Windows Mixed Reality Archives

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Xbox engineer brings Windows Mixed Reality headsets back to life

A Microsoft engineer, Matthieu Bucchianeri, has developed the Oasis driver, which allows Windows Mixed Reality headsets to support SteamVR after the platform's discontinuation. The driver is available for free on Steam and requires an Nvidia GPU. It operates independently of the Mixed Reality Portal, enabling users to run OpenVR and OpenXR applications through SteamVR with comprehensive tracking for headsets and motion controllers. Bucchianeri reverse-engineered Nvidia and SteamVR code to create the driver, which is not open source but is free for users to download. Quick start documentation is provided for setup assistance.

Winsage

September 5, 2025

Microsoft employee reverse engineers Windows Mixed Reality driver and restores life to abandoned headsets with native SteamVR support

Microsoft discontinued support for the Windows Mixed Reality platform with the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, rendering many headsets unusable. A new driver, available for free download through Steam, allows users to revive their Windows Mixed Reality headsets, compatible with any Windows Mixed Reality device. The driver works on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, but is only compatible with PCs equipped with NVIDIA graphics cards due to limitations in AMD and Intel drivers. Users can connect their headsets, download SteamVR, and access a wide library of games and applications. Microsoft announced the deprecation of the Windows Mixed Reality platform in 2023, coinciding with the end of HoloLens production.

Winsage

September 4, 2025

SteamVR Beta Restores Windows VR Headset Support on Windows 11 Thanks to Third-party Driver

The SteamVR Beta has introduced an automatic installation of the third-party 'Oasis' driver for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headsets, responding to Microsoft's discontinuation of support for these devices in Windows 11. This update allows WMR users to regain compatibility with SteamVR without the Mixed Reality Portal application, although the Oasis driver currently only supports NVIDIA GPUs. Valve has integrated this driver into SteamVR Beta (v2.13.1) to assist WMR users on unsupported Windows 11 versions. Additionally, Valve aims to enhance user experience by ensuring compatibility across various VR devices, including making Half-Life: Alyx compatible with all SteamVR-supported headsets.

Winsage

September 2, 2025

All Windows MR Headsets Revived By Free ‘Oasis’ SteamVR Driver

A Microsoft employee has released an unofficial SteamVR driver named Oasis for Windows Mixed Reality headsets, restoring compatibility on Windows 11 after Microsoft phased out support. The driver was developed by Matthieu Bucchianeri, who has a background in software development at Sony and SpaceX. Oasis includes features such as headset and controller tracking, haptic feedback, battery monitoring, and eye tracking for specific headsets, but does not support Bluetooth functionality directly. The driver is available for free on Steam, but only supports Nvidia graphics cards, with no current compatibility for AMD or Intel GPUs. Bucchianeri has provided AMD with the necessary technical details for potential support.

Winsage

August 30, 2025

Oasis Driver for Windows Mixed Reality: How to Revive Your VR Headset

The Oasis Driver for Windows Mixed Reality was launched on August 29, 2025, as a native SteamVR driver, allowing users to run OpenVR and OpenXR applications without relying on Microsoft's Mixed Reality Portal. It is officially supported on Windows 11 (version 24H2 or later) but is not recommended for Windows 10 due to instability. The driver operates in Direct Mode, supports 6DoF tracking for headsets and controllers, and is compatible exclusively with NVIDIA GPUs, while AMD and Intel GPUs are not supported. The project began as an experimental initiative and received official approval from Valve to be featured on the Steam store.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

Microsoft’s enshittification of Xbox, Surface, and even Windows itself, are by design — with greed and corner-cutting replacing innovation

Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs, bringing the total for the year to over 15,300, including cuts within Xbox. The layoffs are attributed to unrealistic fiscal expectations set by CFO Amy Hood, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. There is a perception that these layoffs are part of a broader shift towards artificial intelligence, with Microsoft executives and shareholders reportedly resenting the investment in Activision-Blizzard. The company plans to invest billions in new AI training centers globally, raising concerns about the impact on its core gaming and consumer products. Microsoft’s AI products have faced criticism, and the company has been accused of losing sight of the human element in its consumer businesses. The recent layoffs have left employees feeling uncertain about their futures, and there is a growing sentiment that Microsoft lacks a coherent mission or ethos, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term innovation.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Microsoft Employee Working On SteamVR Driver To Revive Windows MR Headsets

A Microsoft employee is developing a native SteamVR driver called "Oasis" to revive Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets, which lost functionality after the Windows 11 24H2 update eliminated support for these devices. The previous runtime that allowed Windows MR headsets to interface with SteamVR is now obsolete. Matthieu Bucchianeri, a software developer with experience at Sony and SpaceX, is leading this project, which involves deep reverse-engineering. The Oasis driver is currently compatible with Nvidia GPUs, and Bucchianeri is in talks with AMD for potential compatibility. He plans to release the driver for free in the fall.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 shows signs of life: what can we expect?

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.

Winsage

February 17, 2025

Bill Gates talks about trading for Windows 10 as Avowed wows reviewers and Microsoft kills HoloLens and lies about uninstalling Edge

Bill Gates humorously compared the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 to a significant NBA trade, noting that Windows 10 holds a 60.33% market share. He also predicted that artificial intelligence could replace humans in various tasks but suggested that audiences might not enjoy watching computers play baseball. Nintendo is preparing for a potential legal battle with Pocketpair, the creators of Palworld, despite the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejecting 22 out of 23 of Nintendo's patent claims. Nintendo has secured a patent related to creature capturing mechanics and is pursuing additional patents. Avowed, an upcoming title from Xbox Game Studios and Obsidian Entertainment, is set to launch on February 18 and currently holds a score of around 80 on Metacritic, with early reviews praising its RPG elements. Microsoft faced criticism over a misleading webpage about uninstalling its Edge browser, which was quickly removed. Although uninstalling Edge is possible, many users may prefer to keep it installed. Microsoft has shifted the development of the IVAS militarized augmented reality headset to Anduril Industries, marking a significant move away from its HoloLens initiative, which includes the cancellation of HoloLens 3. The ASUS Zenbook Duo and Turtle Beach VelocityOne Multi-Shift received commendable scores of 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews, with the Zenbook Duo praised for its performance and battery life, and the VelocityOne Multi-Shift recognized for its versatility for gamers.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to Use Windows on Meta Quest 3 Headsets

At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.