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To use Steam Link VR, run Steam and SteamVR on a compatible Windows PC, install Steam Link on a supported standalone headset, and connect both devices to the same home network. Steam Link streams PC VR games to the headset; it does not replace the PC or SteamVR.
Check whether your PC, headset, and network are compatible
Steam’s support page lists the following requirements and recommendations. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee that every game will run smoothly; performance depends on the game and system.
PC requirements
- Operating system: Windows 10 or newer.
- Software: Steam and SteamVR.
- Minimum graphics card: NVIDIA GTX 970 or better, or AMD RX 570 or better. Steam specifically excludes the AMD RX 6400 and RX 6500 XT because they lack the required hardware encoding support.
- Recommended PC hardware: Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better, 16 GB of RAM, and NVIDIA RTX 2070 or better.
Supported headsets
Steam lists these headset models and minimum software versions on its support page:
| Headset family | Supported models | Required headset software |
|---|---|---|
| Meta | Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest Pro | v74 |
| PICO | PICO 4 Ultra, PICO 4, PICO Neo 3 | v5.13 |
| HTC | Vive Focus Vision, VIVE XR Elite | v7.0.999.344 |
These are the models and software versions listed by Steam; check its Steam Link support page for current compatibility before setup, since headset software requirements can change.
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Router and internet
- Minimum router guidance: 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi 5.
- Recommended router class: Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E.
- Internet: Steam lists broadband internet as recommended.
Wi-Fi 6 or 6E is a recommendation, not a stated requirement. If your current router provides 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5, Steam’s listed minimum does not call for replacing it.
Install and connect Steam Link VR
- Sign in to Steam on the PC. Make sure Steam and SteamVR are installed on the Windows host.
- Put the PC and headset on the same network. For the most reliable arrangement, connect the PC to the router with Ethernet and connect the headset over Wi-Fi.
- Install Steam Link. Find it in the headset’s store and install it. Steam says Steam Link is free to download from the headset or phone store where applicable.
- Open Steam Link on the headset. Follow the on-screen instructions to find and connect to the PC.
Steam Support’s setup instruction is: “After you’ve installed Steam Link, open it and follow the on-screen instructions for connecting your headset to your PC.” See Steam’s setup and compatibility guidance.
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Improve the network connection
Steam recommends connecting the host PC directly to the router with Ethernet. This keeps the PC from transmitting wirelessly while the router is also sending the VR stream to the headset, a setup that can contribute to interference and choppy streaming. The headset remains wireless.
Steam advises using 5 GHz Wi-Fi rather than the more congested 2.4 GHz band. Keep in mind that 5 GHz has shorter range, so distance and obstructions between the router and headset can still affect the connection. Steam’s network guidance is on its Remote Play support page.
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Troubleshoot Steam Link discovery or pairing
If Steam Link cannot find the PC or pairing does not complete, check these items in order. The order combines Steam’s compatibility and network guidance into a practical diagnostic sequence.
- Confirm the headset model and software. Check that the exact model is listed above and that its software meets Steam’s stated version requirement.
- Check the Windows host. Confirm that Steam is signed in and SteamVR is installed and running.
- Verify both devices use the same home network. Guest Wi-Fi or separate network segments may prevent discovery even when both devices can access the internet.
- Use the 5 GHz band for the headset. If the router broadcasts separate network names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, connect the headset to the 5 GHz network used by the home network.
- Connect the PC to the router by Ethernet, if practical. This avoids relying on a wireless link for both the PC and headset stream.
- Check isolation and firewall settings. Disable access point or client isolation on the router, and allow Steam through the host PC’s firewall.
Networks that block device discovery
Steam says Remote Play is generally not supported on public, workplace, school or university, guest, captive-portal, or client-isolated networks. If you are using one of these, try a private home network without client isolation.
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Firewall ports
Steam’s support guidance lists these ports for Steam Link and Remote Play. If your firewall or router requires explicit rules, check the applicable settings rather than opening ports indiscriminately:
| Protocol | Ports | Use listed by Steam |
|---|---|---|
| UDP | 10400, 10401 | VR streaming |
| UDP | 27031, 27036 | Steam Link / Remote Play |
| TCP | 27036, 27037 | Steam Link / Remote Play |
For Steam’s network and firewall details, see Remote Play – Network / Ports.
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