Windows comments on the discontinuation of Windows Mixed Reality: VR headsets likely to become electronic waste in the long term

Windows Mixed Reality is a platform for VR content created by Microsoft and, at the same time, an ecosystem for manufacturers of corresponding hardware. Unlike Meta or, in the near future, Apple, Microsoft has not developed its own VR headset for end customers, but instead left this to hardware manufacturers such as Acer. Windows Mixed Reality also includes a special VR user environment, which allows for pleasant navigation in virtual reality and includes, for example, a virtual villa that can be set up by the user.

Compatible headsets can be used with Steam VR without issue. In some cases, users can even select optimized settings for control in Steam VR; Windows Mixed Reality also provides the necessary drivers for this. Now, Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support Windows Mixed Reality. According to a statement from the company, downloads will no longer be possible for end users from November 1, 2026 and one year later for corporate customers.

Furthermore, Microsoft has commented to Upload VR on the situation regarding Steam VR: Windows Mixed Reality devices will still be able to work with Steam after this deadline as long as they are not updated to a Windows version without WMR support. In the medium term, headsets can continued to be used, but may become useless in the long term. But it is entirely possible that resourceful users will somehow ensure compatibility after the official end of support.

The discontinuation of Windows Mixed Reality is something of a statement, as it suggests that Microsoft no longer believes that the platform can be successful. However, it remains unclear whether this applies to VR and AR technology in general or to WMR in particular, also in view of the Apple Vision Pro.

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