and makes their software more reasonable with basic functionality,  sooner than later.

              DietGatorade
              New Participant
              March 11, 2025

              Zucc malware at its finest 

                NomadsAnIsland
                Honored Contributor
                March 11, 2025

                Solution that worked for me:

                1. Windows key-R - type "services.msc" in box. hit "ok"

                2. Scroll down and find "Oculus VR Library Service" and "Oculus VR Runtime Service"

                3. Stop each service is running. Right click on each service and pick Properties.

                4. Change startup type on each to "Manual" and click okay.

                5. Follow the steps outlined here by EuroCan :  EuroCan's solution 

                Updates to the Link app should not undo this solution, however they need to be redone if you re-install the app.

                The services will start when you first launch the app and remain running until you manually stop them or shutdown/restart Windows.

                 

                muonox
                Participant
                March 23, 2025

                I don't like how the Meta Quest Link app hides in the system tray when you close it.  If it's there and I do a shutdown, when I turn the PC on it'll open on start since fast startup is on.  Discord had the same thing but they made it optional so I can have Discord actually close when I click the X.  Meta Quest Link should have the same option.

                  Lynx76
                  New Participant
                  March 26, 2025

                  Still an issue 5 months later. Meta programmers and engineers must have the intelligence of pre-school children. Uninstalling the app seems to work.

                    MaxDmg669044
                    MaxDmg669044
                    Up and Coming
                    May 18, 2025

                    The software quality is ridiculous. They seem to have no software experience, including the support staff.

                    Having their app winsow open on every windows restart so you have to close it wtf. No common sense.

                    MaxDmg669044
                    MaxDmg669044
                    Up and Coming
                    May 18, 2025

                    I even got errors posting my last comment and had to keep clicking reply to make it work 😂

                    MaxDmg669044
                    MaxDmg669044
                    Up and Coming
                    May 18, 2025

                    LMAO, here is Meta supports useless response to me that they used AI to generate then closed the case:

                     

                    Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. I understand how frustrating it can be to see the Meta Quest app pop up every time you restart your Windows PC. Rest assured, we’re here to help you find a solution that works best for you.

                    While it might seems tricky, you can prevent the app from opening on startup without needing to disable the service entirely. Here are some steps you can try:

                    1. Check the Meta Quest App Settings:

                    • Open the Meta Quest app.
                    • Navigate to the settings or preferences menu.
                    • Look for options related to startup behavior, notifications, or auto-launch.
                    • Disable any setting that allows the app to launch automatically or to open at startup.


                    2. Manage Startup Items via Task Manager:

                    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
                    • Click on the Startup tab.
                    • Locate the Meta Quest app or any related entries.
                    • Right-click and select Disable to prevent it from launching automatically at startup.
                    • (Use this same tips if you want your PC to avoid other programs from running or popup at the start up)

                     

                    Their support team are a joke.

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