How to fix SteamVR crashes in Windows Mixed Reality

SteamVR integration with Windows Mixed Reality is a big step. It's opened the emerging VR platform up to a ton of new content and socializing options and bodes well for the future. In most forms, VR doesn't come without a bug here and there, and you might be having issues with SteamVR crashing when you try to use it with Windows Mixed Reality (WMR). Here are some potential fixes.

Ensure Windows 10 is up to date

One of the biggest issues with SteamVR and WMR not working correctly is outdated software. Here's how to ensure Windows 10 is up to date.

  1. Right-click the Start button.

  2. Click Settings.

  3. Click Update & Security.

  4. Click Check for updates. Any pending updates will download and install.
  5. Restart your PC.

Ensure you aren't using a Steam beta client

Opting into a beta version of the Steam client can cause issues with WMR. Here's how to ensure you aren't opted into the Steam beta.

  1. Launch Steam from your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.
  2. Click the Steam button in the top-left corner of the window.

  3. Click Settings.

  4. Click Account.

  5. Click the Change button in the Beta participation section.

  6. Click the dropdown menu below Beta participation.

  7. Click NONE - Opt out of all beta programs.

  8. Click OK.

  9. Click OK.

Be sure to restart Steam if you changed the Beta participation option.

Launch Windows Mixed Reality and SteamVR in order

Now that your Windows 10 PC is updated and you've ensured you aren't opted into the Steam beta client, you can attempt again to load SteamVR into WMR.

Launching SteamVR before the Windows Mixed Reality Portal could be causing things to crash. Be sure to launch the Windows Mixed Reality Portal first, and once it's open and running, launch SteamVR.

More Windows Mixed Reality troubleshooting

Having other issues with WMR? Be sure to check out our troubleshooting guide for more help!