Mixed Reality gone in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26052

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Microsoft’s decision to remove Windows Mixed Reality from upcoming Windows 11 releases is drawing sharp criticism from VR users who say it will effectively brick still-capable WMR headsets like the HP Reverb G2. Commenters argue that forcing users to choose between security updates and hardware support is unfair, especially when alternatives like Linux-based Monado are still immature or impractical for many. Others see the move as part of a broader pattern of Microsoft abandoning consumer hardware bets to refocus on AI and core enterprise products, while leaving VR and AR momentum to Apple, Meta, and other platforms.

End of Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) Support

  • Windows 11 24H2 will remove WMR, including Mixed Reality Portal, WMR for SteamVR, and SteamVR beta support.
  • Existing WMR devices will keep working only if users stay on Windows 11 23H2; security and other updates end in Nov 2026.
  • HoloLens is explicitly exempted from this deprecation (though some point out the team layoffs cast doubt on its long‑term future).

User Impact and Frustration

  • Many see this as effectively bricking still-capable, often expensive headsets like the HP Reverb G2.
  • Anger centers on being forced to choose between using hardware and getting OS security updates.
  • Some argue this behavior should be illegal; others note it was announced in advance but still “too soon.”

Linux / OpenXR Alternatives

  • Several mention Monado (OpenXR) on Linux as a path forward for WMR headsets.
  • Claims conflict: some say it’s “install via package manager and flip a setting;” others say WMR controllers and practical gaming use still require significant tinkering and are not yet “plug-and-play.”
  • Hand tracking on some WMR devices is reported working; optical controller tracking is incomplete, with ongoing reverse-engineering.

Microsoft Strategy and Product Pattern

  • Many see this as another example of Microsoft abandoning a platform once hype fades (comparisons to Windows Phone, Cortana, other consumer efforts).
  • Debate over whether Microsoft should have maintained a minimal WMR compatibility layer, vs. focusing resources on AI and core B2B products (Windows, Office, Azure).
  • Some argue the old Microsoft would have persisted to a “3.0” product; others say cutting weak bets to double down on AI is rational.

State of VR/AR Market

  • Disagreement on whether VR/AR is “growing”:
    • Some cite SteamVR share and overall losses in VR divisions as signs of stagnation.
    • Others point to Quest, PSVR2, and Vision Pro as evidence of slow but ongoing growth, especially in gaming.
  • Several note Meta’s large unit sales but poor profitability; Apple’s Vision Pro is seen as influential but its success is contested.

Critiques of WMR Itself

  • Even some owners say WMR was buggy, intrusive, and worse than SteamVR/OpenXR.
  • Complaints include forced startup, OS integration that broke other runtimes, and an overdesigned “virtual house” UI instead of a simple launcher.
  • Others recall genuinely promising ideas (VR workspaces, spatial windows) that were never fully developed.