"Windows Comes to Meta Quest."

Microsoft has announced that in December it will bring the "full capabilities" of Windows 11 to Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices as part of a public preview. This means that users will be able to access a local PC running Windows or a cloud instance of the operating system via Windows 365 from their Quest headsets. According to Microsoft, the connection is made in a matter of "seconds" and is compared to the experience of working on a "private, high-quality, multi-monitor workstation."

One of the standout innovations in this new mode of Windows is the ability to use applications in a 3D space, facilitated by what Microsoft calls Volumetric Apps. In a demonstration held in May, a digital breakdown view of an Xbox controller was shown, which users could manipulate directly with their hands while using the Quest 3. Additionally, developers will be able to sign up for access to an API that will allow them to create plugins for 3D Windows desktop applications, whether they are new or existing.

Microsoft began hinting at Windows content for Quest in 2022 when it announced its collaboration with Meta to integrate applications such as Microsoft Teams into the company’s headsets. Last December, it had already launched Microsoft 365 productivity features, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on the Quest, as well as incorporating its Xbox Cloud Gaming game streaming service into these devices.