How to Fix the Oculus Runtime Service Error in Windows 10

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The Oculus Runtime Service error is an Oculus app issue that can arise on Windows 10 for users who connect Rift headsets with PCs. The Oculus Runtime Service error message says: “Can’t reach the Oculus Runtime Service, your Oculus software may be updating.” As a result, the Oculus app doesn’t start, and users can’t utilize Rift headsets.

This issue has been primarily Oculus Runtime Service reported by Rift users for whom the Oculus Windows app is essential. However, similar Oculus app runtime errors can arise with Quest 2. This is how you can fix the Oculus Runtime Service error in Windows 10.

1. Try Opening Oculus From Its Directory

First, try launching the Oculus app from its installation directory instead of using a shortcut to see if that makes a difference. You can launch the Oculus software from its default installation folder like this:

  • Press Win + X to open the WinX menu.
  • Select File Explorer to access the folder navigator.
  • Then open this default folder path for the Oculus app:
    C:\Program Files\Oculus\Support\oculus-runtime
  • Click the OVRServer_x64.exe file with the right button on your mouse to select Run as administrator.

    • 2. Run the Oculus Rift Patch

    When users started reporting this runtime error, Oculus released a new patch to resolve that issue. The Oculus Rift Patch is a repair tool that updates certification for Oculus system files. Many users have fixed the Oculus Runtime Error with that patch like this:

  • Open the Oculus Rift Patch download page.
  • Click the Download Install Patch button.
  • Bring up File Explorer and the folder to which the Oculus Rift Patch was downloaded.
  • Double-click the OculusPatchMarch2018.exe file to bring up the window below.
  • Select Repair on that window.
  • Click Repair again for confirmation.
  • Select Next after downloading to launch Oculus.
  • Then exit and restart the Oculus software. Click Update if you see any message about a further update required.

    • 3. Check That the Oculus VR Runtime Service Is Running

    The Oculus Runtime Service error references a VR service that cannot be reached. The Oculus app can’t start when that service is disabled. So, you may need to start or restart the Oculus VR Runtime service on your PC to resolve this issue. This is how you enable the Oculus VR Runtime Service in Windows 10:

  • First, click on either Type here to search box or bar on Windows 10’s taskbar.
  • Input the phrase services to find the Services app, then open it.
  • Double-click Oculus VR Runtime Service to view options for it.
  • If the Oculus VR Runtime Service is set to Disabled, select Automatic on its Startup menu.
  • Press Start (in the properties window) to run the Oculus VR Runtime Service.
  • Select Apply to start the service.
  • Click OK to exit the Oculus VR Runtime Service Properties window.

    • If that service is already running, right-click Oculus VR Runtime Service and select Stop. Right-click the same service again to select its Restart option. Then try opening the Oculus VR app to see if the error has been resolved.

    4. Set Up an Antivirus Exclusion for the Oculus App’s Folder

    Antivirus utilities can cause the Oculus Runtime Service error by blocking VR drivers in the Oculus folder. Adding the whole Oculus app folder to your antivirus software’s exclusion list will fix the issue in such a scenario. Our how to whitelist files on Microsoft Defender guide tells you how to set up antivirus exclusions in Windows Security.

    You can select to set up an exclusion for the Oculus folder at this default directory path:

    C:\Program Files\Oculus\

    Users with third-party antivirus utilities will need to add an exclusion for that folder within their alternative security software. Most third-party security software packages include whitelist settings for excluding files and apps. If you utilize third-party antivirus software, look through its publisher’s website for instructions about how to whitelist files with it.

    5. Update Your PC’s Graphics Driver

    Outdated GPU drivers can also generate PC VR issues. If your PC’s graphics driver is an old one, it might not be entirely compatible with the latest Oculus software. To ensure that’s not the case, try updating the graphics adapter driver on your PC. You can do that manually or with AMD or NVIDIA apps as outlined in our guide to updating graphics drivers in Windows 10.

    6. Perform a Clean Boot

    Clean-booting Windows 10 will ensure there aren’t any conflicting third-party apps causing any Oculus issues in the background. Setting a clean startup disables unneeded apps and services from automatically starting with Windows. You can set such a boot configuration with the MSConfig and Task Manager tools as instructed in our article about performing a clean boot on Windows.

    After disabling startup services and apps, restart your PC to perform the clean boot. Then connect your headset to your PC and try launching the Oculus app. If that resolves the Oculus Runtime Service issue, an app or service in the background was causing the error. That could have a third-party security app or something else.

    What you do after that is up to you. You can keep the clean startup settings as they are. Or you try to identify what was causing the issue to arise by gradually re-enabling startup apps and services.

    7. Reinstall the Oculus App

    If the Oculus Runtime Service error persists after applying other recommended potential resolutions, reinstalling Oculus is a last-resort solution to try. It takes a while to reinstall Oculus as it’s a large app. Completely reinstall the Oculus software like this:

  • First, bring up the uninstaller applet using any method in our how to open Programs and Features guide.
  • Select Oculus in Programs and Features.
  • Click Uninstall to bring up a confirmation window.
  • Then select Uninstall again to remove Oculus.
  • Bring up the Program Files directory in File Explorer that includes the Oculus folder.
  • Right-click the Oculus folder if it remains and select Delete.
  • Press Start to select the Power and Restart options.
  • Open the Oculus download page.
  • Click the Download Software option for your Oculus headset.
  • Open the directory in which the OculusSetup.exe file has been downloaded.
  • Then double-click the Oculus setup file to reinstall the software.

    • Enjoy Your Rift Apps Again

    Those potential solutions are confirmed to resolve the Oculus Runtime Service error and similar runtime issues. So, it’s likely one will fix that Oculus app runtime issue on your Windows PC. Then you can enjoy your favorite Rift VR apps again.

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