Facing Steam VR lag issue and don’t know how to get rid of it? Have you tried multiple tricks but are experiencing the same problem? Here, you will find the most useful solutions on how to fix Steam VR lag and associated issues.
Many people encounter severe performance issues when using Steam VR. This problem is usually faced after updating the system to Windows 11. Users are also facing freezing, stuttering, weird flash, or framerate drop issues.
What Causes of Steam VR Lag?
Low FPS, freezing application, or processor lag makes the gaming experience quite frustrating. You might also experience a consistent spinning wheel when your system is lagging, and the issue will require you to identify the reason for appropriate troubleshooting. It will lead to sluggish SteamVR performance due to an underpowered system or extremely high graphics settings.
Running unnecessary background apps can also cause slow Steam VR performance. Other reasons include problems with network connectivity between your system and VR headset. Outdated drivers and Oculus Link cable issues negatively impact FPS.
Speed Up VR Performance: Troubleshoot Tips
- Determine Computer Specifications
Insufficient PC specifications and capabilities can affect performance. Hence, while playing VR games, check if your PC has enough specifications. Run the Steam VR performance test to identify if your computer is VR-ready.
Run the app and test your system. Based on the results, you can determine how perfectly your system will handle VR content. Reduce the game’s graphics settings if the performance spectrum is lower.
- Restart the PC and VR Headset
Whenever you face any unexpected performance problem, restart your computer and VR headset. Completely shutting down your PC and headset and restarting them fix the severe lagging issue quickly.
Restarting the setup resolves many hardware and software-related issues on the computer. When you have a wireless PC VR, simply restart your router. This method will be effective when you find that your router gets tired and requires a small nudge.
- Decrease Render Resolution
Another tip on how to fix Steam VR lag is to reduce the render resolution within Steam. It will decrease the resolution at which the game is rendered prior to upscaling or downscaling the VR headset resolution.
Reducing the resolution overcomes the burden on the PC and decreases lag by enhancing the frame rate. You can also change the settings for all VR games by reaching the SteamVR settings menu. Move the slider for Resolution Per Eye.
- Reset to Default Values
Restore the default values of everything if you have changed VR settings during troubleshooting. Conflicting or misaligned settings can lead to VR performance problems. Some settings may work for a specific scenario and not for others.
While troubleshooting from a blank sheet, restore the default values of Steam VR, Oculus Debug Tool, and Oculus Software. You can uninstall and reinstall the software. However, you can also find online tutorials on ways to restore the default values.
- Connect via USB 3.0
USB port and cable both should use USB 3.0 or higher when headsets use a USB cable for connecting with your PC. Using an inappropriate USB port or cable will restrict the data transfer rates and make Steam VR sluggish.
If you connect a USB 2.0 cable to a USB 3.0 port, it will help in charging and data transfer. However, the data transfer speed will return to USB 2.0 speeds. To ensure data transfer speed, use a USB 3.0 or higher one with a USB 3.0 and higher port.
- Reinstall Steam VR
Steam VR lag issues can be caused due to Steam VR itself. In that case, reinstall Steam VR. The reinstallation process can be performed in just a few minutes. Close Steam as well as Steam VR. Manually delete some files from your PC before uninstalling them.
After deleting the files:
- Launch Steam and uninstall Steam VR by right-clicking on it.
- Hover over Manage and tap Uninstall.
- Again, click Uninstall.
- Access the folder where Steam VR was installed and remove it completely.
- Find Steam VR in the Steam VR library and reinstall it.
- Disable Unwanted Processes
Stop all the unwanted Windows processes before you begin VR gaming if you have a lower-end computer. For this, go to the Windows Task Manager. Sort the list by Memory and CPU utilization under the Processes category.
In both of these sections, find out which application is taking up how much space. Stop all the processes taking up the most resources on your computer. For example, photo editing. Keep computer resources assigned just for VR for stutter-free VR performance.
Conclusion
Steam VR allows users with VR headsets to connect games available on Steam and enjoy them in the virtual environment. But sometimes, it causes various issues for several users based on the situation.
If the above methods didn’t solve Steam VR lag and performance issues, try different things. They include the use of a virtual desktop, updating graphics and audio drivers, and disabling the GeForce experience overlay.