unity 2022.3 oculus link constant hourglass windows 11
by: FatimaPosted on:

Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link Constant Hourglass on Windows 11

If you’re using Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link with Windows 11 and encountering the frustrating constant hourglass issue, you’re not alone. 

This problem can stall development and interrupt VR experiences, especially when integrating Oculus Link with Unity. 

Understanding and fixing this problem. We’ll cover potential causes and step-by-step solutions to get you back on track.

Understanding the Issue: Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link Constant Hourglass

The constant hourglass icon indicates that Oculus Link is stalling or freezing, making it impossible to continue working smoothly. 

This issue is particularly prevalent in Unity 2022.3 when running on Windows 11.

 It can manifest as a stalling connection between the Oculus headset and your PC or as delays when trying to preview VR projects.

Common Symptoms

  • Frozen hourglass icon when connecting to Oculus Link.
  • Laggy or unresponsive VR environment in Unity.
  • Frequent disconnections or crashes when using Oculus Link.
  • Delayed input or output, making development work difficult.

These issues can hinder productivity and make VR development frustrating. To resolve the Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link constant hourglass on Windows 11, it’s essential to identify the root cause.

Why Does Oculus Link Stall or Freeze?

The constant hourglass issue in Unity 2022.3 has multiple potential causes. Let’s examine some of the most common reasons why this problem occurs:

1. Oculus Link Software Compatibility

Oculus Link requires precise synchronization between the headset, PC, and Unity software. In some cases, the issue may be caused by compatibility problems between Unity 2022.3, Windows 11, and Oculus Link updates. Unity’s version, Oculus software, or NVIDIA drivers might not be fully compatible, leading to stalling and hourglass freezes.

2. Outdated Graphics Drivers

VR development relies heavily on your graphics card. If you have outdated GPU drivers, especially on NVIDIA or AMD cards, you might experience lag and stalling. This could cause the hourglass to freeze when running Oculus Link on Unity 2022.3.

3. Windows 11 USB Settings

Many VR devices, including Oculus headsets, rely on USB 3.0 connections for smooth data transmission. Windows 11 has power-saving settings that might throttle USB connections, leading to communication issues between Oculus Link and Unity, resulting in the constant hourglass problem.

4. Oculus Software Issues

Sometimes, the problem lies within the Oculus software itself. Corrupt installations, outdated versions, or improperly configured settings can cause stalling and connection problems when trying to use Oculus Link with Unity 2022.3.

5. High-Resolution VR Settings

High-resolution settings in Unity or Oculus Link might put too much strain on your system, leading to freezing or lagging. If your computer is struggling to process the VR environment at such high settings, it may result in a constant hourglass on Windows 11.

Fixing Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link Constant Hourglass on Windows 11

Now that we know some of the common causes, let’s dive into solutions to fix the Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link constant hourglass on Windows 11.

1. Update Oculus and Unity Software

First, ensure that both Oculus Link and Unity 2022.3 are updated to the latest versions. Sometimes, the constant hourglass issue arises due to incompatibility between versions.

  • How to Update Oculus Software:
    • Open the Oculus desktop app.
    • Navigate to Settings > General.
    • Enable Automatic Updates or manually check for updates under Updates.
  • How to Update Unity 2022.3:
    • Open Unity Hub.
    • Check for updates in the Installs section.
    • Make sure your current version of Unity 2022.3 is the latest available.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Your GPU drivers need to be up to date to handle VR development smoothly. Here’s how you can update them:

  • NVIDIA Users:
    • Open GeForce Experience or go to the NVIDIA website.
    • Check for the latest driver updates and install them.
  • AMD Users:
    • Use the AMD Radeon Software or visit the AMD website to download the latest drivers.

3. Adjust Windows 11 USB Power Settings

Windows 11 sometimes limits USB port power, causing Oculus Link to lose connection or stall. Here’s how to change this setting:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Scroll down to Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
  3. Right-click on each USB Root Hub and go to Properties.
  4. Under the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

This prevents Windows 11 from disabling your USB ports, ensuring a smoother connection with your Oculus headset.

4. Lower VR Settings

Oculus Link constant hourglass issues might stem from high-resolution settings. Lowering the render scale and resolution in both Unity and Oculus Link can reduce the strain on your system. Here’s how to lower the settings:

  • In Unity 2022.3:
    • Go to Project Settings.
    • Adjust the Render Scale to a lower value.
  • In Oculus Link:
    • Open the Oculus desktop app.
    • Go to Devices and select your connected headset.
    • Lower the Rendering Resolution under Graphics Preferences.

5. Reinstall Oculus Software

Sometimes, corrupt or outdated Oculus software can cause the constant hourglass issue. Reinstalling Oculus Link can clear these errors:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps in Windows 11.
  2. Find the Oculus app and uninstall it.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Download the latest version of the Oculus app from the official website and reinstall it.

6. Disable Windows 11 Game Mode

Windows 11 Game Mode might conflict with Oculus Link, especially when using Unity. Disabling it can reduce interruptions:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Gaming > Game Mode.
  3. Toggle Game Mode off.

Disabling this feature ensures that your system resources aren’t reallocated while using Oculus Link with Unity 2022.3.

7. Ensure Proper Cable Connection

A weak or poor-quality USB-C cable can lead to stalling and the constant hourglass issue. Make sure you’re using an official Oculus Link cable or a high-quality third-party cable that supports fast data transfer.

8. Disable Power Throttling

Windows 11 might throttle your CPU during high-performance tasks like VR development. Disable power throttling to maintain consistent performance:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Power & Battery.
  3. Set your Power Mode to Best Performance.

This change will ensure that your PC uses its maximum processing power when running Oculus Link in Unity.

9. Check for Background Applications

Background applications can hog resources, leading to theunity 2022.3 oculus link stalling constant hourglass windows 11 problem. Close unnecessary programs to free up system memory and CPU power. Programs like antivirus software or cloud backup services can interfere with Oculus Link.

Final Thoughts

Fixing the Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link stalling constant hourglass on Windows 11 may require trying a combination of the solutions above. 

Start by ensuring your software and drivers are up to date, and then check for issues with USB power settings, VR settings, and background applications.

By following these steps, you’ll significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering the constant hourglass issue and enjoy a smoother development experience with Oculus Link on Windows 11.

Key Takeaways:

  • Keep your Oculus and Unity software updated.
  • Ensure your graphics drivers are current.
  • Adjust USB power settings to prevent stalling.
  • Lower VR resolution to ease the strain on your system.
  • Disable conflicting features like Windows 11 Game Mode and background applications.

With this guide, you’ll have the tools you need to troubleshoot and overcome the Unity 2022.3 Oculus Link constant hourglass problem on Windows 11.