Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation: Difference between revisions

[[Microsoft]] discontinued support for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) starting with the 24H2 release of Windows 11. All users who have installed this version or later can no longer use their devices. Microsoft had the drivers built into the operating system and removed them citing maintenance issues. Users who wish to continue using these devices must either use Windows 10 or block the 24H2 update from being installed.<ref name=":1" /> This affects device models from manufacturers including Samsung, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Dell, and Microsoft.  

UploadVR contacted Microsoft and a company representative provided the following official statement: "As of Nov 1, 2026 for consumers and Nov 1, 2027 for commercial customers, Windows Mixed Reality will no longer be available for download via the Mixed Reality portal app, Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR, and SteamVR Beta, and we will discontinue support. At that time, Windows Mixed Reality will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates."<ref name=":0" /> Microsoft has since updated the official ''Windows Deprecated features for Windows client'' [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/deprecated-features article] with a more complete statement: "Windows Mixed Reality is deprecated and will be removed in Windows 11, version 24H2. This deprecation includes the Mixed Reality Portal app, Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR, and Steam VR Beta. Existing Windows Mixed Reality devices will continue to work with Steam through November 2026, if users remain on their current released version of Windows 11, version 23H2. After November 2026, Windows Mixed Reality will no longer receive security updates, nonsecurity updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates."<ref>''mestew, robinharwood, aczechowski, vinaypamnani-msft, v-alje, MicrosoftGuyJFlo, warren-msft, TerryWarwick'' [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/deprecated-features Deprecated features for Windows client] ''(article) Microsoft.''</ref>

Microsoft's HoloLens ran Windows Mixed Reality so once it was deprecated, many speculated that HoloLens would be discontinued.{{citation needed}} HoloLens 2 production stopped in October 2024.<ref>''David Heaney (2024-10-01)'' [https://www.uploadvr.com/microsoft-discontinuing-hololens-2/ Microsoft Is Discontinuing HoloLens 2, With No Replacement] ''(article). UploadVR.'' </ref> It was subsequently announced that Consumer and business divisions of HoloLens are now headed towards end of life in 2028 due to a shift in focus to the defense industry per the following statement provided to ''The Verge'' by Microsoft CVP of Mixed Reality Robin Seiler: "We are transitioning  away from hardware development but will continue to provide support for  HoloLens2 hardware and software through 2027, as announced in October. We remain  committed to the IVAS program and will shift our focus to cloud and AI  technologies, which will serve as the foundation for IVAS as a situational  awareness platform."<ref>''Chris Paoli (2025-02-14)'' [https://redmondmag.com/Articles/2025/02/14/HoloLens-is-Dead.aspx Microsoft Makes it Official: HoloLens is Dead] ''(article). Redmond.''</ref> HoloLens 1 was officially deprecated in December 2024 following entering LTS on November 23, 2021.<ref>(2024-06-27) [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/hololens-release-notes#windows-holographic-version-24h1---december-2024-update Windows Holographic, version 24H1 - December 2024 Update] ''(article). Microsoft.'' </ref>  

<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Ke7nV4q08|author=VR Flight Sim Guy|title=DO NOT Update Windows 11 IF you have a REVERB G2! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! How to Guide {{!}} MSFS, DCS|format=video|language=en|date=2024-02-10|publisher=YouTube}}</ref>

<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft Is Killing Windows Mixed Reality, Will Remove Support For It From Windows|publisher=UploadVR|language=en|date=2023-12-21|author=David Heaney|format=article|url=https://www.uploadvr.com/microsoft-killing-windows-mixed-reality/}}</ref>

<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Microsoft Explains What Will Happen To Windows Mixed Reality Headsets|url=https://www.uploadvr.com/windows-mixed-reality-headset-support-end-date/|language=en|date=2023-12-21|publisher=UploadVR|format=article|author=David Heaney}}</ref>

<ref>{{Cite web|title=Windows Mixed Reality Headsets No Longer Function With Latest Windows 11 Update|author=David Heaney|date=2024-10-01|url=https://www.uploadvr.com/windows-11-24h2-kills-windows-mr-support/|language=en|format=article|publisher=UploadVR}}</ref>

<ref name="mixed-w11-update">

{{Cite web|title=The latest W11 update makes your Windows VR headset unusable|url=https://mixed-news.com/en/w11-update-disables-windows-mixed-reality|publisher=MIXED|format=article|language=en|author=Tomislav Bezmalinovic|date=2024-10-02}}

<br /><span style="padding-left: 1.125em;" />{{Cite web|title=Neues W11-Update macht Windows-VR-Brillen unbrauchbar|url=https://mixed.de/windows-11-update-kill-windows-mixed-reality/|publisher=MIXED|format=article|language=de|author=Tomislav Bezmalinovic|date=2024-10-02}}</ref>

<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft deprecates Windows Mixed Reality as another Windows 10 dream dies|date=2023-12-21|author=João Carrasqueira|publisher=XDA|language=en|format=article|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-deprecates-windows-mixed-reality/}}</ref>

<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft Quietly Announces the End of Windows Mixed Reality|url=https://www.extremetech.com/electronics/microsoft-quietly-announces-the-end-of-windows-mixed-reality|format=article|language=en|author=Ryan Whitwam|publisher=ExtremeTech|date=2023-12-21}}</ref>

<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft just killed Windows Mixed Reality but the company's VR vision lives on thanks to a surprising savior in Meta Quest|publisher=Windows Central|date=2023-12-21|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/virtual-reality/microsoft-killed-windows-mixed-reality-but-meta-quest-lives-on|language=en|format=article|author=Sean Endicott}}</ref>

<ref>{{Cite web|format=forum thread|url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/hp-reverb-g2-windows-11-24h2-not-working-need-help/dd90e232-1f28-4655-aafa-685285017d59|publisher=Microsoft|date=2024-11-18|language=en|title=HP Reverb G2 + Windows 11 24H2 Not Working Need Help}}</ref>