---
title: "Microsoft plans to discontinue with its mixed reality feature from windows."  
description: "Microsoft Retreats from Windows Mixed Reality: A Dive into the Company's Changing VR/AR Strategy"  
author: "Saumya Mishra"  
published: 2023-12-22  
updated: 2023-12-22  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/news/3655/microsoft-plans-to-discontinue-with-its-mixed-reality-feature-from-windows  
category: "technology"  
tags: ["cloud development", "microsoft", "games"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# Microsoft plans to discontinue with its mixed reality feature from windows.

After launching **Windows Mixed Reality** in 2017, [Microsoft](https://www.mindstick.com/category/blog/microsoft) announced its discontinuation. This marks a significant shift in the company's approach to **AR/VR**, following its previous downsizing of [virtual reality](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12735/5-types-of-virtual-reality-that-will-affect-the-future) projects and [cancellation](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/46736/should-you-buy-cancellation-travel-insurance) of [**HoloLens 3.**](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/124744/microsoft-hololens-2-as-big-as-apple-big)

## Key Highlights:

- **Windows Mixed Reality is to be removed in a future Windows update.**
- **The company continues to explore VR [applications](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12847/how-to-choose-the-right-ethernet-cable-for-industrial-applications) like Microsoft Mesh, focusing on collaboration without headsets.**
- **Quest users gain access to Office apps and [Xbox Cloud Gaming](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2213/according-to-microsoft-xbox-cloud-gaming-has-been-used-by-more-than-20-million-users).**

**Mixed Reality Fades from Windows:** In a surprising move, Microsoft has decided to scrap its Windows Mixed Reality platform. Introduced in 2017 as a platform for augmented and virtual [reality experiences](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102564/how-does-google-s-project-tango-enable-augmented-reality-experiences), Mixed Reality struggled to gain traction despite hardware support from major companies like **Acer** and **Dell**. The discontinuation signifies Microsoft's dwindling interest in [**AR/VR**](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/301549/augmented-reality-ar-vs-virtual-reality-vr) [integration](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/88515/common-mistakes-in-computer-integration-to-avoid) within Windows.

**Shifting Focus:** While abandoning Windows Mixed Reality, Microsoft isn't abandoning VR altogether. The company's focus has shifted towards more specific applications, exemplified by **Microsoft Mesh**. This VR collaboration platform, soon accessible without headsets, allows virtual meetings and interactions in a shared space. Additionally, Microsoft is expanding its reach by giving Quest users access to familiar tools like Office apps and **Xbox Cloud** Gaming.

![Microsoft plans to discontinue with its mixed reality feature from windows.](https://www.mindstick.com/usernews/655071/cdba8de4-e504-4275-bd88-21341c540205/images/13ba7b2d-4850-4542-8cbe-237227eb27e5.jpg)

**Looking Ahead:** Microsoft's decision to shelve Windows Mixed Reality marks a strategic pivot within the AR/VR landscape. By focusing on specific VR applications like collaboration and **cloud gaming**, the company appears to seek areas with clearer [user adoption](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/115134/how-does-software-licensing-subscription-vs-perpetual-influence-user-adoption-and-revenue) potential. Whether this new direction proves successful, however, remains to be seen.

---

Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/news/3655/microsoft-plans-to-discontinue-with-its-mixed-reality-feature-from-windows

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