Back in September, Meta revealed plans to team up with Microsoft to introduce a new feature allowing Windows 11 PCs to effortlessly pair wirelessly with Quest headsets. Fast forward to now, and the companies have announced that preview access for this exciting development is set to roll out in December.
This feature is set to transform the experience for Quest 3 and Quest 3S users by enabling them to connect to Windows 11 PCs, creating a multi-monitor workspace right within their virtual reality environment. For those who have already experienced what Apple’s Vision Pro can do with Mac systems via Mac Virtual Display since its February 2024 launch, this news might sound familiar.
Microsoft is gearing up to release this feature in a public preview in December, aiming to attract users eager to boost their productivity levels.
“Windows in mixed reality brings all the robust features of Windows 11 to mixed reality headsets, kicking off with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S,” explained Melissa Grant, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Product Marketing for Microsoft 365, in a recent blog post. “Connecting to your local Windows PC or a Windows 365 Cloud PC from a Quest headset is incredibly straightforward, promising a private, top-notch, multi-monitor setup within seconds.”
During its initial announcement at Connect in September, Meta showcased a truly innovative aspect of this feature: a seamless connection to your PC just by looking at the keyboard. This allows users to instantly engage with their computer and manipulate windows across several virtual screens. It’s a refreshing change from the Remote Desktop experience typically associated with Meta’s Air Link functionality.
Although the Quest has primarily been celebrated as VR’s leading standalone gaming console, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, views this strengthened integration with Windows as a forward-thinking progression for the Quest lineup.
“This is the direction towards establishing a comprehensive computing platform,” said Zuckerberg. “Quest isn’t only about gaming—though it excels there too. You’ll also find it handy for apps, video streaming, and essentially everything else you’d expect from a general-use computer. Quest truly delivers it all.”
We’re eagerly waiting for any further announcements regarding the official release dates and will be sure to update you once we have more information. Stay tuned!
