Meta’s latest Quest update brings significant enhancements to hand-tracking and using the headset as a virtual desktop with Windows computers. However, these features may not be immediately available to all users.
The Quest v72 update is now being rolled out, featuring the much-anticipated Windows 11 Remote Desktop seamless connection functionality that was announced earlier this year.
Windows Mixed Reality Link
With the update, Quest 3 and 3S users can seamlessly connect to their Windows 11 PC by simply looking at it, similar to how Vision Pro works with Mac computers.
However, the initial setup process may require a few steps. Once v72 is installed on your headset, you’ll need to follow these steps:
On your PC:
- Ensure that you meet the hardware requirements, including a Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset and a PC running Windows 11 22H2 or newer.
- Download the Mixed Reality Link app from the Microsoft Store if you haven’t already. After installation, keep your PC unlocked and put on your headset.
On Quest:
- In the Settings menu on your headset, go to Advanced settings and enable the “Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link” experimental feature.
- Once your Quest detects your PC, a pairing prompt will appear above your PC keyboard. If you don’t see the prompt, you can manually start pairing by opening Remote Desktop from your Library or by going to Quick Settings > Remote Desktop and selecting “Add a new device.”
- Follow the prompts until your PC and headset are successfully paired.
You can view the full minimum and recommended PC requirements here.
Both Meta and Microsoft have labeled this feature as “experimental” and “preview,” so some issues may arise until the feature is fully polished.
General Keyboard Tracking
In addition to the virtual desktop enhancements, keyboard tracking improvements are also on the way. This feature allows for a virtual representation of your physical keyboard on your desk while in a virtual environment.
While Quest has supported keyboard tracking for specific keyboards in the past, the latest update includes a tracking model that can support a wider range of keyboards. This expansion should increase compatibility with various keyboards, though compatibility with unconventional keyboards may vary.
Meta states that this feature will initially be available to a subset of users on v72, with plans to gradually roll it out to more users and eventually make it a default feature in future updates.
Hand-tracking Improvements
Meta has been consistently improving hand-tracking on its headsets. With v72, the company is introducing version 2.3 of hand-tracking, which promises reduced latency and enhanced stability.
Improved hand-tracking will be included for all users on v72, with specific enhancements being gradually implemented:
- Enhanced stability and responsiveness of the hand cursor while navigating the universal menu.
- Improved cursor stability during pinching motions for easier selection.
- Enhanced responsiveness and stability of pinch-and-drag interactions, such as moving Browser tabs.
- Improved usability of hand-tracking in confined spaces, common in Travel Mode.
- Introduction of a new hand ray visualization to aid in targeting with the cursor.
Additionally, Quest v72 introduces Instagram chat to the Instagram app, an enhanced Media Gallery for organizing content, and live call captions in Horizon Worlds for improved communication accessibility.
Updating Your Meta Quest
Quest updates are rolled out in batches, so it may take some time for v72 to be available to all users. Here’s how to check for the latest update:
- Press the menu/Meta button on your right Touch controller to access the universal menu.
- Click on the clock icon on the left side of the menu.
- Select Settings in the top right corner.
- Go to System and then select Software Update from the menu.
- Even if no update is available, restarting your headset may install pending updates.
For advanced users, there is also an option to force your headset to update to the latest version using Meta’s tool.
