Windows 11 Carves New Gaming Path by Discontinuing Mixed Reality Feature
The End of Mixed Reality on Windows 11
The big Windows 11 24H2 update has brought numerous intriguing new features, yet it has also discarded several applications and functionalities that Microsoft is stepping away from. One of those removed features is Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), first launched in 2017, designed for virtual and augmented reality through WMR-compatible headsets like the Microsoft HoloLens.
Impact of the 24H2 Update
The 24H2 update officially deprecates WMR functionality, rendering once-compatible devices inoperative and marking the end for Steam VR applications associated with them. Although not entirely unexpected—Microsoft announced this deprecation last year—the announcement still shocks many in the gaming community.
- Existing mixed reality devices can still function until November 2026.
- This occurs only if the Windows 11 24H2 update remains absent.
- Windows Mixed Reality continues to function on Windows 10.
Why Abandon Mixed Reality?
Microsoft's venture into the VR landscape commenced in 2015, aiming to carve out a niche in the expanding gaming market. However, as gaming trends shift, the company's need to prioritize resources becomes evident.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.