Virtual Desktop VR

Virtual Desktop is a highly versatile Windows PC application that allows VR users to access their regular PC desktop content from within their VR headset, such as managing their desktop app environment, watching movies, browsing the web, or even playing traditional "flat screen" videogames on a large virtual screen. 

Needs a virtual reality headset. For more information, please refer to the system requirements.

This immersive experience is available for practically all types of Virtual Reality headsets that support native wired connection to the PC, excluding VR headsets with their own onboard processors and totally wireless modes of use.

Main Features

The Virtual Desktop Streamer App allows you to use regular desktop surfaces inside the VR space on a large high-resolution virtual screen, manipulate desktop apps with tracked hand controllers, launch apps with voice commands, and multi-monitor support, and customize virtual environments with a built-in editor. 

Virtual Desktop VR supports hardware-accelerated video reproduction (both conventional and 360-degree surround videos), full access to the desktop work environment, web browsing (including all multimedia content), and much more. Users who want to get the most out of their VR experiences can watch movies side by side or listen to music with enhanced VR music visualization.

Highlights

• Hardware-accelerated 360 video playback 
• Ability to play/stream YouTube 360 videos. 
• Browse and view 360 photos. 
• MilkDrop supports music visualization. 
• 3D Side-by-Side Video Support 
• Game launcher featuring voice instructions. 
• Multi-monitor 
• Use the Environment Editor to create customized surroundings. 
• Steam Workshop integration for environments. 
• Dashboard integration

Compatibility

The Windows version of (the Virtual Desktop Wired Version program) supports all major VR headset brands that require a direct, wired connection to PC hardware. This covers headgear from Oculus/Meta (Oculus Rift and Rift S), HTC (Vive, Vive Pro, and Vive Cosmos), Valve Index, and any headsets that work with the Windows Mixed Reality platform. 

Headsets with on-board processing from brands such as Oculus (Quest, Quest 2, and Quest Pro) and Pico (Neo 3 and Neo 4), can also benefit from wireless PC access (Virtual Desktop Wireless Version App) by downloading standalone apps from the Quest and Pico digital stores.

FAQ

Q: The application will not start. 
A: If you have Riva Tuner installed, please change the detection level to "None". Also, other antivirus software than Windows Defender may interfere with the app's launch. 

Q: I notice an error message on my desktop that reads "Unable to connect to the Virtual Desktop Service". 
A: This could be due to antivirus protection or a Windows bug that prevents the service from being installed. You can either make an exception for the service in your antivirus software or install it manually by double-clicking "VirtualDesktop.Service" in the installation folder. 

Q: I can see the background, but my desktop is black. 
A: Please ensure that the Windows Night Light feature, HDR, or color-altering programs such as F.Lux are switched off. Also, make sure that Windows detects and turns on the monitor. 

Q: When I try to use streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu, I get a blank screen. 
A: Some web browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Chrome, and some Windows Store apps, use DRM, which may prohibit streaming services from being captured. Using Firefox generally solves this problem. 

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

Q: How do I run Steam games on Virtual Desktop? 
A: Just start your games as you normally would, and they should display in Virtual Desktop. However, please turn off Desktop Game Theater mode by heading to Steam settings, selecting In-game, and unchecking the "Use Desktop Game Theater..." option.

PROS

• Wireless VR Desktop Access. 
• Stream PC games and apps with multi-device compatibility.

CONS

• Requires a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection. 
• May have latency and performance issues. 
• Limited functionality on stand-alone VR headsets.

Recommended System Requirements 

OS: Windows 11/10. 
Processor: i5-2500K 
Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: NVidia GTX 760, 980M, or ATI RX 200 DirectX: Version 11 
Storage: 700 MB available space. 
VR Support: Steam VR or Oculus PC.

Overall

Virtual Desktop unlocks the full potential of VR headsets by providing access to standard PC desktop content such as desktop software, entertainment, games, the web, and more. This tremendous capability has made it a must-have software for every serious VR user.