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Setting Up Shadow VR

Updated

Introduction

Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive experiences in gaming, education, design, and more. The Shadow VR app brings your cloud PC to your wearable VR headset.

⚠️ Upon starting Shadow VR, your screen may flash, flicker, or appear distorted while it adjusts to your headset. This can potentially induce seizures in people sensitive to certain lights, patterns, or images, even with no history of epilepsy or seizures.

Device Requirements

To use Shadow VR, ensure you have the following:

  • Computer with Windows or macOS installed
  • Meta Quest 1 or 2 headset and controllers (account required)
  • SideQuest app (account required)
  • Steam and SteamVR apps (account required)
  • Shadow VR app

Internet Requirements

  • A 5GHz WiFi internet connection

  • A minimum download speed of 50Mbps or more

  • A stable internet connection

📝 Unstable connections and slow download speeds may be more noticeable in VR. If you experience stuttering, freezing, lagging, or other issues, consider troubleshooting your internet connection.

Setup Process

  1. Prepare Shadow for VR

    To use Shadow VR, you must have Steam and SteamVR installed on your Shadow PC.

    • Download and install Steam onto your Shadow PC.

    • Open Steam and enter your Steam username and password. If you don’t have a Steam account, create one for free.

    • Check the box next to Remember me if you’d like to have Steam sign you in automatically next time.

    • Click Sign In.

    • Download and install SteamVR.

  2. Change the Settings in Shadow PC

    • Open the Shadow PC launcher on your computer.

    • Click the Settings icon.

    • Click Network on the left.

    • Change your bitrate to Auto-detect.

  3. Enable Developer Mode on Meta Quest

    Since Shadow VR is not available on the Meta Store, you'll have to install Shadow VR as a third-party application.

  4. Download and Install Shadow VR

    • Plug your Meta Quest headset into your computer.

    • Go to the SideQuest store to download and install Shadow VR.

    • Click Download App (Sideload). This will download the Shadow VR app and send it directly to the headset, as long as it's on and connected to your computer.

      Watch the tutorial from SideQuest below for help using the SideQuest app.


  5. Start Shadow VR

    • Put on your Meta Quest headset.

    • Select the Apps icon.

    • Launch the Shadow VR app.

Using the Shadow VR Home Screen

The home screen contains four main buttons:

  • Start Shadow VR – Launches Shadow VR.

  • 2D – Opens a traditional desktop view.

  • Settings – Adjusts various app preferences.

  • Power – Exits the application.

  • Log out – Logs you out of Shadow.

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