Microsoft employee reverse engineers Windows Mixed Reality driver and restores life to abandoned headsets with native SteamVR support
September 5, 2025
Last year, Microsoft made a significant decision that left many users of its Windows Mixed Reality headsets in a lurch. By discontinuing support for the Windows Mixed Reality platform, the company rendered thousands of headsets effectively useless upon the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2. While the rationale behind ending support may have been sound, the abrupt obsolescence of these capable devices raised eyebrows, especially since they continued to function seamlessly with third-party platforms like SteamVR.
Fortunately, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of a new driver that allows users to revive their Windows Mixed Reality headsets. This driver, available for free download through Steam, is compatible with any Windows Mixed Reality headset. I had the opportunity to test this driver with an older HP Mixed Reality device, and I can confirm its efficacy on both Windows 11 version 24H2 and the subsequent version 25H2. The process to enable the headset and controllers is refreshingly straightforward: simply disconnect and reconnect the peripherals to “unlock” them for use with SteamVR.
The process for unlocking your Windows Mixed Reality headset is straightforward.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Once the headset is connected, users can download SteamVR through the Steam client. The Windows Mixed Reality headset and controllers will be recognized as a native SteamVR headset, granting access to a vast library of games and applications previously unavailable on Microsoft’s platform. However, it is important to note that this driver is currently only compatible with PCs equipped with NVIDIA graphics cards. According to developer Bucchianeri, this limitation stems from certain features lacking in AMD and Intel graphics drivers, which cannot be rectified on his end.
For those who may have set aside their Windows Mixed Reality headsets due to Microsoft’s earlier support withdrawal, now is an opportune moment to dust them off—provided you have an NVIDIA-powered PC. Valve’s SteamVR platform offers a far richer experience, boasting thousands of games and applications that were not part of the Windows Mixed Reality ecosystem. While there are known issues with the driver that users should investigate prior to installation, the overall functionality is surprisingly robust.
The life and death of Windows Mixed Reality
HoloLens 2 is dead.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Launched in 2017, Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform was initially included with all Windows 10 PCs, requiring specialized hardware from manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Built on a foundation similar to HoloLens, it featured a unified interface and app ecosystem. However, in 2023, Microsoft announced the platform’s deprecation with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, leading to the unfortunate inoperability of the headsets. This decision coincided with the cessation of HoloLens production, marking a bittersweet chapter in Microsoft’s mixed reality ambitions. The Oasis driver now stands as a potential lifeline for those eager to continue their virtual reality journey using older Windows Mixed Reality headsets, allowing them to engage with the latest VR offerings from Steam or through OpenXR.
What are your thoughts on the Oasis driver for Windows Mixed Reality headsets? Will this encourage you to jump back into VR gaming on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments. via UploadVR
Microsoft employee reverse engineers Windows Mixed Reality driver and restores life to abandoned headsets with native SteamVR support
Last year, Microsoft made a significant decision that left many users of its Windows Mixed Reality headsets in a lurch. By discontinuing support for the Windows Mixed Reality platform, the company rendered thousands of headsets effectively useless upon the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2. While the rationale behind ending support may have been sound, the abrupt obsolescence of these capable devices raised eyebrows, especially since they continued to function seamlessly with third-party platforms like SteamVR.
Fortunately, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of a new driver that allows users to revive their Windows Mixed Reality headsets. This driver, available for free download through Steam, is compatible with any Windows Mixed Reality headset. I had the opportunity to test this driver with an older HP Mixed Reality device, and I can confirm its efficacy on both Windows 11 version 24H2 and the subsequent version 25H2. The process to enable the headset and controllers is refreshingly straightforward: simply disconnect and reconnect the peripherals to “unlock” them for use with SteamVR.
Once the headset is connected, users can download SteamVR through the Steam client. The Windows Mixed Reality headset and controllers will be recognized as a native SteamVR headset, granting access to a vast library of games and applications previously unavailable on Microsoft’s platform. However, it is important to note that this driver is currently only compatible with PCs equipped with NVIDIA graphics cards. According to developer Bucchianeri, this limitation stems from certain features lacking in AMD and Intel graphics drivers, which cannot be rectified on his end.
For those who may have set aside their Windows Mixed Reality headsets due to Microsoft’s earlier support withdrawal, now is an opportune moment to dust them off—provided you have an NVIDIA-powered PC. Valve’s SteamVR platform offers a far richer experience, boasting thousands of games and applications that were not part of the Windows Mixed Reality ecosystem. While there are known issues with the driver that users should investigate prior to installation, the overall functionality is surprisingly robust.
The life and death of Windows Mixed Reality
Launched in 2017, Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform was initially included with all Windows 10 PCs, requiring specialized hardware from manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Built on a foundation similar to HoloLens, it featured a unified interface and app ecosystem. However, in 2023, Microsoft announced the platform’s deprecation with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, leading to the unfortunate inoperability of the headsets. This decision coincided with the cessation of HoloLens production, marking a bittersweet chapter in Microsoft’s mixed reality ambitions. The Oasis driver now stands as a potential lifeline for those eager to continue their virtual reality journey using older Windows Mixed Reality headsets, allowing them to engage with the latest VR offerings from Steam or through OpenXR.
What are your thoughts on the Oasis driver for Windows Mixed Reality headsets? Will this encourage you to jump back into VR gaming on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments.
via UploadVR