The new Meta Quest user interface is a pretty big shift from the old layout, and honestly, I don’t mind it at all once I got use to where everything was.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from basic navigation to some of the newer features like windows and app pinning.
You can read the article or watch the video below for the visuals of it.
First Look (0:00)
Right away, the new UI feels better because the Horizon Feed is now gone. This had already started rolling out beforehand even with the old UI but now the first thing you see is the Store. Is that a worthy substitute, not quite sure but it is what it is. Personally, I would have liked to just see my library right away.
How to Navigate (0:42)
Click on the Meta Button to open the new Navigator. This will take you to your library.
Inside the library you can:
- Use your controller or hand tracking to point and select
- Click and hold on apps to see their options
- Use the joystick to scroll between pages of apps.
The biggest change is that you’re no longer locked into one fixed UI position, you control where everything goes.
How to Pin Apps (1:01)
Pinning apps is one of the best new features. This is in your library.
To pin an app:
- Open your app library
- Select the app you want by clicking and holding on it
- Choose the option to pin it
Pinned apps stay easily accessible, saving you time digging through your library.
This is especially useful for:
- Frequently used apps
- Settings
- Any other app you want quick access to
How to Sort & Organize Apps (1:31)
The new UI gives you similar control over your app library with one big change, the Horizon Worlds are no longer “App” icons.
On the left-hand side you will see the options for sorting. You can:
- Sort apps by recent, installed, or alphabetical order
- Organize your layout based on how you use your headset
- Hide apps from your library to have a more customized experience. To hide an app, click and hold on it like you did for pinning and you will see an option for hiding.
It’s not super advanced yet, but we may see other changes in the future.
Navigation Bottom Menu Bar Options (2:01)
The bottom menu bar is your main control hub.
Here you’ll find quick access to:
- Profile/Avatar Settings
- Friends
- Library
- Notifications
- Quick Settings
- Notifications
- Hide/Show Windows
- App Controls
One thing they improved from the PTC version of the Navigator was that there previously was no quick way to see battery life. Now that is always across the top so you can easily see it.
How to Quit Apps (2:51)
Closing apps is slightly different now.
To quit an app:
- Open the menu while in the app
- Select the app icon in the bottom panel
- Choose “Quit”
If you are just going into another app, select the new app in the library and the app you are currently on will just quit.
Windows Feature (3:57)
This is where things get really interesting.
The new windows feature lets you:
- Open multiple apps at once
- Resize and move them around your space
- Create a multi-tasking setup
It’s one of the biggest steps toward making the Meta Quest feel like a true spatial computer. I still am exploring the uses of this new feature so that I can get the most out of it.
Anchoring Windows (4:56)
Anchoring lets you lock windows in place in your physical space.
For example:
- Put a YouTube window on your wall
- Keep a browser open beside you
- Set up a floating screen while you move around
Once anchored, the window stays in that exact real-world or virtual position.
Final Thoughts (5:17)
Overall, the new Meta Quest UI is a big upgrade.
Pros:
- More flexible and customizable
- Better multitasking
- Cleaner design
Cons:
- Takes a bit of time to learn
- Some features still feel early
Once you get used to it, though, I think it’ll be hard to go back.
Final Verdict
If you just got the update, spend a little time experimenting with:
- Pinning apps
- Moving windows
- Anchoring screens
That’s where this new UI really shines.
