Quest Link causes headset to "freeze" and have weird pattern, needs PC restart temporarily fix

[Dragonscruffy]

Whenever I attempt to use my headset on my pc, I'm able to load into SteamVR, and even open a game and have it work perfectly fine, but the headset just randomly "freezes" up (see image 2 to see what I'm referring to), it always happens every time I use my headset. If I try and unplug and plug back in the link cable, it seems to connect, but whenever I try to use link on the Quest headset, it loads for a bit, link crashes, and trying to plug it back in results in nothing showing up on the link app on the headset and, even if the headset is unplugged, Meta Quest Link still thinks that the headset is connected to my computer (refer to Image 1). This issue essentially makes the headset unusable on my computer, and for those wondering, I have tried different cables and resetting my PC.

(Image 1)

(Image 2)

[shinkal]

I've had the same issue on my Quest 2 for over a month now. Not sure why. Meta seem to provide no assistance. The issue happens during games. But I've seen it occur in the Link app many times also - even when I Link to a freshly restarted PC and headset. Nothing I've tried resolved the it: use Air Link instead of cable, delete Occulus folders in Windows appdata folder, factory reset headset, uninstall Quest Link app and reinstalled it, restart Windows, restart headset. I really cannot recommend a Quest for PCVR because of this major issue.

The strange thing is some days it works for an hour session without the problem, but other days I only play for minutes and the headset freezes just like in your screen shot - I see the last rendered frame in the headset and when moving my head to look around in-game I see a weird pattern or darkness.

I will try rolling back my AMD video card drivers. Hopefully, that's the fix.

[Dragonscruffy]

Nope, it even happens when using AirLink. This issue is seriously annoying, it literally makes it impossible to use my headset! Honestly its making me consider buying a completely different headset and never buying another Meta product again, since ever since I've owned the headset, I've had nothing but constant issues that make it unusable.

[shinkal]

I agree. It's extremely frustrating. If the headset was cheap, I would throw it in the trash. After rolling back to an older version of my video card drivers, I still have the issue. It seems like an issue with the headset software because that was released late-December and I've had the issue since then.

Here's my PC specs if someone finds it useful: Ryzen 5600, RX 7800 XT (Adrenalin 24.10.1 ,24.12.1), B450 MORTAR MAX, 32GB DDR4 3200MHz, Quest 2 v72, Windows 11 24H2.

[shinkal]

There's been similar reports of this issue for over a year, eg, Quest link on the quest 3 keeps freezing : r/OculusQuest. I recommend trying the suggestions on that post. And if none of those fix it, then reach out to https://www.meta.com/en-gb/help/support/.

[Dragonscruffy]

I bought virtual desktop on my quest and used it, and to say the least I had no issues in the 2 hours I used it. This also most likely proves that Quest Link is the issue. Only "issue" is that the VD costs $25, but it makes it actually possible to use my headset lol.

[shinkal]

Good to know. Have you tried the Beta version of Quest Link? Meta Support recommended that I try it. See Learn how to enroll in the Public Test Channel | Quest help | Meta Store. I've just installed it and will give you an update tomorrow. Hopefully, it brings some relief.

[shinkal]

I agree. Meta's software seems to be the cause. I tried the Beta version as Meta Support recommended but it is much worse. See Learn how to enroll in the Public Test Channel | Quest help | Meta Store. Framerates are worse than before and the Link (Occulus Dash) app freezes more often too.