How to set up Shadow VR
Updated
Virtual Reality (or VR, for short) is one of the most highly immersive experiences offered in gaming, education, design, business, and virtually any other software imaginable (no pun intended). The Shadow VR app brings your PC in the cloud to your wearable VR headset.
Warning: In rare cases, Shadow PC may flash, flicker, or appear distorted, which can potentially induce seizures in people sensitive to certain lights, patterns, or images, even with no history of epilepsy or seizures.
What you'll need
Computer with Windows or macOS installed
Meta Quest 1 or 2 headset and controllers (account required)
SideQuest app (account required)
Steam and Steam VR apps (account required)
Shadow VR app
Step 1: Prepare Shadow for VR
Step 2: Set your Meta Quest to developer mode
Because Shadow VR is not available on the Meta Store, you'll need to enable developer mode on your Meta account to use third-party apps. Follow all of the steps listed on the Meta developer website.
Step 3: Download SideQuest and Shadow VR
Plug your Meta Quest headset into your computer.
Go to the SideQuest store to search for Shadow.
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.
Accept any communications or prompts that appear during setup.
Watch the tutorial from SideQuest below for help using the SideQuest app.
Note: SideQuest is a third-party app store designed to help you sideload apps to your Meta Quest. Sideloading is the act of installing software obtained from a third-party source rather than an official retailer onto your device. You'll need to download SideQuest and create an account if you don't have one already. Shadow VR is only available on the SideQuest store at this time.
Step 4: Start Shadow VR
It's time to gear up! Once you equip your Meta Quest headset, you'll need to do the following:
Select the Apps icon.
Next, click the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner.
Select Unknown Sources.
Search for and select Shadow VR.
The Shadow VR app will start and the home screen will appear.
Send feedback to Shadow
Since the Shadow VR app relies on third-party software and devices, we appreciate all of the feedback our users can offer. If our Support team requests logs following your most recent Shadow session, use the Send Logs button in the Shadow VR Settings. You can also send us feedback through the SideQuest app or on the Shadow Discord server.
If you need assistance with SideQuest, Steam, or any other third-party app or peripheral, we recommend you contact the developer or manufacturer for assistance.
Disclaimer: Although Shadow PC is compatible with many peripherals and applications, compatibility may change at any time due to updates, changes via third parties, or local network conditions.
Still have questions after reading this article?
Check out our other articles or contact Shadow Support.