WMR

Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) is a Microsoft platform for immersive experiences on Windows 10 and Windows 11, covering both virtual reality and mixed reality content delivered through compatible headsets and input devices. The platform originated as Windows Holographic and was rebranded as Windows Mixed Reality in 2017, with a lineup of headsets from PC manufacturers such as Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and Samsung. These devices generally used inside-out tracking via built-in cameras and did not require external base stations, and they worked with the Windows Mixed Reality Portal for setup, room-scale tracking, and access to apps and experiences. Motion controllers common to many WMR bundles provided six-degrees-of-freedom input.

Software and library support for WMR centered on the Microsoft Store ecosystem and the Windows Mixed Reality Portal, which offered a curated set of experiences and access to system features. The platform also provided a bridge to some SteamVR content, expanding the available library beyond Microsoft-authored titles. Microsoft has emphasized OpenXR as the standard API for cross-platform XR development, and WMR supports OpenXR to enable broader compatibility with other VR ecosystems.

Over time, attention in Microsoft's XR strategy increasingly aligned with OpenXR and newer runtimes, reducing emphasis on platform-specific features and focusing on interoperability across devices. While Windows Mixed Reality remains part of the Windows XR landscape, many advanced or newer experiences are delivered through OpenXR-based tooling and other modern XR frameworks. WMR thus persists as a component of Windows’ mixed reality history and compatibility support for legacy devices and applications.