Virtual Desktop VR

Virtual Desktop is a highly versatile Windows PC application that provides VR users with access to their regular PC desktop content inside their VR headset, including the ability to manage their desktop app environment, watch movies, browse the web, or even play traditional “flat screen” videogames on a large virtual screen.

Requires a virtual reality headset. See system requirements for more information.



This immersive experience is provided to almost all types of Virtual Reality headsets that support native wired connection to the PC, which excludes compatibility with VR headsets that feature their own onboard processing and fully wireless modes of use.

Main Features

Virtual Desktop Streamer App can emulate the use of regular desktop surfaces inside the VR space on a large high-resolution virtual screen, manipulation of desktop apps with tracked hand controllers, launching of apps with voice commands, multi-monitor support, and customization of virtual environments using a built-in editor.

Virtual Desktop VR features support for hardware-accelerated reproduction of video content (both regular videos and those in 360-degree surround format), full support for accessing desktop work environment, web browsing (including all multimedia content found there), and much more. Users who want to maximize their content consumption inside VR space can also view movies in Side-by-Side format or enjoy music using enhanced VR music visualization.

Highlights

• Hardware accelerated 360 video playback
• Ability to play/stream YouTube 360 videos
• Browse and view 360 photos
• MilkDrop support for music visualization
• 3D Side-By-Side video support
• Game launcher with voice commands
• Multi-monitor
• Environment Editor to create custom environments
• Steam Workshop integration for environments
• Dashboard integration

Compatibility

Windows version of (Virtual Desktop Wired Version app) includes support for all major VR headset brands that rely on a direct and wired connection to PC hardware. This includes headsets from Oculus/Meta (Oculus Rift and Rift S), HTC (Vive, Vive Pro, and Vive Cosmos), Valve Index, and all headsets that are compatible with Windows Mixed Reality platform.

Headsets with their own on-board processing from brands such as Oculus (Quest, Quest 2, and Quest Pro) and Pico (Neo 3 and Neo 4), can also reap the benefits of accessing their PC via wireless connection (Virtual Desktop Wireless Version App) by downloading the standalone apps from Quest and Pico digital stores.

FAQ

Q: The app won't start.
A: If you have Riva Tuner installed, please set its detection level to "None". Also, note that other antivirus software besides Windows Defender may interfere with the app's launch.

Q: I see an error message on the desktop that says "Unable to connect to the Virtual Desktop Service".
A: This may be due to your antivirus software or a Windows-related issue preventing the installation of the service. You can either add an exception for the service in your antivirus software or try manually installing it by double-clicking on "VirtualDesktop.Service" in the installation folder.

Q: I can see the background environment, but my desktop appears as a black screen.
A: Please check if Windows Night light feature, HDR, or color-altering applications like F.Lux are turned off. Also, ensure that a monitor is detected by Windows and turned on.

Q: I get a black screen when trying to watch streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.
A: Some web browsers like Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Chrome, and certain Windows Store apps use DRM that may prevent streaming services from being captured. Using Firefox usually resolves this issue.

Q: I get a black screen when trying to play 360 videos.
A: If you have an Optimus laptop, right-click the desktop, select Nvidia Control Panel, and then Manage 3D settings. Set the preferred graphics processor to "High-performance Nvidia processor" either globally or specifically for Virtual Desktop.

Q: How do I run Steam games in Virtual Desktop?
A: Simply start your games as you normally would, and they should appear in Virtual Desktop. However, please disable Desktop Game Theater mode by going to Steam settings, selecting In-game, and unchecking the "Use Desktop Game theater..." option.

PROS

• Wireless VR Desktop Access
• Ability to Stream PC Games and Apps
• Multi-Device Compatibility

CONS

• Requires Strong and Stable Wi-Fi Connection
• May Have Latency and Performance Issues
• Limited Functionality on Standalone VR Headsets

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11/10
• Processor: i5-2500k
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVidia GTX 760 or 980M or ATI Rx 200
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage:  700 MB available space
• VR Support: SteamVR or Oculus PC

Overall

Virtual Desktop unlocks the full power of VR headsets by unlocking access to regular PC desktop content, including desktop apps, multimedia, games, web, and more. This powerful functionality has made it one of the must-have apps for every serious VR user.