Virtual Desktop Classic news & patch notes

Today's update improves compatibility with HDR monitors and improves the capture rate to better match your monitor`s refresh rate on the latest version of Windows 10 (2004)

Small update that removes the black monitors that have appeared with a recent update to Windows Mixed Reality

Hi folks, this is a small update that fixes the screen brightness slider when multi-monitor is enabled. The threshold for trigger presses has also been changed to make it easier to click and double-click on the desktop. This update also changes the maximum Supersampling value from 3.0 to 2.4 as lots of users cranked it to 3 and wondered why the app was running slow. It doesn't make much of a difference beyond 2.0. Enjoy!

Hi folks, small update today that fixes an error message when pasting YouTube video links.

Oculus Rift S owners will now see the correct controller models. Grabbing the screen using the grip to move/resize now only works when pointing at the screen. This is to prevent accidental movement when picking up the controllers.

Hi, today's update adds Oculus Rift S support and brings the zoom slider to the Sphere (360°) projection which was previously only available with the Dome (180°) projection. Enjoy!

Today's update adds a Snap to Horizon screen option after some users reported wanting to use the Reset Orientation more precisely to tilt the screen only by a few degrees. The option is enabled by default so simply unchecking it will solve this. This update also fixes an issue introduced in 1.16 with the Head Lock screen positioning. Enjoy!

Today's update improves screen manipulation when holding one controller grip to feel more natural. It also solves a rare BSOD issue with the virtual audio driver. Enjoy!

This is a small patch that fixes super sampling to no longer be applied on top of SteamVR's super sampling; the amount you choose in Virtual Desktop will now override whatever is set in SteamVR. This patch also fixes the Vive controller orientation which was accidentally changed in 1.15.

Today's update adds a new free model environment which is perfect for watching movies. It is called the Auditorium and is a revamped version of the Cinema Screen which was previously available on the item store. This update also adds support for the Valve Knuckles controllers. Don't forget to leave a positive review if you like the app. Let me know if you encounter any issues. Thank you!

This update adds a checkbox to allow the Windows touch keyboard to automatically show up or not on Windows 10. In recent updates of Windows, the touch keyboard is a bit buggy and can cause explorer to restart so the option was added to prevent this from happening.

This is a small patch to fix an issue with clicks in Google Chrome. It also solves an issue where the Windows Touch Keyboard would not always appear correctly.

This is a small patch to fix an issue with clicks sometimes not registering in browser windows. Google Chrome still has issues with touch input so if this update doesn't solve your issue, unchecking "Use Touch Input" in Virtual Desktop's Input Options should help; this will however disable touch gestures.

This is a small update which adds a screen brightness slider and fixes a number of issues that were reported by users.

Bug Fixes

Fixed crash after playing multiple 180/360 videos in a row

Fixed HDR monitors sometimes appearing black

Fixed Home Cinema screen becoming black when tilting head on Rift

Fixed Photo and Video thumbnail generation which prevented users from playing a video or seeing a photo until all thumbnails were generated

Fixed drop-downs in Videos tab to always be visible

Now saving selected decoding method for new videos after re-launch

Better positional audio in Computer Room

Bug Fixes

-Fixed repeated UAC prompts on launch for some users -Fixed crash when rendering specific cursors on Windows 10 April update -Fixed issue with Virtual Desktop being stuck running in Steam after closing the app through the SteamVR Dashboard -Return to Desktop functionality is now disabled by default -Other stability improvements

User Requests

- Added a "Use Virtual Audio Driver" option (enabled by default). Uncheck this if you don't want Virtual Desktop to mess with the audio playback device. Unchecking the option might prevent you from using Positional Audio - Fixed Transparency screen option to use additive blending on Windows 10 Creators Update or later (since alpha blending is no longer possible) - Transparency now also applies to UI overlay when viewing 360 photos or videos

Bug Fixes

- Fixed crash when renaming photo or video file - Fixed crash when audio options change and there's no connected monitor - Fixed Virtual Desktop Service startup issues - Fixed crash at startup on some Windows 7 machines - Fixed crash at startup when the speech runtime installation is corrupt

Bug Fixes

- Fixed performance problems introduced in 1.13 with hybrid laptops and multi-GPU configurations - Fixed darker colors issue on rotated monitors - Now preventing Supersampling from exceeding 8K x 8K (if users also supersample in SteamVR)

Audio Tab

Virtual Desktop now features an Audio tab where you can easily toggle Positional Audio and select the desired speaker configuration through a drop-down (Stereo, Quadraphonic, 5.1 Surround or 7.1 Surround); you no longer need to fiddle in the Windows audio dialogs to get the feature to work. https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/12132600/4ba836589426c47cf2ebd6b16e4d7bdda058bde5.png A configurable shortcut to toggle Positional Audio has also been added to the Bindings tab. From the Audio tab, you can also change individual speaker volumes and tweak the frequency response through an equalizer. You can pick from existing presets or customize it yourself. https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/12132600/0b1f2447647d9d828689c72809055ea5f0567583.png

Dedicated Audio Driver

This new version includes a dedicated audio driver which prevents sounds from going into your regular desktop speakers. This driver also allows Positional Audio to work on all VR headsets (not just the Rift).

New Positional Audio Implementation

The previous positional audio implementation wasn't using HRTFs and was rather simplistic. This new implementation greatly enhances the sound quality and surround experience. It also works on Windows 7. You can try it out yourself with multi-channel audio experiences (this example only works with the Microsoft Edge browser).

VR180 Photos Support

The photos tab can now display 180° photos taken with recently released VR180 cameras. A distance slider is included to let you adjust pictures that appear too close. The same distance slider has been added to the Videos tab for 180 videos.

Optional Touch Input

The controller interaction with the desktop has always been through simulated Touch Input on Windows 8 and 10. This allows multi-touch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom or swipe-to-scroll. Unfortunately some applications (such as Discord) or sometimes Windows doesn't work quite well in touch mode so there is now an option called "Use Touch Input" under Input Options which can be disabled if you experience such issues. When disabled, the controllers will perform regular mouse clicks instead.

Bug Fixes

- Fixed "Unable to connect to Virtual Desktop Service" issues. - Fixed click offset issue on Virtual Desktop window when using multiple monitors with different scaling options after installing Windows 10 April Update. The bug in Windows is still present and might affect other windows so disabling touch input might be required if you experience issues. - Fixed issue with clicks not working when HP Touch Point software is installed - Fixed videos being stuck in Software Decoding mode when they refuse to play - Improved startup time when users have multiple purchased environments in their library - Stability improvements Let me know if you experience any issues, thanks!

Hardware Decoding Improvements

The video player now has 3 decoding options: DXVA 2.0 (the old method), Direct3D 11 (the new option) and Software (which forces the use of installed codecs). If you have a powerful GPU, you can select the Direct3D 11 option to offload more work to the GPU and improve playback smoothness with high resolution videos. The original method (DXVA 2.0) is still recommended for most users. https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/12132600/78593b37b7acea910534026da3dff1a7a9b27a5b.png Note: If you are on the latest Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, make sure to download the HEVC Video Extension to get the best hardware decoding performance. It used to be part of Windows but is now a separate download.

Controller Contacts

There is now an option to show or hide controller contacts on the screen.

Bug Fixes

- Fixed service installation issues caused by anti-viruses on some machines - Fixed crash when a 360 photo or video was renamed - Fixed issue with UI re-appearing when controllers were fading-out - Voice commands will no longer cause tab changes in video compact mode - Improved photo and video thumbnail generation speeds - Other stability improvements As always, let me know if you experience any issues. Enjoy!

Today's beta update adds functionality to the Photos and Videos tab as well as a few requested features and bug fixes.

Videos Tab

The Videos tab now displays thumbnails of the files in your 360 Videos folder and lets you play them with a single click. You can sort them by name, size, date or recently played. Videos can be marked as hidden. You can also toggle stereoscopic 3D with videos like you can with photos. https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/12132600/833c81a9d49482a48c0599cb95f07905934d3a45.png

Photos Tab

You can now sort your photos by name, date or size.

Dimmed Lights

You can now bind a key or button to toggle dimmed lights in Model environments.

Bug Fixes

- Video settings are now properly saved/restored across sessions - Dashboard mouse buttons now follow SteamVR's input system - Portrait orientation fixes in Dashboard - Stability improvements Note: Virtual Desktop now uses .NET 4.7.1 instead of 4.5.1 and should install it as needed on your next launch. If the update gets stuck in the Steam download queue, simply uninstall and re-install Virtual Desktop.

Today's beta update adds functionality to the Photos and Videos tab as well as a few requested features and bug fixes.

Videos Tab

The Videos tab now displays thumbnails of the files in your 360 Videos folder and lets you play them with a single click. You can sort them by name, size, date or recently played. Videos can be marked as hidden. You can also toggle stereoscopic 3D with videos like you can with photos. https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/12132600/833c81a9d49482a48c0599cb95f07905934d3a45.png

Photos Tab

You can now sort your photos by name, date or size.

Dimmed Lights

You can now bind a key or button to toggle dimmed lights in Model environments.

Bug Fixes

- Video settings are now properly saved/restored across sessions - Dashboard mouse buttons now follow SteamVR's input system - Portrait orientation fixes in Dashboard - Stability improvements Note: Virtual Desktop now uses .NET 4.7.1 instead of 4.5.1 and should install it as needed on your next launch. If the update gets stuck in the Steam download queue, simply uninstall and re-install Virtual Desktop.

Timewarp Layers in Model Environments

Model environments such as the Home Theater and Home Cinema now support cylindrical and quad layers (with Rift) to render the desktop. This provides the maximum image quality even when Supersampling, MSAA and Environment Mip Mapping are disabled. The Environment Editor has a new option to enable it in user-created environments.

Monitor Orientation Support

All monitors, connected to any GPU should now render correctly in any orientation (Portrait, Landscape, etc.). Previously, some monitors appeared washed out, transparent or would cause the application to crash.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed issue with fullscreen games appearing frozen after Fall Creators update
• Fixed 360 video cube projection appearing black in the Mirror Window
• Fixed Play with Virtual Desktop contextual command
• Fixed multiple crashes

I've been working hard on fixing some bugs that have been around for a while but that I couldn't easily reproduce. The app should feel more stable with each update. Thanks again for reporting any issues you encounter!

Timewarp Layers in Model Environments

Model environments such as the Home Theater and Home Cinema now support cylindrical and quad layers (with Rift) to render the desktop. This provides the maximum image quality even when Supersampling, MSAA and Environment Mip Mapping are disabled. The Environment Editor has a new option to enable it in user-created environments.

Monitor Orientation Support

All monitors, connected to any GPU should now render correctly in any orientation (Portrait, Landscape, etc.). Previously, some monitors appeared washed out, transparent or would cause the application to crash.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed issue with fullscreen games appearing frozen after Fall Creators update
• Fixed 360 video cube projection appearing black in the Mirror Window
• Fixed Play with Virtual Desktop contextual command
• Fixed multiple crashes

I've been working hard on fixing some bugs that have been around for a while but that I couldn't easily reproduce. The app should feel more stable with each update. Thanks again for reporting any issues you encounter!

This update focuses on stability improvements and a few user requests.

Video Player

A new option called Allow Custom Orientation will let you position 360 videos with the Reset Orientation command (like it used to work in prior versions).

Automatic Reset Orientation

When the application launches, resumes from being paused or when returning from a game, the headset will recenter automatically.

Bug Fixes

Fixed "Failed to Initialize VR Headset" error with some audio configurations

Fixed multiple shutdown issues

Fixed volume levels with Positional Audio

Fixed Anaglyph 3D in Model environments with fixed screens

Fixed cursor rendering issues with AMD GPUs

Let me know if you experience any other issues!

This update focuses on stability improvements and a few user requests.

Video Player

A new option called Allow Custom Orientation will let you position 360 videos with the Reset Orientation command (like it used to work in prior versions).

Automatic Reset Orientation

When the application launches, resumes from being paused or when returning from a game, the headset will recenter automatically.

Bug Fixes

Fixed "Failed to Initialize VR Headset" error with some audio configurations

Fixed multiple shutdown issues

Fixed volume levels with Positional Audio

Fixed Anaglyph 3D in Model environments with fixed screens

Fixed cursor rendering issues with AMD GPUs

Let me know if you experience any other issues!

Today’s update is huge. Probably one of the biggest to date. Let’s go into the details!

Moveable Screen

You can now grab the screen and move it around by holding one grip. Holding both grips will let you resize it as it did in the past. Reset Orientation will also reset the screen’s position. By default, the screen will stay leveled with the horizon; check the Allow Rotation option to allow it to roll. You can rotate or tilt 360 videos by using the same technique: point at the video, hold one grip and drag the video around, up or down.

Positional Audio

There is now an option to enable Positional Audio. This is particularly cool with theater environments. If your speakers are configured as a 5.1 or 7.1 setup, sound will be positioned around you. This currently only works with Rift.

New YouTube 360 Projection support

YouTube recently changed the projection of their 360 videos. The Videos tab now has a Cube projection which lets you watch them properly.

Improved Controller Support

Interacting with your desktop using the controllers is now much easier and less frustrating. Clicking or double clicking on buttons/links will feel more reliable. Configurable laser beams are now visible. Interaction with the screen in Model environments is also more accurate. http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/12132600/b92670becfcc004f7b0ccb5bfe8efbd3c593ef87.jpg

Configurable Supersampling

You can now tweak the amount of supersampling used in Virtual Desktop. This can help run Virtual Desktop on lower end machines or reduce the GPU usage when playing games. Note that with Rift, this doesn’t affect the screen’s image quality as it is using Cylindrical Layers but it does affect the quality of environments or the screen in Model environments.

Xbox Controller Improvements

You can now use your Xbox controller to interact with your desktop with Vive and WMR headsets (in addition to Rift). You can also move/tilt the screen or 360 videos by holding the bumpers and using the left thumb stick.

Remembering Video Settings

All the video settings (mode, projection, FOV, tilt, rotation, etc.) are now saved per video.

Improved Dynamic Lighting

Model environments will now have more realistic dynamic lighting based on the content of what you are watching. The Home Theater environment will also turn off the lights automatically when watching movies.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed “Failed to Initialize VR Headset” errors with Dash on the Public Test channel
• Fixed “No monitors found” error with Dash on the Public Test channel
• Fixed Start with Windows option to correctly be checked on restarts
• Fixed Full SBS to work properly in Model environments with fixed screens
• Fixed cursor rendering in SBS modes
• Fixed black screen issue on some systems with HDR monitors
• Fixed issue where it wasn't possible to override keyboard bindings
• Fixed rendering of mouse cursor in some games

Let me know in the comments if you experience any issues with this update. Enjoy!

Today’s update is huge. Probably one of the biggest to date. Let’s go into the details!

Moveable Screen

You can now grab the screen and move it around by holding one grip. Holding both grips will let you resize it as it did in the past. Reset Orientation will also reset the screen’s position. By default, the screen will stay leveled with the horizon; check the Allow Rotation option to allow it to roll. You can rotate or tilt 360 videos by using the same technique: point at the video, hold one grip and drag the video around, up or down.

Positional Audio

There is now an option to enable Positional Audio. This is particularly cool with theater environments. If your speakers are configured as a 5.1 or 7.1 setup, sound will be positioned around you. This currently only works with Rift.

New YouTube 360 Projection support

YouTube recently changed the projection of their 360 videos. The Videos tab now has a Cube projection which lets you watch them properly.

Improved Controller Support

Interacting with your desktop using the controllers is now much easier and less frustrating. Clicking or double clicking on buttons/links will feel more reliable. Configurable laser beams are now visible. Interaction with the screen in Model environments is also more accurate. http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/12132600/b92670becfcc004f7b0ccb5bfe8efbd3c593ef87.jpg

Configurable Supersampling

You can now tweak the amount of supersampling used in Virtual Desktop. This can help run Virtual Desktop on lower end machines or reduce the GPU usage when playing games. Note that with Rift, this doesn’t affect the screen’s image quality as it is using Cylindrical Layers but it does affect the quality of environments or the screen in Model environments.

Xbox Controller Improvements

You can now use your Xbox controller to interact with your desktop with Vive and WMR headsets (in addition to Rift). You can also move/tilt the screen or 360 videos by holding the bumpers and using the left thumb stick.

Remembering Video Settings

All the video settings (mode, projection, FOV, tilt, rotation, etc.) are now saved per video.

Improved Dynamic Lighting

Model environments will now have more realistic dynamic lighting based on the content of what you are watching. The Home Theater environment will also turn off the lights automatically when watching movies.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed “Failed to Initialize VR Headset” errors with Dash on the Public Test channel
• Fixed “No monitors found” error with Dash on the Public Test channel
• Fixed Start with Windows option to correctly be checked on restarts
• Fixed Full SBS to work properly in Model environments with fixed screens
• Fixed cursor rendering in SBS modes
• Fixed black screen issue on some systems with HDR monitors
• Fixed issue where it wasn't possible to override keyboard bindings
• Fixed rendering of mouse cursor in some games

Let me know in the comments if you experience any issues with this update. Enjoy!

Today's update separates the Dashboard functionality into a separate app (called Virtual Desktop Dashboard) which will now appear under Tools in Steam. This will solve the issue of Virtual Desktop always appearing as running in Steam, failing to start or being prompted to choose what mode to start it in. This change also gets rid of the launch dialog when starting Virtual Desktop. Note that if you need to run the Environment Editor, you can find it in the installation directory and launch it manually from there. I've also reduced the GPU Usage when Virtual Desktop is in the background and another VR app is running.

Bug Fixes

- Fixed mouse lag when watching 360 videos/photos - Intersecting the Open dialog while playing a video will keep the UI visible Thanks!