How to use SteamVR with Windows Mixed Reality

SteamVR integration with Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is here in the form of a bridging app, letting you inject yourself into the vast Steam platform. You're now getting access to thousands more apps, games, and experiences, as well as some other extras that make this union truly special. Let's take a look at how to get everything working together so you can get into VR as soon as possible!

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Update your Windows 10 PC

To ensure everything is working properly, update your Windows 10 PC.

  1. Right-click the Start button.
  2. Click Settings.

  3. Click Update & Security.

    Click Settings. Click Update and security.

  4. Click Windows Update.

  5. Click Check for updates.

    Click Windows Update. Click Check for Updates.

Windows will now check if there are any updates available. If so, they will download and install automatically, and a restart will likely be required to complete the process.

Install the SteamVR toolkit

To begin, you'll need to install the SteamVR toolkit within the Steam app on your PC. When connecting a VR headset, you might be automatically prompted to install SteamVR. If not, here's how to do it manually.

  1. Launch Steam from your desktop, taskbar, or Start menu.

  2. Hover your cursor over the Library tab.

    Launch Steam. Hover over Library.

  3. Click Tools.

  4. Right-click SteamVR.

    Click Tools. Right-click SteamVR.

  5. Click Install Game. In this case we're using Steam 360 video player as an example since we already have SteamVR installed.

  6. Click Next. SteamVR will now be installed. Once complete, continue the steps.

    Click Install Game. Click Next.

Download the Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR app

Now that you have the key components installed and enabled, you can download the Windows Mixed Reality SteamVR app.

  1. Navigate to the Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR app in the Steam store.
  2. Click Free.

  3. Click Next.

    Click Free. Click Next.

The app will now be installed.

How to access SteamVR through Windows Mixed Reality

To begin, plug your WMR headset into your PC and turn on your motion controllers. Do not put your headset on yet. You will see the WMR Portal load, and once loaded, launch Steam. If the WMR Portal does not load on its own, launch it manually from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

Launch a VR game through Steam.

At this point, you can launch a VR app through Steam and it will load into WMR. Time to put on your headset and enjoy!

You can launch VR games through the desktop app within WMR.

If you'd rather do this from within the WMR headset, you can add the desktop app to a wall within your Cliff House and navigate the same process from there.

How to use Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers with SteamVR

Using your WMR motion controllers with SteamVR will differ from title to title, but there are some standard mappings that you can take advantage of to get around.

Luckily for us, SteamVR has created a nifty diagram that shows exactly what to look forward to.

WMR controller diagram for SteamVR

Be sure to check out these handy guides for more help with your WMR motion controllers.

More Windows Mixed Reality resources

Looking for more information about Windows Mixed Reality? Have a look at our ultimate guide that contains everything you need to know! Be sure to also check out our roundups of the best VR games, most available through Steam.