Like any other gadget, you can experience issues with your Oculus Link at some point. Oculus keeps upgrading its software versions, and each release may present new challenges for users like disconnections and black screens.
So, why is my Oculus Link not working? Your Oculus Link may stop working due to outdated PC drivers, incompatible USB cables, or incompatible graphics cards. Also, some settings like in-game overlay and running software testing programs like Public Test Channel can cause it not to work. Lastly, your device may have corrupted files that interfere with its normal operations. If none of these are responsible, you can check your power output setup and network.
Some gamers complain about their Oculus Link not connecting or working as it should. The first step to finding solutions to your software issues is knowing why they are happening in the first place in a bid to help guide you on the best route to take if you encounter similar problems in the future with your Oculus Link. The following are some possible reasons.
Your graphics card, USB, or PC drivers are probably defective or outdated. In other cases, your device may be struggling to operate if the resolution is too high, which is the likely cause if you are experiencing a black screen. In-game overlay settings may also be faulty since they can ruin typical game and app operations.
Another feature to look out for is the Public Test Channel and exit it. Your virtual desktop may also turn black if it has timeout problems due to display settings or network and power outages. Lastly, many gamers have Oculus Link issues if they have corrupted files in their systems.
Most of the problems related to the Oculus link are due to system issues or personal settings that you can check and solve. These include PC drivers, graphics cards, or the USB being flawed or needing upgrades.
Otherwise, your system may be handling corrupted files for which you will need to scan, locate and eliminate the affected files. Besides these two, there are other probable reasons for software crashing that the user causes.
You may make a harmless update to improve your gaming only for it to end up overexerting your gaming rig. For instance, setting a high resolution above your device’s capability may lead to a black screen, causing your display to shut down unexpectedly. Secondly, if you have set up an in-game overlay, you may be interfering with your device’s operation. Another feature that may cause issues is the Public Test Channel.
If any of these features are running in your gadget, you can close or disable them to return to normal operations. If it’s none of the above, perhaps you have a minor black screen issue like timeout due to inactivity, or you have made the setting unknowingly. Otherwise, you can also check whether it is a network or power issue.
How To Fix Oculus Link Not Working
Now that you know the most probable reasons why your Oculus Link may be acting up, it is time to understand how to fix these issues. The following are some quick ways to get your rig up and running again.
If the Oculus device is not working because it needs some upgrades, you can update the drivers, but if the issue is that your USB or other cables are incompatible, you can always buy other high-quality replacements. Alternatively, check and substitute your graphics card with a dedicated version and reduce your display resolution.
On the other hand, if you had made settings like in-game overlay and Public Test Channel, it is best to disable them. Lastly, you can scan and make necessary repairs if you have corrupted files running in your system.
You don’t have to try all these steps to fix your Oculus Link but only apply the fixes related to your issue. The following is a detailed guide to help you through. However, remember that your PC must meet all the compatibility requirements to accommodate the Oculus Link.
- Updating PC Drivers
Oculus gadgets need particular drivers to work smoothly. Therefore, it is always best to keep your Oculus drivers updated; otherwise, you will likely experience displays and general performance problems. Thus, ensure that your USB and graphics drivers are compatible and updated. You can either fix this automatically or manually.
If you are not tech-savvy or want the fastest way out, you can go online and find a great tool that will scan and update your drivers. The version you download and run must identify your device and get suitable drivers to operate the Oculus. Alternatively, you can do it manually. Go to the developer’s website, look for the latest drivers update and select a compatible one for your PC’s OS.
- Disabling In-Game Overlay and Exiting the Public Test Channel
These fixes are worth trying in most cases because they make the Oculus run better. You can go to the top right corner and tap the cogwheel button if you have a GeForce Experience. Next, you can turn off the in-game overlay then restart your Oculus Link. If nothing changes, there are still other actions to take.
For instance, it may be because you signed up on the Public Test Channel while testing Oculus’ beta version. To eliminate any problems like the black screen, you can exit the program. Start your Oculus Link, go to the settings icon on your left, and scroll to find Beta. Lastly, click the off button on the Public Test Channel.
- Using the Proper Graphics Card
You will likely bump into incompatibility issues and a black screen if you don’t link your VR headset to the right graphics card. However, if you are confident that it is the dedicated one but the issue persists, you can configure your device in PC Settings. Right-click on the desktop screen, then find the control panel. Next, configure your card from the 3D settings according to your PC and the operating system.
- Repairing System Files
If you have tried all the above procedures but failed, this option may help. Perhaps there is an issue with your system due to corrupted files. You can scan your PC to find and repair any affected folders.
You can also find several window repairing tools online that effectively deal with hardware and software issues and identify malware in your system. You can download and use a safe application to scan your computer when you find a secure application.
Why Does Oculus Link Keep Disconnecting?
It is disappointing when you are in the middle of a heated gaming session and your system suddenly disconnects. Oculus headsets may link ideally with PCs for an unmatched gaming experience but there are still reports of frequent hiccups. Therefore, what may be causing this glitch?
First, it may be due to unreliable power output through the PC’s USB port or the system may delink when you use a wrong cable that does not transfer data effectively. Secondly, the Oculus may detach if the port and wire you are using aren’t compatible, hence needing a replacement. Furthermore, your systems may be outdated. The specs on your PC should meet the requirements to run an Oculus headset, thus you will be safer if you have a robust system.
The Oculus setup has numerous USB ports, with some sharing the same bus. Therefore, if your Oculus runs simultaneously with other devices, you can suffer power shortages causing disconnections. Your cable and USB linking to the device also play a significant role. Also, the port should be 3.0 or 3.1 and hold the wire firmly; or else, using low quality and incompatible cable will be troublesome.
Playing Oculus on your PC is exciting because you will enhance the quality of your gaming experience, from amazing graphics to impeccable processing and loading time. Most Oculus fans complain about regular unlinking, especially when playing despite all the upsides.
Thankfully, the glitch isn’t as grave as it may sound since there are straightforward corrective measures that you can take to get uninterrupted gaming. Besides, if you are not sure of your computer skills, you can always contact a trusted professional to help. If the issue is rampant power outages, it is best to avoid connecting other systems to the PC to save energy to run the Oculus.
Alternatively, you can tweak the computer settings to spare power and continue running Oculus even when energy is below minimum. On the Oculus, click “Deny Storage Permission” whenever it pops up on the screen.
The headset will delink each time the PC searches for available media files if you otherwise accept it. It is a default setting on Windows that doesn’t go well with Oculus. Additionally, you can use the USB ports closer to the motherboard since they tend to be more potent than the distant ones.
Another major cause of linking issues is using the wrong cable or USB. It is imperative to consider using an official cable that Oculus has verified. The charging system that it comes with is also an effective wiring option.
You can use when you cannot find a suitable cable. This is because weak versions do not transfer data effectively, causing disconnections in the process. Furthermore, a great bet is to use the most potent port of the computer, 3.0 or better.
A USB hub is also a workable solution to getting some of the best ports to connect to your cable because it can support the power output that the Oculus requires. Finally, ensure that the PC and Oculus run on updated system versions to fix compatibility issues. You can set your Windows to update automatically and remember that the GPU and motherboard also need upgrading, although this has little impact on the system.
Why Does Oculus Link Keep Crashing and Stopping?
Technical hitches are commonplace with most electronic devices explaining why buyers always check whether their purchases have a warranty. Luckily, gaming devices are top-of-the-line hardware and software constructions. However, this doesn’t guarantee that you will never have unexpected system failures; thus, the following are the most likely reasons for this.
System crashes are often due to the use of devices with specs that cannot handle the requirements of an Oculus headset. Inadequate data transfer from the PC to the Oculus may also cause interruptions, and weak ports, especially the split ones, emit negligible power that cannot effectively run the Oculus.
Also, if the device’s drivers do not match with the application, you are likely to experience breakdowns. When these system interferences happen, it is best to restart your games or the entire system.
Lack of timely system updates causes random crashing for any other gaming rig. Therefore, developers always recommend that you make frequent updates immediately after releases to get the necessary security features and run the most current applications. Your computer and the Oculus should always be on the same page. Otherwise, outdated hardware can stress the link, and the connection will break down under pressure.
On the other hand, the Oculus link may stop because of poor tethering or the use of substandard accessories. The market floods with numerous cables and USBs that can cause a lot of interferences. Some transmit data inconsistently, blocking constant data flow and shutting down the ongoing tasks. Different USBs have varying power outputs, making it vital to find the most reliable ones and set them closer to the computer’s motherboard.
It is advisable to assess the states of your GPU, CPU, OS, USB ports, and the setup’s memory, then compare the results with the bare minimum system requirements to run an Oculus to stop the system crashes.
If the results are below the expected features, it is evident that your device isn’t PC-VR read, hence you can opt for an upgrade or find a new system. For cable issues, you can find an official Oculus wire from a reliable store, but if the stopping and crashing persist, you can always consult an Oculus professional to assist.
Finally
Oculus is one of the best VR gaming rigs with the best construction tech. Therefore, Oculus Link will not randomly shut down unless there is a logical explanation behind it. This may be due to an issue with the driver update or you are using the wrong graphics card or USB for connections.
Oculus is very picky with its connected devices, such that slight changes can cause interruptions. Therefore, it is advisable to use powerful gadgets that meet its specifications. On the other hand, the link may act up if you run programs like Public Test Channel or set in-game overlay. Lastly, you can use relevant tools to scan and identify whether you have corrupted files in your PC causing complications.
