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Mixed Reality software overview and release history

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Windows 10 and Windows 11

Introduction to Mixed Reality software

Windows Mixed Reality consists of the following major software components:

  1. Mixed Reality Portal, which provides the main Windows Mixed Reality experience
    • In Windows 10, versions 1709 and 1803: Mixed Reality Portal is a key component of the Windows 10 operating system updated via Windows Update.
    • In Windows 10, versions 1809 and newer, and Windows 11: Mixed Reality Portal is updated via the Microsoft Store app. More information can be found on the Get Mixed Reality Portal page.
  2. The Mixed Reality feature-on-demand package (FOD), automatically downloaded and installed during Mixed Reality Portal's first-run. More information about the FOD package can be found here
  3. The Mixed Reality headset and motion controller driver, also known as the HoloLens Sensors driver, is the key driver package that enables Windows Mixed Reality headsets to work with Windows Mixed Reality. This is automatically downloaded and installed via Windows Update the first time your Mixed Reality headset is plugged in, and is regularly updated via Windows Update
  4. The Mixed Reality motion controller model drivers contain the 3D models of the Mixed Reality motion controllers and needed for third-party Mixed Reality experiences. This is automatically downloaded and installed via Windows Update the first time your Mixed Reality motion controllers are paired to your PC, and is updated via Windows Update
  5. Windows 10, version 1709 (the Fall Creator's Update) or newer and Windows 11 contain key OS components and technologies that enable Windows Mixed Reality

Using Windows Mixed Reality in SteamVR requires the following software:

  1. SteamVR, developed and maintained by Valve Corporation that enables virtual reality apps and games on Steam. More information can be found here
  2. The Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR component, which bridges SteamVR with Windows Mixed Reality. More information about this component can be found on the Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR page

Managing your Windows Mixed Reality headset:

  1. The Device Companion App, developed and maintained by each of the headset manufacturers, provides a quick introduction to your Windows Mixed Reality headset. On headsets with built-in Bluetooth capability, the Device Companion app enables restoring Motion Controllers to their factory Bluetooth pairing. Some headsets (such as the Samsung Odyssey, and Samsung Odyssey+) also use the Device Companion App to deliver headset firmware updates from the headset manufacturer. This app is downloaded automatically the first time your headset is plugged in and can be found in the Windows Start Menu.

Windows 11 release notes - October 2021

Infinite Expanse

The Infinite Explanse environment
  • New virtual home environment for Windows Mixed Reality devices featuring a significant reduction in scope and size, streamlined down to singular stage instead of the more feature-rich Cliffhouse.
  • Built with performance in mind, the Infinite Expanse was designed to address long-standing customer requests for a less resource-intensive virtual home environment that allows customers to get the best performance out of their games and experiences.
  • This new virtual home environment can be found in the Pins Panel within the Places menu.

SteamVR boot with Mixed Reality Portal launch

  • New setting available to automatically launch SteamVR when WMR launches, allowing you to bypass WMR home space and jump directly into SteamVR.
    • This new setting can be found in the Settings app under Mixed Reality > Startup and Desktop > Automatic Startup.

New startup experience settings

  • New settings available to better configure your ideal startup experience by increasing your level of control over when Mixed Reality Portal launches.
  • You can now control whether or not Mixed Reality Portal launches when a device is connected or when the presence sensor is activated, as well as control how the virtual Desktop app opens.
  • These new settings can be found in the Settings app under Mixed Reality > Startup and Desktop
    • Toggle to start MRP on HMD plug-in.
    • Toggle to start MRP when presence is detected.
    • Toggle Open Desktop app on desktop app focus.

Note

Starting on November 22 2021, Windows 10 version 2004 and newer will enable Infinite Expanse, SteamVR boot with Mixed Reality Portal launch, and new startup experience settings currently available for Windows 11.

Prior release notes

Mixed Reality headset and motion controller driver release history

This driver is automatically downloaded and installed via Windows Update, but download links are provided inline:

Windows 10, version 2004 (May 2020 Update)

Version Release Date Major changes
10.0.19041.2054 March 23, 2021 Compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, version 1903, and newer.
  • Support for Windows 11.
10.0.19041.2041 March 23, 2021 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1903, and newer.
  • Update the winding order of the hidden area mesh for the HP Reverb G2 to be consistent with other headsets.
  • Visuals quality improvements for the HP Reverb G2 headsets.
  • Windows Mixed Reality headset platform and reliability improvements.
10.0.19041.2037 December 10, 2020 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1903, and newer.
  • New controller firmware for the HP Controller to address an issue where some controllers have non-functioning triggers.
10.0.19041.2034 October 8, 2020 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1903, and newer.
  • Official support for the HP Reverb G2, HP Omnicept, and the new HP Controller.
  • Minor display corrections for HP Reverb and Samsung Odyssey+ headsets. (Requires OS Build 19041.546 or higher or OS Builds 18362.1110 and 18363.1110 or higher).
  • Improvements to computer power state transition from sleep to reduce SWW 1-4 errors.
  • Windows Mixed Reality headset platform minor fixes and reliability improvements.
10.0.19041.1009 May 7, 2020 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1903, and newer.
  • Windows Mixed Reality headset platform minor fixes and reliability improvements.

Windows 10, version 1903 (May 2019 Update)

Version Release Date Major changes
10.0.18362.1162 October 14, 2019 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1809, and newer.
  • Windows Mixed Reality headset platform minor fixes.
10.0.18362.1062 June 24, 2019 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1809, and newer.
  • Windows Mixed Reality headset platform and reliability improvements around sleeping computers and power state transitions.
10.0.18362.1024 May 1, 2019 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1809, and newer.
  • Contains firmware update for 2017 Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, and Medion Windows Mixed Reality headsets. This firmware update improves headset display compatibility and reliability with certain graphics adapters or graphics drivers.
  • Windows Mixed Reality headset platform and reliability improvements

Windows 10, version 1803 (April 2018 Update), and version 1809 (October 2018 Update)

Version Release Date Major changes
10.0.17763.1069 January 2, 2019 Compatible with Windows 10, version 1803, and newer.
  • Headset tracking jitter and stutter fixes
  • Flashlight mode reliability fixes
10.0.17760.1000 October 1, 2018 Initial public release of the driver for Windows 10, version 1809.
Compatible with Windows 10, version 1803, and newer.
  • Enables new Windows Mixed Reality features, such as flashlight mode, in Windows 10, version 1809
  • Headset tracking and reliability improvements
  • Motion controller tracking and performance improvements
  • USB performance and improvements
10.0.17134.1004 April 27, 2018 Initial public release of the driver for Windows 10, version 1803
  • Headset tracking and reliability improvements
  • Motion controller tracking and performance improvements

Windows 10, version 1709 (Fall Creators Update)

Version Release Date Major changes
10.0.16299.1070 February 6, 2018
  • Official support for 3Glasses Blubur S2 Mixed Reality headset
10.0.16299.1062 December 19, 2017
  • Resolves HID issue leading to Something Went Wrong error code 2181038087-7 on some PCs
  • Various stability and reliability fixes
10.0.16299.1058 December 5, 2017
  • Improved headset tracking
  • Motion controller touchpad responsiveness improvements
  • Resolves issue where driver installation could sometimes fail
  • Various stability and reliability fixes
10.0.16299.1042 November 21, 2017
  • Resolves an issue that led to headset displays sometimes going black during use
  • Resolves an issue that sometimes led to Motion Controllers disappearing
  • Presence sensor performance improvements for the Dell Visor headset
  • Various stability and reliability fixes
10.0.16299.1036 November 7, 2017
  • Motion Controller throwing mechanic improvements:
    • Velocity will now be reported properly when position accuracy is approximate, so you can now throw behind your head!
    • Example code for throwing can be found in the "ThrowingStarter" unity package here. Open the throwing scene to get started
  • Improved Motion Controller battery reporting
  • Various stability and reliability fixes
10.0.16299.1012 October 17, 2017 Initial public release of the driver

Mixed Reality motion controller model driver release history

This driver is also automatically downloaded and installed via Windows Update, but download links are provided inline:

Windows 10, version 2004 (May 2020 Update)

Version Release Date Major changes
10.0.19041.2034 September 16, 2020 Initial public release of the driver for the new HP Motion Controllers. Compatible with Windows 10, version 1903, and newer. This driver is compatible only with new HP Motion Controllers.

Windows 10, version 1803 (April 2018 Update), and version 1809 (October 2018 Update)

Version Release Date Major changes
10.0.17737.1000 October 1, 2018 Initial public release of the driver for Windows 10, version 1809. Compatible with Windows 10, version 1803, and newer.
10.0.17079.1000 April 17, 2018 Initial public release of the driver for Windows 10, version 1803.

Windows 10, version 1709 (Fall Creators Update)

Version Release Date Major changes
10.0.16291.1000, 10.0.16299.1012 October 17, 2017 Initial public release of the driver

Mixed Reality Portal release history

In Windows 10, version 1809 and newer, Mixed Reality Portal is updated via the Microsoft Store app.

Windows 10, version 1809 and newer

Version Release Date Major changes
2000.21051.1282.0 June 8, 2021
  • Adds troubleshooting links to the Get Help app for common headset errors.
  • Addresses an issue where the headset device companion app might be skipped during initial setup.
  • Updates the system requirements page with additional information for high-resolution headsets.
  • Updates the splash screen and landing page with new visuals.
2000.21041.1051.0 April 26, 2021
  • Updates the app icon for Mixed Reality Portal.
2000.20111.1381.0 December 10, 2020
  • Updates the landing page of Mixed Reality Portal.
  • Reduces headset connectivity errors during firmware updates.
2000.20071.1133.0 August 5, 2020
  • Support for OpenXR to pause the preview window.
2000.20041.1212.0 May 11, 2020
  • Addresses a timing issue that was resulting in an inconsistent 15-5 error.
  • Improved support for running Windows Mixed Reality with no internet connection.
  • Improved support for pairing motion controllers via Setup controllers.
2000.20031.1202.0 April 14, 2020
  • Support for signing up for information, tips, and offers about Windows Mixed Reality.
2000.20011.1312.0 February 11, 2020
  • Improved support for applications using OpenXR on devices with the May 2019 Update.
  • Addresses accessibility and keyboard focus issues
2000.19101.1211.0 November 11, 2019
  • Addresses an issue that prevents you from toggling room boundary visuals.
  • Addresses an issue that prevents you from centering a headset during room boundary setup.
2000.19081.1301.0 September 23, 2019
  • Addresses an issue where headsets with hardware problems were shown an incorrect error message. Users that received a 1-4 error code on previous versions may now receive a more specific error code for their device state.
2000.19071.1302.0 August 13, 2019
  • Support for applications using OpenXR on devices with the May 2019 Update.
2000.19061.1011.0 July 16, 2019
  • Support for JSON configuration options to customize app behavior.

SteamVR release history

Valve's release notes for SteamVR can be found here: https://steamcommunity.com/app/250820

Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR release history

Our release notes for the Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR component can be found here: http://steamcommunity.com/games/719950/announcements/