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Mixed Reality Link: Windows 11 Desktop Comes to Quest
The feature, known as “Mixed Reality Link,” is now available to everyone. It has been in public testing since December 2024. The rollout is part of the v81 update of Horizon OS on the Quest 3 and 3S headsets. To install, users need to download the “Mixed Reality Link” app from the Microsoft Store on a Windows 11 PC. Pairing is straightforward: simply look at your computer keyboard through the headset and select Pair
. The app then allows the display of multiple high-resolution virtual monitors or a single curved ultrawide screen.
A Simple Solution with a Few Requirements
The main draw of this solution is that it is developed directly by Microsoft, offering a simpler setup than existing third-party solutions like Virtual Desktop or Steam Link. The experience is akin to the integration between a Mac and Apple’s Vision Pro. The tool isn’t limited to local PCs; it also supports Microsoft’s cloud PC solutions, such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop. Users can choose to fully immerse themselves in their virtual desktop or use the passthrough
mode to stay aware of their real surroundings.
However, there are a few prerequisites to meet. The feature requires a PC running Windows 11, as Windows 10 is not supported. A stable network connection is also essential, with Microsoft recommending an Ethernet connection or, alternatively, Wi-Fi 5GHz (or ideally 6GHz). It’s important to note that “Mixed Reality Link” is designed exclusively for productivity and displaying the Windows desktop. It does not replace tools like Steam Link for VR gaming. Advanced users will also notice the absence of the detailed settings available in the paid Virtual Desktop app.
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What’s the Verdict?
It’s a direct challenge to Apple’s Vision Pro ‘pro’ positioning. Microsoft and Meta are making spatial computing for work accessible to the general public. With a Quest 3S priced at 330 euros, it’s a far cry from the 3,700 euros Apple charges for a similar function. By offering this tool for free, Microsoft is putting pressure on paid third-party applications that have filled this niche, like Virtual Desktop. It’s a clever move to transform the Meta headset, often seen as a gaming accessory, into a genuine productivity tool.