The recent Windows 11 24H2 update introduces a variety of exciting new features while simultaneously retiring some legacy apps and tools that Microsoft no longer plans to support. Among the phased-out features is Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), a platform Microsoft launched in 2017 to enable virtual and augmented reality experiences via compatible headsets like the HoloLens, which has also recently been discontinued.
With the 24H2 update, Windows Mixed Reality functionality is officially deprecated, meaning previously compatible devices will no longer operate, effectively ending support for VR applications through platforms like SteamVR. This move isn’t entirely unexpected, as Microsoft had already announced its intent to phase out Windows Mixed Reality late last year. Users who wish to continue using their mixed reality headsets can do so on Windows 10 or on non-updated Windows 11 versions until November 2026, though even these alternatives will have an expiration date.
Microsoft’s foray into mixed reality began with the 2015 launch of its “Windows Holographic” XR platform, alongside affordable XR headsets from partners. Extended reality (XR) encompasses virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality, with each offering varying levels of immersion in digital environments. Windows Mixed Reality allowed users to engage with VR applications via Steam, even producing the HP Reverb G2 headset in collaboration with Valve in 2020. Despite these initiatives, demand remained limited. In an XR market where competitors like Meta’s Oculus and Sony have also struggled to achieve widespread adoption, consumer interest has largely been stifled by the high costs and limited gaming and entertainment options available.
Given the tepid response and evolving priorities, Microsoft’s departure from mixed reality aligns with a broader industry pivot away from XR hardware. The company is instead channeling efforts into projects like its Copilot+ PCs, integrating AI-driven solutions, which also face an uncertain path to mainstream success.
