In a recent update to its list of deprecated features, Microsoft has officially marked the end of an era for Windows Mixed Reality, signaling a shift away from its venture into the virtual reality (VR) space. The move comes as the tech giant reevaluates its strategies in the face of evolving competition, particularly from industry leaders like HTC and Meta-owned Oculus.
Microsoft introduced Windows Mixed Reality in 2017 as part of its ambitious plan to carve out a space in the VR market. The platform served as a gateway to a variety of immersive experiences, offering access to games, applications, and more within the VR landscape. Notable companies such as Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, HP, and Samsung collaborated to produce mixed reality headsets compatible with Microsoft’s platform.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Microsoft recently added Windows Mixed Reality, the Mixed Reality Portal app, and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR to its list of deprecated features. The company explicitly stated that Windows Mixed Reality is “deprecated and will be removed in a future release of Windows.”
For VR enthusiasts who embraced Windows Mixed Reality, this announcement raises questions about the future of their current setups. The move may prompt users to explore alternative VR platforms, such as Oculus or HTC, both of which have continued to evolve and dominate the market.
Notably, Microsoft’s enterprise-focused HoloLens 2 seems unaffected by this decision, with the company even providing a free Windows 11 upgrade and additional improvements for the $3,500 headset earlier this year. This indicates that Microsoft remains committed to advancing augmented reality (AR) technologies, even if its focus in the consumer VR space is shifting.
The Verge was among the first to report on Microsoft’s decision to deprecate Windows Mixed Reality. The move has sparked discussions within the tech community about the future of VR and Microsoft’s broader strategy in the evolving landscape of immersive technologies.
As Microsoft closes the chapter on Windows Mixed Reality, the VR community eagerly awaits further insights into the company’s future plans. Whether this signals a complete withdrawal from consumer VR or a strategic pivot towards augmented reality remains to be seen. In the meantime, users may need to adapt to the changing landscape and explore alternative VR platforms for their immersive experiences.
