<p>To address the limitations of conventional surface treatment processes for GCr15 bearing raceways, this study aims to optimize the laser quenching process via numerical simulation and experimental investigation, thereby enhancing surface wear resistance and providing technical support for precision bearing manufacturing. Numerical and experimental optimization of the laser hardening process for GCr15 bearing steel was conducted. A finite element model was developed to simulate the temperature field, predict the hardening depth, and analyze residual stresses. Based on the simulation parameters, single-track laser quenching experiments were conducted. The quenched zone was characterized by three distinct regions: a hardened zone consisting mainly of needle-like martensite, a transition zone containing martensite, retained austenite, and ferrite, and a heat-affected zone composed primarily of tempered sorbitite. The cross-sectional morphology of the quenching layer exhibited a crescent shape, consistent with the simulation results. The predicted quenching depth using a Gaussian heat source model agreed well with experimental measurements, with an error of less than 10%. Hardness distribution within the quenched layer showed gradual decrease along the depth due to the Gaussian energy profile. Increasing laser power or decreasing scanning speed led to greater depth and width of the quenching layer. The wear rate of laser-hardened specimens decreased by 10–40% compared to untreated substrates. The lowest wear rate was achieved at a laser power of 1200 W and a scanning speed of 20 mm/s, showing a 38.64% reduction relative to the base material and demonstrating significantly enhanced wear resistance. Adhesive wear and fatigue wear were identified as the primary failure mechanisms.</p>