Configure OpenXR Runtime

Configure the OpenXR Runtime

Recent versions of Beat Saber use OpenXR. Windows has one active OpenXR runtime; it determines whether an OpenXR game runs through SteamVR, Meta Quest Link/Oculus, or Virtual Desktop's VDXR.

The selected runtime is a Windows-wide setting and applies to every OpenXR application. After changing it, restart the VR application and reconnect the headset before launching Beat Saber.

Your store does not choose the runtime. A Steam copy of Beat Saber can be played through Meta Quest Link or Virtual Desktop, and an Oculus/Meta copy can be played through SteamVR when the game supports OpenXR.

Use SteamVR

Choose SteamVR when you want to play through SteamVR, for example when using Steam Link.

1. Start SteamVR.
2. In the SteamVR desktop window, open the menu in the top-left corner and select Settings.
3. Select the OpenXR tab.
4. Click Set SteamVR as OpenXR Runtime.
5. Restart SteamVR, reconnect the headset, then launch Beat Saber.

Use Meta Quest Link/Oculus

Choose Meta Quest Link/Oculus when you want to play through Quest Link or Air Link using the Meta/Oculus runtime.

1. Start the Meta Quest Link desktop application (called Oculus in older versions).
2. Open Settings from the left sidebar.
3. Select the General tab.
4. In the OpenXR Runtime section, click Set Meta Quest Link as active or Set Oculus as active.
5. Restart Meta Quest Link/Oculus, reconnect the headset, then launch Beat Saber.

Use Virtual Desktop (VDXR)

Choose VDXR when you are connected through Virtual Desktop and want to use its native OpenXR runtime instead of SteamVR.

1. Open Virtual Desktop Streamer on your PC.
2. Select Options.
3. Under OpenXR Runtime, select VDXR. Recent versions may select it automatically, but choosing it explicitly avoids ambiguity.
4. Reconnect the headset in Virtual Desktop, then launch Beat Saber.

OpenXR runtime and Oculus Mode are different

The active OpenXR runtime is a Windows-wide setting. BSManager's Oculus Mode is a launch option for a Steam instance that starts Beat Saber with -vrmode oculus, bypassing SteamVR.

Changing Oculus Mode does not change the active OpenXR runtime. Choose the runtime that matches the VR platform you are using, then use Oculus Mode only when you intentionally want to bypass SteamVR.

If Beat Saber still does not launch in VR after changing the runtime, restart the PC and try again.