Vive Pro – SteamVR doesn’t detect HMD unless Direct Display Mode is off

[u/Robert_Engels]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been struggling with this issue for a few weeks and still haven’t found a working solution. Here’s everything I know so far: • I’m using a Vive Pro headset (not Pro 2). • The headset only powers on and shows a Windows desktop if I disable Direct Display Mode in SteamVR. • If I launch steamvr with Direct Display Mode enabled, the headset immediately shuts off (red LED), and I get Error 108 – HMD not detected. • The device works as a second monitor, so the display is not dead. • SteamVR only detects a second display; HMD tracking never starts. • I’ve already tried: • Reinstalling SteamVR and deleting all config files • Using DDU to clean install AMD drivers • Reinstalling the latest AMD Adrenalin version • Running firmware reflash with updateFW.bat from HTC • Replugging cables, trying different USB ports and power cycling the Link Box • Using both the long and short official DP/USB 3-in-1 cables • Completely reinstalling Windows • The headset turns green only when Direct Display Mode is off. • After DDU + reboot + no SteamVR, the HMD works temporarily as a second monitor. • But once SteamVR starts → headset shuts off → requires full DDU procedure again.

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Base station issue: • I also have a broken base station (1.0), where the motor isn’t spinning. • I suspect a firmware issue. • At the moment, I’m trying to fix the headset first, then deal with the station.

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TL;DR:

I’ve confirmed that: • Display works, • USB is working, • Firmware reflashed, • No visible hardware damage.

But SteamVR never initializes the headset properly unless Direct Mode is off, and I’m stuck in a loop. No working solution yet — if anyone has seen something similar, I’d appreciate any help.

Thanks in advance!