Install OpenFOV for iRacing on Windows

OpenFOV is a free, open source head tracker for iRacing that runs on any Windows 10 or 11 machine with a webcam. The full setup takes about five minutes — here’s the complete walkthrough.

What you’ll need

• A PC running Windows 10 or 11
• Any USB or built-in webcam (the Logitech C920 / C922 / Brio and most laptop cameras work great)
• An active iRacing membership
• ~150 MB of free disk space

Step 1 — Download the latest release

Head to the OpenFOV releases page on GitHub and download the latest OpenFOV-setup.exe. Every release is signed and built from the public source — you can inspect the build workflow in the repo.

Step 2 — Install

Run the installer. Windows SmartScreen may show a warning the first time because the binary doesn’t carry an EV code signing certificate (those cost $400/year and OpenFOV is free) — click More info → Run anyway. If you’d rather build from source, the GitHub repo has a one-command developer build under the README.

Step 3 — Pick your webcam

Launch OpenFOV. The first run opens the camera picker. Choose the webcam you want to use for head tracking, then click Calibrate. Look straight at the monitor and stay still for 2–3 seconds while OpenFOV captures your neutral head pose. This is what the rest of your movement will be measured against — try to sit how you normally sit while racing.

Webcam tips for the best tracking quality

• Lighting matters more than resolution. Even indirect window light is better than a 4K webcam in a dark room.
• Mount the webcam centered above your monitor (the same place you’d put a Zoom camera).
• Distance: arm’s length.About 50–80 cm from your face is the sweet spot.
• Disable webcam “auto-framing” features (Logitech RightSight, Windows Studio Effects, etc.) — they move the image and confuse the tracker.

Step 4 — Configure iRacing

Inside iRacing, open Options → Driver and make sure Cockpit Head Movementis enabled. That’s it — OpenFOV drives the same camera offsets iRacing already supports, so no special mod or DLL injection is needed. Your membership is in no way at risk.

Step 5 — Drive

Start any session and OpenFOV will begin sending head pose to iRacing the moment you’re in-car. Turn your head left, the camera looks left. Lean forward, the camera leans into the corner. Adjust sensitivity in the OpenFOV tray menu if you want more or less travel.

Troubleshooting

The in-game camera doesn’t move

Check that Cockpit Head Movement is enabled in iRacing options and that OpenFOV is reporting a live pose (the tray icon turns green when tracking is active).

Tracking is jittery

Usually a lighting problem. Add a soft light source in front of you (a desk lamp aimed at the wall behind your monitor works great) and recalibrate.

The camera drifts when I’m looking straight ahead

Recalibrate from the OpenFOV tray menu. Drift typically means your seating position changed from the original calibration.

Where to get help

Open an issue on GitHub — include your Windows version, webcam model, and a short description of what’s happening. The project is actively maintained.

New to webcam head tracking? Read how OpenFOV works under the hood, or see why it’s a popular free TrackIR alternative.