Independent guide - not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta.
Turn your standalone Quest into a full PC VR headset with these two methods.
What you'll need
A Windows gaming PC with a capable GPU, the Meta Horizon Link app (previously the Meta Quest PC app) installed, and either a USB-C cable rated for at least 5 Gbps (for Link) or a strong 5GHz/6GHz Wi-Fi network and router (for wireless Air Link). SteamVR is optional but unlocks the huge Steam VR library.
Method 1: Link cable (wired)
Install the Meta Horizon Link app on your PC and sign in. Connect the headset with a quality USB 3.0 cable, accept the 'Allow data' prompt inside the headset, then enable Link. This gives the most stable, lowest-latency PC VR connection — ideal for fast or competitive games.
Method 2: Air Link (wireless)
With the PC app running and your headset on the same fast network, open Quick controls in the headset, turn on Air Link, select your PC and connect. Wireless PC VR is magical but depends entirely on your network — a wired router connection and being in the same room as the access point make a huge difference.
Tips for the best experience
Use a 5GHz or 6GHz network band, close bandwidth-hungry apps, and lower the encoding bitrate if you see stutter. Once connected, launch SteamVR or the Meta PC library and play PC-grade VR on your wireless headset.
Meta's official checklist
Meta's Link and Air Link setup article lists the essentials: the Horizon Link app on a Windows PC that meets the minimum specification, a headset on current software, a USB-C 3.2 cable rated for at least 5 Gbps for wired Link, and ideally a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for Air Link. When you pair over Air Link, check that the code shown in the headset matches the one on your PC before confirming. Mac computers are not supported for Link.
Link is usually switched on by default on recent headset software. If it does not appear in Quick controls, look under Settings and then Link in the headset.
Fixing lag and dropouts
If the image stutters or the connection drops, start with the network: put the PC on a wired connection to the router and keep the headset in the same room as the router. Switching to a cable is the most reliable fix for competitive games. Meta's Link troubleshooting article covers error messages and driver issues in more detail.
If you are deciding whether a standalone headset is enough or you need PC VR, our standalone vs PC VR explainer and Quest 3 vs Valve Index comparison lay out the trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to connect a Quest to a PC?
A Windows PC that meets Meta's minimum specification, the Meta Horizon Link app, and either a USB-C cable rated for at least 5 Gbps for Link or a strong 5 GHz Wi-Fi network for Air Link.
Is Air Link or a Link cable better?
A cable is more stable with lower latency. Air Link is more convenient but depends on your router and how close it is to you.
Can I connect a Quest to a Mac?
No. Meta Horizon Link is Windows-only, so Link and Air Link need a Windows PC.