Meta Quest Link app (PC) unable to detect headset, and vice versa

[VanguardFury]

I would like to preface this post by saying that I've tried practically everything you can dig up online. Through hours of research, multiple factory resets of my headset and PC both... I could not get Quest Link to work regardless of my efforts. This has driven me to borderline insanity.

I bought my Quest 3S (128gb) headset on Black Friday of 2024, about a week and a half ago from the time of posting this. Since I got the headset, I've been trying to set up PCVR but for whatever reason, I am not able to connect my headset, but for my life I am unable to get connected both through the Link cable and Air Link, and I've been stuck on the screens pictured below.

The problem is, when I get into VR to sync it with my PC, my PC does not show up on the list, and I'm stuck on "Searching for PCs..." in the VR interface, forever. I followed the steps on the page properly. I navigated to enable Link, tried with the Link cable, no dice. Tried the same with Air Link, changing the settings appropriately for both my headset and PC. I even let it run overnight. I have not gotten my PC to show up on this list once, at all, ever.

Here are my computer's specifications if it's helpful.

System: Windows 11 x64

CPU: Intel Core i7-8565

RAM: 8GB

GPU: Nvidia GeForce MX130

I am aware that my PC's specs are not ideal for running PCVR, but as far as I know, it's supported(albeit bare minimum). This shouldn't cause trouble with Quest Link, but I'll still leave them here in case it does.

Here's what I've tried so far that HASN'T worked:

Hardware troubleshooting

• Rebooting both devices
• Unplugging Link cable and trying again
• Check USB ports & confirming correct type & wattage (SS USB 3.0, USB-C Hub)
• Software updates (Quest)
• Updating graphics drivers (PC)
• Factory reset (Quest & PC)
• Switching from Windows 11 to Windows 10

Software troubleshooting

• Confirmed data transfer is functional (Device shows up in Windows device manager, connected via cable)
• Updating Meta Quest Link PC app to latest version
• Booting Windows into safe mode, removing %appdata% content
• Allowing OVRserver.exe and other Link dependencies through Windows firewall
• Changing OVRserver.exe and other Link dependencies to run as "High Performance" in Graphics settings
• Reinstalling Meta Quest Link PC app
• Opting in to Beta PTC (Public Test Channel) in Meta Quest Link PC app
• Enabling Developer Mode (Quest)
• Modifying Windows power settings
• Checking Windows device manager for issues (None reported)

Network troubleshooting

• Confirmed both devices are on the same wireless network
• Rebooting modem
• Changing from "Public" network type to "Private" network type
• Switching wireless networks from 2.4G to 5G
• Switching from a wireless network to an ethernet connection
• Configuring and disabling proxy server
• Disable VPN / Enable VPN

From the hardware and network end, it looks like everything is functioning as it should. However, Quest Link just won't do the one thing it's supposed to. I find it very strange, and I'd like to note that I can connect my PC to the headset through Bluetooth just fine, but if it's through Link it's suddenly a problem and it doesn't want to acknowledge my PC's existence anymore.

Any and all help is appreciated. This has been the most frustrating experience I've had with any device, ever. I wish I were understating how disappointed I am.

[VanguardFury]

I would like to note that the second image attached to the main post is a mistake, I meant to take a picture of the Quest 3S Air Link page rather than the Quest 3 Air Link page. The image is for demonstration purposes only and not an accurate representation of how I'm trying to connect the 3S via Air Link.

[oculusness · Accepted solution]

@VanguardFury  unfortunately, you GPU is not on the list of supported hardware, so it will not work. The SteamLink or Virtual Desktop apps will allow you to connect the headset to the PC as they bypass the hardware checks.

 Windows PC Requirements to use Meta Quest Link | Quest help | Meta Store

[VanguardFury]

Thanks for letting me know. I was told by others that my specs would not be ideal but do meet the minimum requirements. Just so we're clear; is this the reason why my PC is unable to appear in the Link page on the VR interface?

[Memenozyne]

I got the same issue but my hardware is compatible 

[oculusness]

@VanguardFury  unfortunately there are many reasons why Link/Airlink don't work, but my guess is it would be the unsupported GPU. As you've mentioned, it may not be a great experience in VR but that will depend on what games or apps you're using. I would definitely try SteamVR on your PC and the free SteamLink app on the headset to connect wirelessly, as this will give you an indication on how well your PC will perform in VR.

[oculusness]

@Memenozyne  my crystal ball is bust so I don't know what your GPU is. Tried SteamLink or Virtual Desktop?

[Memenozyne]

Sorry @oculusness . I'm using a rtx 4070. SteamLink only does remote play on my end. only getting the "Searching for PCs" message when i try the airlink.

[oculusness]

@Memenozyne  yes, your card is supported and yes link/airlink is a large pile of dog-doo and doesn't work for a lot of people. If you can use steamlink or virtual desktop instead of link/airlink wirelessly. You can also use virtual desktop wired using an ethernet cable or a link cable.

https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/Virtual-Desktop-with-cable-connection/m-p/1163316?sea...

https://www.reddit.com/r/oculus/comments/1h4dz2y/setup_tutorial_for_the_unnoficial_virtual_desktop/

[cprescott89]

What does it say on the headset? I was having the same problem before I realized that the headset was telling me to pair the headset with the Meta Horizon (mobile app), not the Meta Quest Link desktop app.