Meta Quest 3 headsets, including the new Meta Quest 3S, will soon support Windows 11 through an upcoming update, offering users a seamless experience that leverages the full potential of mixed reality. This integration aims to enhance both entertainment and productivity, blending virtual workspaces with the real world.
Historically marketed as an entertainment device, Meta Quest headsets have increasingly been promoted for work-related tasks, with a growing focus on mixed reality features. These updates allow users to stay connected to their surroundings while enjoying a comfortable, portable workspace—ideal for productivity on the go.
The collaboration between Meta and Microsoft brings Windows 11’s full capabilities to the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, allowing users to create large virtual workspaces overlaid on the physical world. While the operating system isn’t fully ready for the Meta Quest 3 yet, Microsoft has announced that a public preview will be available before the end of 2024.
In a demo video, Microsoft showcased how the integration will work. Two users put on their Meta Quest 3 headsets and were instantly presented with virtual workspaces. One user connected to a laptop, splitting her screen into three separate windows to view multiple applications, even with limited physical space. The other user accessed her Windows 365 Cloud PC through her Meta Quest, without needing a traditional computer setup, using just the headset, keyboard, and mouse.
Both users were able to fully access Windows 11 features wirelessly, without being tethered to a physical PC. While Meta Quest 3 already offers the option to connect to a gaming PC wirelessly, this new Windows 11 integration emphasizes the headset’s potential as a productivity tool, positioning it as more than just an entertainment gadget. How well this partnership performs at launch remains to be seen, but it marks an exciting step forward for the Meta Quest 3 as a versatile, mixed reality device.