Windows 11 24H2 Update: WMR Devices Rendered Unusable, Microsoft Shifts Focus

If you're one of the few remaining users of Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) devices, you might want to sit down for this news: The latest Windows 11 update (version 24H2) has rendered your VR headset completely unusable. The implication of this update not only strikes a blow to individual users but also signals a significant retreat from the XR (extended reality) space by Microsoft.

The Impact of the 24H2 Update​

Beginning with the rollout of the 24H2 Windows update, Microsoft has officially pulled the plug on support for Windows Mixed Reality. For those adventurous souls who have donned the VR goggles, this update means that trying to plug in your WMR headset will simply be met with a frustrating silence—it won't work. The Mixed Reality Portal app, typically your bridge to immersive experiences, has also been rendered obsolete under the new regime.

What Does This Mean for Users?​

Current users of WMR headsets now face a stark choice: either skip the 24H2 update entirely or revert to Windows 10 to keep their headsets functional. This policy effectively throws a wrench into the gears for anyone dependent on Microsoft’s VR capabilities, which were once heralded as a cost-effective entry point into virtual reality.

• Early Adopters Beware: If you don’t want to ride the digital rollercoaster of errors and unfulfilled expectations, resist the urge to update.
• Legacy Support: Users can still utilize their WMR gear with Steam until November 2026, provided they remain on Windows 11 version 23H2. This is just a temporary reprieve, however, not a long-term solution.

A Historical Dive: The Rise and Fall of Windows Mixed Reality​

Microsoft had grand visions of dominating the virtual reality landscape when it launched Windows Mixed Reality back in 2017. With manufacturers like Acer, Asus, and Dell stepping into the fray, the initial lineup promised to democratize VR: affordable headsets featuring inside-out tracking, a technology that has since become standard across the industry.
But despite best efforts, the WMR hardware failed to capture market interest. By 2024, it became painfully clear that WMR has been outpaced by offerings from competitors like Oculus and HTC, with a mere 3.5% of all PC VR headset usage attributed to WMR.

What Went Wrong?​

• Initial Promise: Inside-out tracking was revolutionary. Yet, tracking volume and controller quality left much to be desired.
• Catching Up: By the time other giants had established themselves, WMR was left scrambling to compete.
• Market Exit: Now, with Microsoft cutting off support for Hololens as well, it's evident that the software giant is shifting focus from hardware to software solutions. Their recent partnership with Meta to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to the Meta Quest illustrates this shift nicely.

What Comes Next?​

The deprecation of Windows Mixed Reality and the defeat of Hololens indicate a pivot from the hardware space to one where software solutions reign supreme. Microsoft's emphasis on collaboration with Meta raises questions about the future of VR and AR. Will they become more passive players in hardware or focus exclusively on optimizing software experiences for existing platforms?
As the dust settles on this shift, users and developers alike must rethink their strategies and adjust expectations accordingly. Will you mourn the spirits of the WMR devices, or are you ready to embrace what the future holds?
In summary, the Windows 11 24H2 update doesn't just impact what you can do with your VR headset; it marks an era's end—one where Microsoft aimed high in the realm of extended reality. If you're not ready to part with your mixed reality dreams, sticking with Windows 10 or delaying that update might just be the safest bet for now.
Speaking of dreams, let us know how you plan to adapt in the comments below; after all, this new reality—frustrating as it may be—affects us all!
Source: MIXED Reality News The latest W11 update makes your Windows VR headset unusable