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Installing Rookie Sideloader

Rookie Sideloader is an alternative to SideQuest VR, commonly used for sideloading applications onto Meta Quest headsets:
https://wiki.vrpirates.club/

Their site is dense if you’re not deep into the tech scene, but no worries—these steps make it easy. First up, you gotta turn off Real-Time Protection in your Windows Security settings

How to Do It

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection settings > Manage Settings.
  3. Flip “Real-time protection” to Off. (Don’t worry, you'll turn it back on later.)

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Heads-up: While you’re in this state of digital vulnerability, avoid doing other stuff because, well, safety first.


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Next, grab the portable Rookie Sideloader from their site:
https://wiki.vrpirates.club/general_information/vrp-downloads

When you visit this link, click on "Windows Download: rookie_2.30.0_portable.zip"

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Once downloaded, make a new folder—something like “VRGames” in your Downloads. Then drop that whole zip file in there. Go ahead and unzip it right in that folder (or double-click and extract).

Now's a good time to plug your headset into your computer with a USB cable.

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Double-click AndroidSideloaderv2.30.0.exe to start. The app will set itself up and may ask to create config files—just say Yes.

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Once it opens, you’ll see a huge list of games ready for action. Headset status (space and battery) shows in the bottom-left. All good? Cool. Start double-clicking on games to queue them up—but only a few at a time! If the queue locks up, it’ll be a pain and you'll have to start over finding everything you selected again

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Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the progress bar and ETA for each install. It makes the waiting game less painful.

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When a game finishes installing, you’ll see a success message. Feel free to install more, or unplug your headset if you're done.

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At this point, delete Rookie Sideloader and its files from your computer, and

remember to turn Real-Time Protection back on.

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Optional: Stash Rookie Sideloader on a USB stick (like 500MB or so) if you want. Just know that if it doesn’t work later, you might need to download the latest version.