Reference
FAQ
Common questions about MoltenVR: which headsets and Macs work, how games run, USB vs Wi-Fi, game audio, Free vs Pro, ALVR mode and Minecraft VR on a Mac.MoltenVR runs PC VR games on an Apple Silicon Mac and streams them to a Quest or PICO over a USB-C cable or Wi-Fi. These are the questions that come up most.
Is this SteamVR for Mac?
No. SteamVR left macOS in 2020, and MoltenVR doesn't use it. MoltenVR brings its own VR runtime, its own headset app and its own stream protocol.
Which headsets work?
Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro, plus PICO 4 and PICO 4 Ultra on PICO OS 5.9 or newer (experimental). They all run the MoltenVR headset app. See Headset App.
Do I need Whisky, CrossOver or Wine?
No. MoltenVR downloads and sets up its own managed Wine for Windows games, and translates DirectX to Metal with DXMT or Apple's D3DMetal.
Can it run Linux games?
Yes, through Inversa, an open-source Linux runtime for macOS. ARM64 Linux programs run natively and x86-64 ones through FEX. Half-Life: Alyx's Linux ARM64 build runs in VR this way.
Does Minecraft really run in VR on a Mac?
Yes, through Vivecraft, natively on the Mac. No Wine required.
Should I use USB or Wi-Fi?
A USB-C cable gives the steadiest stream and unlocks PyroWave, a low-latency codec for USB. Wi-Fi is cable-free; use 5 GHz or 6 GHz. Press Find best settings either way and MoltenVR picks resolution, refresh rate and codec for you.
Do I need BlackHole for game audio?
No. Game audio streams to the headset with nothing to install. BlackHole is only needed on macOS 14.0 and 14.1. See Game Audio.
Can I use the headset's microphone?
Yes. It shows up on the Mac as an input device called MoltenVR Microphone, so Discord and other apps can use it.
What happens after the 7-day trial?
MoltenVR keeps working as MoltenVR Free: the headset app, HEVC at 60 Hz, and 1184×1280 or 1312×1408 per eye. Pro unlocks every resolution and refresh rate, PyroWave and H.264, ALVR mode and sharpening. See Free and Pro.
I already use ALVR. Can I keep using its client?
Yes, with MoltenVR Pro: ALVR mode streams to ALVR's headset client. The MoltenVR headset app is the recommended way to play.
Does Apple Vision Pro work?
Yes, over Wi-Fi. Install ALVR's visionOS app on the Vision Pro and switch MoltenVR to ALVR mode, which is part of MoltenVR Pro.
Is MoltenVR safe to install?
MoltenVR is signed and notarized by Apple, and it updates itself. Its core features run without Screen Recording or Accessibility permission on macOS 14.4 and later.