Windows on Arm PCs can now connect to Meta Quest — Microsoft sneaks out Mixed Reality Link update

If you own a PC that runs on a Snapdragon X processor, you’re now able to link it with your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S VR headset. With the introduction of Mixed Reality Link, which now accommodates Windows on ARM PCs, users will enjoy expanded possibilities when utilizing their local Windows PC within a virtual reality environment.

It isn’t quite apparent when Microsoft started supporting PCs running on Snapdragon X processors. The Mixed Reality Link listing in the Microsoft Store shows an update on August 29, but there seems to be no changelog provided. However, a Reddit user named “Nicalay2” mentioned this new feature in a post.

Irrespective of whether the feature is newly introduced or already existed, it’s a welcome enhancement for Mixed Reality Link. Over the years, Microsoft has dedicated significant effort towards enhancing the app compatibility for Windows 11 on ARM systems.

What is Mixed Reality Link?

The Mixed Reality Link application enables you to attach as many as three digital displays to a compatible Meta Quest VR headset. Currently, this tool is available for testing purposes and is compatible with the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S models.

The application enables wireless or wired linking of your computer systems with your headset, resulting in a personal multi-screen setup that is exclusive to you.

It’s also possible to access a Windows 365 Cloud PC on a Meta Quest headset.

Turns out Mixed Reality Link is now compatible on Windows for ARM from r/Surface

Until not long ago, the Mixed Reality Link was exclusively compatible with computers powered by Intel and AMD processors. However, Microsoft’s support documentation for this app does not yet include any reference to Snapdragon X PCs like the Surface Pro 11. Yet, a Reddit user named “Nicalay2” has managed to connect a Surface Pro equipped with a Snapdragon X chip to the Mixed Reality Link.

What is Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition?

The Meta Quest 3S is a cutting-edge virtual reality headset, specifically engineered for affordability. Equipped with a potent chipset, it boasts the latest generation of controllers, and offers compatibility with top-tier Meta Quest games and applications.

One appealing aspect of the Meta Quest 3S is its affordable cost. As Nicholas Sutrich from Android Central’s VR coverage put it, the concept of having a $299 Quest 3 headset initially seemed implausible when discussing the rumored pricing of the Meta Quest 3S. However, those rumors were indeed accurate, and according to Sutrich, this has turned out to be a great success.

The Meta Quest 3S stands out by offering high-quality virtual reality experiences at an affordable price, providing many similar experiences as its pricier counterpart, the Meta Quest 3. However, there are a few compromises – for instance, a more limited field of view and lower display quality – that were necessary to meet the $299.99 price point. Meta had to scale back some features and specifications to achieve this affordable offering.

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a distinct variant of the headset, featuring exclusive coloring and added bonuses. This model includes a pre-installed Elite Strap worth $70, an Xbox controller valued at $65, and a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which typically costs $60.

For a brief period, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is exclusively on sale, though its duration remains uncertain. Initially, the Xbox Edition of the headset was swiftly sold out by Meta, however, Best Buy continues to have stock available.

Compared to the standard Meta Quest 3S, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition comes with additional features at an increased price tag of $100. In my opinion, this premium version offers a fantastic value for money in the VR realm, as stated by Sutrich, and I wholeheartedly concur.

Our Executive Editor, Jez Corden, had a first-hand experience with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. According to him, playing Xbox Cloud Gaming on this device was nothing short of fantastic, and he elaborated on how the partnership came about that made it all possible.

In simpler terms, while the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers a good value due to its inclusion of an Xbox controller, if you don’t require this feature or prefer a more affordable headset, the standard version of the Meta Quest 3S is equally impressive and worth considering.

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2025-09-01 15:10