Fix Steam VR Error 306 on Windows 10

January 24, 2023

Steam VR is an amazing tool that allows Steam users to view and enjoy VR content on Windows or any other compatible device. The Steam VR tool can be accessed on the HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality headset, Oculus Rift, or any compatible headset or controller. However, when launching Steam VR on the system, error 306 appears on the screen. This error has affected many users, and if you are one of them looking for a quick fix, then you have come to the right place. We have a great guide for you to help you fix the Steam VR Error 306 as well as walk you through the causes behind it.

How to Fix Steam VR Error 306 on Windows 10

Launching Steam VR may result in error 306 stating that Steam VR failed to initialize for unknown reasons. This error code can appear on your screen for various reasons. Some of these reasons are briefly described below:

An outdated version of the software is one of the main reasons that can cause error 306. Updating the headset software is just as important as updating the application software. So, keep an eye on the new version of your GPU.
Another reason that causes the error is a connection problem. Make sure your VR headset is connected to the graphics card port to ensure the headset works properly without errors.
The next reason is an outdated graphics driver which can cause Steam VR compatibility issues with the system and hence the error.
Another reason that is believed to be the root cause is the Steam beta. If users don't have enough knowledge about when to enable and disable a beta, this can certainly cause some problems.
The final cause of the error is the natural locomotion program, which can cause recognition errors on VR headsets.

Now that you know about the error and its causes, it's time to fix the problem using some effective methods. But before that, be sure to reboot your system and VR headset. This preliminary step can help you fix bugs and maybe even bugs. Now that you have restarted both, start with the methods below:

Preliminary checks

The first thing to do when you encounter error 306 on Steam VR is to check if your system is compatible with VR. If not, then this might be the reason why you are seeing the error on your system screen. So check the requirements as they are below:

Minimum operating system requirements include Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or later, and Windows 10.
Processor requirements include equivalent Intel Core i5-4590/AMD FX 8350 or better.
The next requirement is memory, which should be 4 GB of RAM.
Next comes the graphics, the minimum requirement for which is NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, equivalent to AMD Radeon R9 290 or better. While recommended requirements: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 equivalent to AMD Radeon RX 480 or higher.
Network Requirements - Broadband Internet connection.
Additional requirements include 1XUSB 2.0 or never, HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or later.

Method 1: Troubleshoot cable connection

As mentioned earlier in the section on causes of error 306, incorrectly connected cables can also be one of the causes of this problem. If your VR cable is plugged into the secondary HDMI port, you can plug them into the primary port to fix this issue. You can fix port connectivity by doing the following:

1. Disconnect the cables from the secondary port.

2. Now connect the VR cable to the main port.

3. Connect a monitor through the optional graphics card port.

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4. Now close the Steam VR app.

After completing all the steps, reboot your system and launch Steam VR to check if the error is resolved.

Method 2: Perform a Clean Boot

The final way to resolve Steam VR error 306 is to clean boot your system if none of the methods have worked for you so far. Performing a clean boot will help your system resolve any problems with it and restart it with a minimum of drivers and programs. A clean boot also helps resolve any compatibility issues that you may have with the error fixing software. So, if you're looking forward to this step as the last possible option, you can refer to our Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 guide to help you get a better handle on the whole process.

Method 3: Update device drivers

Outdated drivers are another reason why a VR device is showing incompatibility issues and hence causing the error. Therefore, updating drivers not only protects your device from Steam VR error 306, but also helps against viruses of any kind. So check your system drivers from time to time. You can update them manually with our guide to updating device drivers in Windows 10.

Method 4: Uninstall USB Drivers

If USB drivers are corrupted on your system, they can cause various errors on your system and prevent Steam VR from launching. However, uninstalling these drivers helps a lot in improving driver management and ultimately helps with error 306. Follow these steps to learn how to uninstall them:

1. Press the Windows key, type "Device Manager" and click "Open".

2. Now find and open Keyboards.

3. Next, right-click on the driver and select the Uninstall device option.

Once the uninstall is complete, restart your device and then launch Steam VR to check if the error persists.

Method 5: Change Steam VR Settings

Another fix for Steam VR error 306 is possible by changing some of the Steam VR properties settings. This can be done by selecting the beta version for VR. When it does, let Steam VR update it and that will eventually help you fix the error. You can now use the following steps to change Steam VR to Beta:

1. Press the Windows key, type Steam and click Open.

2. Select LIBRARY and find the SteamVR tool.

3. Next, right-click the SteamVR tool and select Properties.

4. Now go to the BETA menu.

5. In the "Select the beta you want to participate in" section, select the beta - Steam VR Beta Update.

Now wait for Steam VR to update and check for error 306.

Method 6: Remove Natural Locomotion

Natural Locomotion app is very useful for VR game. For people who feel unwell while using a VR device, natural locomotion can be very convenient. But using the application may result in a 306 error, which is caused by an incompatibility between the driver and the Steam VR beta. So you can try to remove the natural locomotion and use motion smoothing instead with the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key, type "Control Panel" and click "Open".

2. Set View > Large Icons, then select Programs and Features.

3. Right-click on the Natural Locomotion app and select the Uninstall option.

4. Now open the config folder in the Steam directory in File Explorer.

5. Then delete the locomotion folder from it.

Once it's been removed, open Steam and test Motion Smoothing on it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why isn't Steam VR working?

Answer If you are struggling with Steam VR not working, it might be due to corrupted files in Steam VR apps or missing files. Make sure your Steam VR download is intact.

Q2. Can I reinstall Steam VR?

Answer Yes, you can reinstall Steam VR by simply right-clicking on the Steam VR app and selecting the uninstall option from it. You can then reinstall it by opening Tools in the Steam app.

Q3. Why can't I connect my VR headset to my computer?

Answer If you can't find your VR headset connected to your computer, check if your headset is connected to a dedicated graphics card. Also, make sure your headset and system software are up to date to avoid any issues.

Q4. What headsets can be used with Steam VR?

The answer is Steam VR can make you immerse yourself in virtual reality with an amazing experience by connecting to the headset of your choice. You can connect HTC Vive, Valve Index, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality and more.

Q5. Can I use Steam VR outside of the Steam app?

The Steam VR answer may be copied for company or government internal use using the Steam app or internet connection.

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We hope our guide helped you fix Steam VR error 306 in different ways. Let us know which method helped you fix Stream VR error 306. You can also leave a comment below with any questions or suggestions you might have.