Mixed Reality Link

Winsage
October 30, 2025
The Mixed Reality Link and the Windows App for Meta Quest are now generally available, enabling full capabilities of Windows 11 and Windows 365 for mixed reality headsets. Users can connect to their local Windows PC or Windows 365 Cloud PC, access multiple high-resolution virtual monitors, and create private workspaces. The v81 release of Meta’s Horizon OS allows all users to access this experience without experimental settings. Connecting a Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset to Windows involves installing Mixed Reality Link and pairing the device. Feedback from the community since the Public Preview in December 2024 has led to improvements in connection reliability and higher resolution virtual monitors.
Winsage
October 30, 2025
Microsoft has enhanced the Windows 11 remote desktop feature for Meta’s Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, allowing users to project multiple high-resolution monitors into their headset and introducing an ultrawide mode. The feature was first previewed in December 2024 and has since been rolled out more broadly with the Horizon OS v81 update. Users can download the Mixed Reality Link application on their Windows computer to pair their headset. The integration allows interaction with the desktop display from the headset, and users can choose to immerse themselves in the virtual desktop or use passthrough technology. Additionally, users can rescale and resize displays across applications, utilize a Full Passthrough feature for environmental checks, and open up to 12 applications simultaneously for multitasking.
Winsage
October 30, 2025
Microsoft and Meta have launched the Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 and Meta Quest headsets, making it accessible to all users and enhancing workspace flexibility and cross-platform integration. The mixed reality market is projected to reach billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 34.26%. Users need a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset and Windows 11 22H2 or newer to utilize the integration, which simplifies setup with a QR code and allows for easy reconnection. Users can create up to three virtual monitors, improving remote work experiences and reducing hardware costs for enterprises. The Quest 3 offers better resolution than the Quest 3S, and the passthrough capability allows users to stay aware of their surroundings while working. Current challenges include issues with Teams calls and the need for wired input devices, with plans for wireless support in future updates. The Mixed Reality Link is free to use, facilitating pilot programs for enterprises. Microsoft's strategy includes partnerships beyond Meta, aiming to provide a platform-agnostic productivity solution. The collaboration is expected to lead to built-in features on Windows and Quest devices, enhancing mixed reality capabilities and democratizing access as 5G networks develop.
Winsage
September 3, 2025
Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link app now supports Windows on Arm PCs, allowing users of Arm-based devices like the Surface Pro 11 to connect with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This update, rolled out around August 29 via the Microsoft Store, enables users to stream their Windows desktop and create a multi-monitor setup with up to three virtual screens. Initially launched for x86-based PCs in December 2024, this expansion to Arm reflects Microsoft's commitment to feature parity across its hardware ecosystem. The update strengthens the partnership between Microsoft and Meta, aiming to establish mixed reality headsets as essential tools for work and leisure. The Meta Quest 3S, recently launched, is designed to make VR technology more accessible, and includes an "Xbox Edition" bundle with an Xbox controller and Game Pass subscription. This update positions Microsoft strategically in the spatial computing landscape, targeting mainstream consumer and prosumer markets while maintaining Windows as a core productivity hub.
Winsage
September 1, 2025
The Mixed Reality Link app now supports PCs powered by Snapdragon X processors, allowing connectivity with Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S headsets. Previously limited to Intel and AMD PCs, the app's compatibility with Windows 11 on ARM has been noted, although official documentation from Microsoft has not confirmed this. Users have successfully connected devices like the Surface Pro 11 to the Mixed Reality Link. The Meta Quest 3S is priced at 9 and offers a powerful chipset and next-gen controllers, making it an affordable option in the VR headset market. It supports a wide range of Meta Quest games despite some trade-offs in field of view and display quality. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, priced higher, includes an Xbox controller and a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and has received positive feedback for its integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Winsage
December 13, 2024
Microsoft has revived its Mixed Reality feature, previously retired for all but the HoloLens, now limited to the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S. The integration includes three key features: immersive and private productivity, Windows 365 Cloud PCs, and easy PC connection. Users can connect to their PCs or subscribe to a Windows 365 Cloud PC for remote access via their headset. The broader Windows Mixed Reality program was officially retired in December 2023 after about six years, and its future beyond the partnership with Meta is uncertain. Windows Mixed Reality struggled to attract customers compared to other VR offerings, with the entry-level market led by Oculus and the high-end segment occupied by HTC and Valve.
Winsage
December 12, 2024
Microsoft has partnered with Meta to introduce Windows 11 to Meta Quest headsets, allowing users to integrate their PC environments into mixed reality. This experience is currently available in public preview. The application, which can be downloaded from the store, connects with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, enabling access to Windows 11 PCs with up to three virtual monitors. The app is free to use and allows users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings. Known issues include problems with Teams calls, audio routing, the Ctrl-Alt-Delete command terminating connections, lingering inactive connections, and potential quality issues with multiple displays if the PC's graphics specifications are insufficient. Microsoft plans to address these issues and incorporate user feedback. Meta's Quest VR headsets have gained popularity, particularly with the launch of the budget-friendly Quest 3S, and have attracted major gaming franchises and collaborations for mixed reality projects.
Winsage
December 11, 2024
Quest 3's latest enhancement, introduced during Meta Connect 2024, integrates Windows 11 into Horizon OS v72, allowing users to connect and mirror their Windows 11 PC with a simple tap by looking at the device. This feature is developed through a partnership with Microsoft, utilizing Windows 11 Remote Desktop technology. Once connected, the PC screen turns off and is replaced by a virtual display, enabling users to create up to three virtual monitors. Currently, users must enable 'Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link' in their headset settings and download the Mixed Reality Link app on their Windows 11 PC for setup, but this will not be necessary once the feature exits beta. After setup, users can connect to their PC with a tap on a virtual button without launching any applications. However, the feature requires a local network for operation, unlike Apple's similar feature, which can function without one.
Winsage
December 10, 2024
Meta has rolled out the Quest v72 update for its Quest 3 and 3S headsets, enhancing user experience with improvements in hand-tracking and the integration of Windows 11 Remote Desktop. The update allows users to connect their headsets to Windows PCs by gazing at their PC, although the setup requires specific steps on both the PC and the headset. The feature is labeled as "experimental" and may have initial challenges. The update also improves keyboard tracking for a wider range of devices, enhances hand-tracking technology with reduced latency and improved stability, and introduces Instagram chat, an upgraded Media Gallery, and live call captions in Horizon Worlds. Users can check for the update through the headset's settings menu, and advanced users can force an update if desired.
Winsage
December 10, 2024
The latest software update for the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, version 72, includes a significant upgrade to Windows remote desktop functionality, allowing easier connection to Windows 11 PCs. Users can set up by ensuring their PC runs Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, downloading the Mixed Reality Link app from the Microsoft Store, and enabling the 'Pair to PC with Microsoft Mixed Reality Link' feature in the headset's settings. The update also improves keyboard recognition through a dynamic passthrough window, introduces Hand Tracking 2.3 for better stability and accuracy, adds support for Instagram Direct Messenger, revamps the Media Gallery app for easier content sharing, and introduces live captions for calls in the People app to enhance accessibility.
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