Can you sideload with Virtual Desktop?

Everyones favorite wireless streaming solution can now be accessed on Quest/Quest 2 headsets with no sideloading required.

Originally released back in March of 2016, Virtual Desktop has since become the gold standard in wireless VR streaming, allowing users to access their desktop PCs in VR using an Oculus Rift/Rift S, Oculus Quest/Quest 2, or SteamVR headset. Shortly after release, developer Guy Godin released an experimental update letting Oculus Quest users stream PCVR content wirelessly to their standalone headsets.

Much to the dismay of Oculus Quest users, the feature was removed from the Oculus Quest Store in June of 2019 at the request of Facebook. In response, Godin released a patch via SideQuest allowing users to once again access SteamVR and Oculus Rift wirelessly from their Quest headsets. SideQuest, while free, requires you to set up a developer account with Oculus in order to sideload content to your headset; a far more inconvenient process compared to direct integration with the Oculus Quest Store.

Godin today announced that PCVR streaming is once again available through the official app, with no sideloading or additional patches required. Quest users can now use Virtual Desktop to access their entire catalog of SteamVR and Oculus Rift titles, from AAA releases like Half-Life: Alyx and Boneworks to fan favorites such as Blade & Sorcery and Phasmophobia.

Virtual Desktop 1.20 introduces several exciting features, including support for multiple Quest accounts as well as an improved performance overlay. You can find a full list of the new updates above.

Virtual Desktop is available now on Oculus Quest/Quest 2 for $19.99. Those looking to stream PCVR content will need a VR-ready PC in addition to Virtual Desktop.

For more information on the app visit vrdesktop.net.

Feature Image Credit: Guy Godin