Virtual desktop latency driving me crazy (75-100ms)

I’m getting so frustrated.

I am constantly around 70-100ms of latency using my quest 2 and VD.

New router as access point, wifi6, right next to me with gigabit.

VD is reading it at 5ghz, 1200mbps. Dedicated router.

If I set my steam VR resolution at 100%, I am around 75-90 ms DLSS quality. There is noticeable stutter. Dropping to performance reduces it to 60ms and stutter fades, but graphics suffer.

Even turning everything way down (LOD, resolution to 50%, DLSS ultra performance can’t get me below 55ms).

Am I missing something major here? I have a 13900KF, 4090, and 64GB.

Shouldn’t I be able to achieve 30s? I can’t seem to get a good mixture of quality and performance. I really like VD and don’t want to have to start troubleshooting other options just yet.

I need a VD/Steam VR expert consult!

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What does the VD Performance Overlay report?

I would expect numbers around 70msec:

  1. MSFS frametime in VR at 33FPS = maybe as high as 40-45msec (frame and a half average)
  2. Encoder latency = 7msec
  3. Network latency = 9 msec
  4. Decoding latency = 10 msec

Make sure you have disabled QoS in your router and that you are using 80mHz channel width

If you want an expert, ask the dev ggodin on the Virtual Desktop Discord channel

Also change bitrate in VD to something like 60-80 and see if it helps.

Hi mate. Have you tried the in game Nvidia Reflex setting? Or you can set ultra low latency in the Nvidia panel settings. Also might be worth trying auto bitrate and auto codec settings in VD.

Also, I’ve just got an Asus AX55 router that is working well for me as an access point. I don’t know what router you have, but TP-Link are known to have issues for some in VD. It I can think of any other possible settings I’ll let you know.

I will try all of these things.

I tried bitrate to 75 but no effect.

Yes I have a TP link AX3000:) I hadn’t heard about any issues.

I will report back.

I don’t remember what the issues are with TP-Link devices, but you will be able to find out on their Discord and maybe pick up some other suggestions too.

Make sure your reported resolution in MSFS with TAA selected is no more than 2500x2500 or so. Use OXRTK to reduce it with FSR at 80% even though SteamVR is at 3200x3200. I am getting 70 to 100 msec latency as well with SSW selected at always enabled.

Here’s yet another interesting tidbit from today’s testing.

I started everything up, and I got into the VR setting prior to launching my flight. I was getting about 60 ms of latency with everything turned up to the max. Later on, I started another flight, but did not enter VR until I was already in the cockpit. everything was exactly the same, including the flight, flight model, etc. All of a sudden I was getting 120 ms of latency.

I have yet to repeat this finding on multiple tests, but it is interesting. From this point, moving forward, I think I will always enter VR prior to launching a flight.

I ordered the Asus ax3000 and will test it against my current router to see if it makes a difference. I’d still like to get that 60 ms latency down.

You should still try Airlink sometime - I get better clarity with it - but yes, it is a little more work to use it compared to VD.

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Strangely, I have had bad latency in MSFS in virtual desktop recently, after excellent performance for 18 months. I will have time to look into it a bit more and try different routers next week, interested to hear if you come to any conclusions!

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Have you reported this problem on the virtual desktop discord? Be sure to provide your hardware and software version details, as well as a snapshot of the optional overlay for virtual desktop.

Problems have been reported with newer versions of the TP-Link AX 1500 routers. Not seen anything about the TP-Link AX3000 though. Video on routers here:

The BEST and CHEAPEST Routers for Air Link & Virtual Desktop

Also this guy has tried various connection methods for VD and the Pico 4 including WIFI 6 dedicated router, USB-C tethering with VD, and finally Ethernet cable to USB-C adaptor, all for MSFS.

PICO 4 | MSFS VR | Performance Test Part 2 | WIFI 6 Wireless Virtual Desktop

I personally have a new Asus RT-AX55 dedicated router situated about three feet away, along with a 4090 and 5800X3D. I have Godlike Mode set, DLSS Quality settings, SteamVR set at default (150%) and then crank up the resolution in the Toolkit resolution override. I get network connection at around 4-9ms in VD, latency around 70ms, but gameplay is smooth and stutter free on my Pico 4.

I would suggest downloading the free open source WiFiAnalyser app on your phone and check your locality for 5GHz traffic that may be interfering with your connection on the same channels. For me, although there are numerous 2.4GHz routers nearby, apart from me there are no 5GHz channels being used at all.

Edit: For some android phones, android 9 and 10 have WIFI scan throttling. This can be disabled in Android 10 by following these directions using developer mode.

FAQ: How to disable Wi-Fi throttling on Android 10

I downloaded WifiAnalyzer but can’t seem to figure out how to check for competing networks, how do you do this?

Make sure you have WIFI enabled, then at the bottom of the app select channel graph. You can select the frequency at the top to change from 2.4 to 5 GHz bands. The graph will show all nearby networks and their decibel strength. Access points on the lower left will also show a list of detected WIFI access points.

This must be the wrong app. I downloaded Wifi Analyzer from the App Store (iPhone), there is no option like you described.

I will search for other apps unless you can post a link:)

Ah right. I have an Android 10 phone. The app is called WifiAnalyzer (open -source) on Google Play Store. Not sure if it is available on the Apple store. If not, there should be something similar for iPhones.

Website here: Wifi Analyzer (open-source)

I’ve never found WiFiAnayzer on iphone, just Android. Borrow an Android tablet (not Amazon Fire)

Bought the ax50 and have similar problems with latency. When I move my head the sound cracks and latency spikes up. Moreover, latency is always from 65 upwards.

Lower your bitrate.