Virtual reality (VC) headsets are all the rage these days. They offer a more immersive experience to the gaming world and the chance to move around — if everything’s working properly. HTC’s latest Vive headsets, including the impressive Cosmos and new Vive Pro 2, are more stable than ever, but sometimes things can still go wrong. 

From “headset not found” errors to pairing issues, we’ll cover common HTC Vive problems users face. Then, we’ll suggest possible fixes and provide step-by-step instructions on how to address the issues you might encounter with your HTC Vive.

There are a couple of ways this error can manifest, either as an error message (error 108) or blinking red light on the headset. This is usually the result of either a USB or a driver issue.

Possible fixes:

Once you’ve done that, if the issue still persists, there are a number of other things to try:

Reboot the headset

Step 1: In SteamVR, right-click on the headset icon and select Reboot Vive Headset.

Step 2: Wait for the reboot to complete.

Power cycle the link box

Step 1: Shut down SteamVR.

Step 2: Unplug the power and USB cord from the PC side of the link box (meaning NOT the orange side of the link box).

Step 3: After a few minutes, plug the power and USB cord back into the Link Box. If you see a notification in the taskbar that a driver is installing, wait for it to finish.

Step 4: Relaunch SteamVR. Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this process more than once in order for the error to stop appearing.

Restart your computer

Step 1: Quit SteamVR and reboot your computer.

Use a different USB port

Sometimes, plugging into USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports can cause errors. In that case, try using a USB 2.0 port instead. If there is a USB port already in use and working — say, one that your keyboard or mouse is plugged into — try moving the Vive connection to it. If, after trying all possible USB ports, you still do not have a connection, try resetting your USB devices using the following steps.

Step 1: Unplug the link cables from your PC.

Step 2: Navigate to SteamVR > Settings > General, and make sure the Developer Settings box is checked.

Step 3: Click Reset in the sidebar.

Step 4: Double-check to see if the link box’s USB cable is unplugged from the PC. Click Remove all SteamVR Devices and click Yes when prompted.

Step 5: Quit SteamVR, plug the link box back into your PC, and re-launch SteamVR.

If you’ve attempted every fix detailed above, it may be that your USB chipset is causing the issue. Check with Steam’s support page for further explanation of compatible USB chipsets.

This is usually due to a lack of proper installation permissions. You’ll need to change your permissions in Windows.

Change permissions

Step 1: Navigate to the folder you want to change permissions for.

Step 2: Right-click it and select Properties.

Step 3: Click on the Security tab.

Step 4: Check the names listed in the Group of usernames box. If the account you’re using does not appear, click Add and type the name of the user you wish to add. Skip this step if the username already shows up.

Step 5: To change permissions, click the Allow or Deny check box in the Permissions for User or Group box. For the purposes of solving error 113 with the Vive, you’ll want to allow access.

This error message indicates that the OpenVR driver failed. If you added a file or folder to the SteamVR driver directory, removing it should fix the problem. If not, you may not have the proper permission to write to the user directory.

Change permissions

Step 1: Right-click in Windows Explorer and select the folder you wish to edit permissions for.

Step 2: Click Properties.

Step 3: Click on the Security tab.

Step 4: Check the names listed in the Group or usernames box. If the account you’re using does not appear, click Add and type the name of the user you wish to add. Skip this step if the username already shows up.

Step 5: To change permissions, click the Allow or Deny checkbox in the Permissions for User or Group box. For the purposes of solving error 200 with the Vive, you’ll want to allow access.

If you see this code, it’s usually because your headset isn’t connecting your GPU correctly. Double check to make sure the link box and your primary display are connected to the same GPU in your setup. If you have to use a laptop, make sure the connection is using a discrete GPU. Sometimes switching to “prefer maximum performance” or similar settings will force the computer to make the right switch.

Error 206 means that SteamVR was unable to load the calibration for your headset. To solve the issue, you will need to reset your headset to force the drivers to reinstall.

Reinstall headset drivers

Step 1: Unplug the headset.

Step 2: In SteamVR, go to Settings > Reset, and click Remove all SteamVR devices. Wait a moment.

Step 3: Plug your headset back in and wait for the drivers to install.

Step 4: If repeated attempts do not solve the issue, Valve’s support website indicates you may have a faulty unit, and encourages users to contact HTC through the company’s website.

This error is similar to error 206, in that it indicates a failure of the headset calibration to be loaded by SteamVR. As such, the steps to solve the issue are the same.

Reinstall headset drivers

Step 1: Unplug the headset.

Step 2: In SteamVR, go to Settings > Reset, and click Remove all SteamVR devices. Wait a moment.

Step 3: Plug your headset back in and wait for the drivers to install.

If repeated attempts do not solve the issue, Valve’s support website indicates you may have a faulty unit, and encourages users to contact HTC through the company’s website.

If you encounter error 208 with the message “HMD display not found” or “HMD found over USB, but monitor not found,” try these potential fixes.

This usually happens when your graphics card has an important update that hasn’t been installed yet. Make sure your GPU is fully updated. If you have multiple GPUs, it’s a good idea to disable or remove all but the one you are using for Vive if this problem keeps recurring. Sometimes DisplayPort adapters can also cause this issue and need to be removed to fix it.

This indicates that vrserver.exe failed to start or connect. Sometimes, this is caused by multiple instances of the program running at the same time.

Kill VRServer processes

Step 1: Quit SteamVR.

Step 2: Type Task manager in the Windows search bar, and open the Task Manager.

Step 3: Locate any instances of vrserver.exe that may be running and quit the process.

Step 4: Run SteamVR.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, Valve’s support page instructs users to send in a system report as detailed in the introduction to this article.

This error means that vrserver.exe is experiencing issues starting up.

All error messages between 1101 and 1112 are related to USB failures. Reinstalling headset USB drivers can do the trick.

Reinstall headset drivers

Step 1: Unplug your headset/linkbox, controllers, and any other VR devices you have plugged into your PC.

Step 2: In SteamVR, go to Settings > Reset, and click Remove all SteamVR USB Devices.

Step 3: Click Yes.

Step 4: Quit SteamVR.

Step 5: Reconnect your headset, this time using a different USB port, and wait for drivers to install.

Step 6: Restart SteamVR.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, Valve’s support page instructs users to send in a system report as detailed in the introduction to this article.

The inside-out tracking used in the Cosmos requires no setup, but some players have found that the tracking seems to skip a lot or develop inaccuracies. The key is probably somewhere in the environment itself. If you are using a Cosmos in a dim room, try turning on brighter overhead lights. If there are mirrors or reflective surfaces around, try removing them and covering windows to improve the experience. Also, completely blank walls can actually confuse the headset’s data collection, so having a few basic objects (outside of tripping range) may even be a good idea.

Not all Vive games work with Cosmos models, and sometimes bugs prevent them from working properly. HTC reports that around 90% of Viveport’s most popular titles are compatible, but results may vary based on what you like to play. Keep checking for updates to see if bugs are fixed or more compatibility is added.

Are you using a wired connection? Try switching to wireless. If this improves the issue, then your headset may have a faulty cable, or possibly a software bug. This is a fairly common problem that is still being investigated. Contact HTC to report the issue, keep SteamVR updated, and play in wireless mode for now.

Cosmos controllers last between four and eight hours. That’s a lot of variance, based on how often the controller sensors have to recalibrate, lighting, and the content you are playing. For now, the best idea is to keep a few AA batteries around in case the controllers start dying unexpectedly. HTC would like to offer built-in, rechargeable batteries at some time in the future, but that hasn’t happened yet.

Cosmos models use built-in headphones that rely on the USB 3.0 connection. If the headphones are having problems, there’s probably an issue with that connection: Make sure you are using an up-to-date USB 3.0 port and that connections are secure. Check for cable damage to make sure nothing has gone wrong — the motion-oriented VR experience can be tougher on USB cables than many other uses.

If you find that your controller isn’t recognized by SteamVR, the LED color should give you a clue about what to do.

If blue

When the controller LED is solid blue, it means that the controller is not connecting to the PC successfully. You will need to re-pair your controllers. To do so, navigate to SteamVR > Settings > Devices > Pair Controller.

If red

If the controller’s LED is solid red and the controller is unresponsive, try resetting your controller.

Step 1: Simultaneously press and hold the trigger, menu button, trackpad button, and grip buttons.

Step 2: Keeping these buttons held, plug your controller into your PC via Micro USB.

Step 3: After plugging it in, wait five seconds and then release the buttons. Your PC will appear to find a new storage device. Ignore this prompt and unplug the controller.

Step 4: After this, the controller will be reset, and should now be working properly.

If light is not on at all

If the LED is displaying no color, that means the controller is not turned on. Press the system button to turn on the controller. If the controller does not turn on, then your controller needs to be charged. Plug your controllers into an outlet via the Micro USB and power adapter. While the controllers are plugged in and charging, the LED will display different colors:

If your controller is a bit squirrely or difficult to use, it likely needs to be calibrated or the firmware needs to be updated.

Step 1: In SteamVR, navigate to SteamVR > Devices > Update Firmware.

Step 2: Turn off the controller by holding down the System button until the LED turns off.

Step 3: With the controller turned off, press and hold the trigger and grip button.

Step 4: While continuing to hold the trigger and grip button, press the system button. The controller should turn back on. When it does, it will make a different noise than the usual power-on noise.

This generally means that the Vive base station is having difficulty stabilizing. Vibrations or movement can cause this error to occur.

If your Vive Lighthouse base stations won’t wake up from standby, try this:

This means the base stations are having difficulty seeing one another.

If the LED on the Vive base station is not lit up, that means the base station is not receiving power.

Issues can occur with your base station while trying to sync. Here are some tips to make sure they are set up properly for optical sync.

If all the above criteria are met, the base station LED should turn solid green when synced. If it still doesn’t, try using the Sync Cable.

Step 1: Packaged with the Vive box is a long, optional cable. Plug this cable into the base stations.

Step 2: Push the mode buttons on the backs of the stations until one station displays “a” and the other “b.”

Step 3: If done correctly, the base station LEDs should now be solid green.

This means that one or more of your devices are not tracking properly (or at all). It should be easy to rectify the problem.

An incomplete installation may cause corrupt or missing files. You need to make sure your installation is fully intact.

Step 1: Exit SteamVR.

Step 2: Go to the Steam desktop client.

Step 3: Navigate to Library > Tools, and right-click on SteamVR. Select Properties.

Step 4: Open the Local Files tab.

Step 5: Select Verify Integrity of Tool Cache.

If you’re not getting any sound through your headphones, headset, or speakers then you’re not alone. There are lots of things you can try to get your Vive audio working.

If you find there’s no sound coming through your headphones and you’re plugged into the extra USB port, here’s what to do:

A few people have had trouble with the sound cutting off while plugged into the Vive headphone jack. There are a few things worth checking to bring it back.

If you get a surprise shock from your Vive while using earbuds it might just be static. This normally isn’t indicative of an issue, as a buildup of static or minor static shock does not necessarily mean your Vive is malfunctioning and isn’t cause for worry. It can, however, be annoying.

A lot of people have found that, after upgrading to Windows 10, Vive shows as the computer’s main monitor – not exactly an ideal situation. Fortunately, it’s very easy to fix. Just disconnect your headset for the link box, and reboot your computer. When your computer is finished rebooting, reconnect your headset cable to the link box. Everything should be fine now!

If this is happening with everything you try, it’s probably because of how your computer is controlling the display. There are a lot of settings that can cause this, but one of the most common is night mode. Check your computer and make sure no night mode settings are enabled. Also make sure you aren’t running any other types of software that deliberately change how your computer’s display looks.

Newer headsets like the Vive Pro 2 may experience some problems with their automatic brightness adjustments. Users may find that the screen switches brightness levels in a distracting way, or immediately darkens when looking in a specific direction, making visibility a problem.

If you find this is a problem, visit SteamVR settings. SteamVR recently added a universal brightness slider to control brightness manually. You may also want to see if there are in-game options for adjusting the brightness.

The HTC Vive Wireless Adapter is one of the best upgrades you can make to your VR experience for room-scale play, but the experience isn’t error-free.

If you find that your headset doesn’t work or power on at all with the Vive wireless installed, try these fixes.

If you have done all of the above, try running the Vive Wireless connection software again, then launch SteamVR.

If you find that the Vive Wireless connection application gets stuck on “Initializing,” or any of its other intermediary steps, there are some things you can try that should fix it.

If none of that works, try the following:

Step 1: Search for Device Manager in the Windows search box and select the corresponding result.

Step 2: Find the Intel Wireless Gigabit VR Adapters and click the arrow next to it. Right-click the Intel Wireless Gigabit W11100 VR Device and select

Step 3: Now, right click on Intel Wireless Gigabit W11100 VR Device and select the “Enable” option.

After that, you can try to run the Vive Wireless application again. If everything goes according to plan, it should now find your headset.

Grey screen during play

Despite the kinks in connecting VR headsets to your devices, VR headsets are in high demand, gaining popularity by the minute. We are confident that this article provides you with thorough guidelines to assess and resolve any future problems you may have with HTC Vive.