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Before you buy frequently asked questions

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Windows 10 and Windows 11

General Questions

Where can I buy a Windows Mixed Reality ready PC or headset

Quick Answer: You can buy a Windows Mixed Reality ready PC or headset at an approved local retailer or online from different retailers, including the Microsoft Store. Find a Windows Mixed Reality ready PC or headset online: https://www.microsoft.com/mixed-reality/windows-mixed-reality?rtc=1

Where can I try Windows Mixed Reality

Quick Answer: You can try Windows Mixed Reality at a Microsoft Reactor near you.

Which manufacturers are selling Windows Mixed Reality devices

Quick Answer: Headsets and motion controllers are currently available from HP. See https://www.microsoft.com/mixed-reality/windows-mixed-reality?rtc=1

Where can I buy standalone motion controllers

Quick Answer: Unfortunately, we're not aware of any retailers selling standalone motion controllers at this time.

What is the difference between a Windows Mixed Reality PC and a Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PC

Quick Answer: Details about Windows Mixed Reality PCs and Ultra PCs are captured here: https://aka.ms/mrcompat

Why is this called Windows "Mixed Reality" when the devices look like they provide a "Virtual Reality" experience

Quick Answer: Mixed Reality refers to the full spectrum of spatial computing, from augmented reality and holograms to virtual reality. Windows Mixed Reality platform supports devices across Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). We currently support two device types with similar technology on that spectrum: HoloLens (AR) and Windows Mixed Reality (VR) headsets with motion controllers.

Learn more about Mixed Reality here: </windows/mixed-reality/mixed-reality>

What is the difference between Windows Mixed Reality and other VR headsets

Quick Answer: Windows Mixed Reality headsets feature inside-out tracking (tracking cameras are in the headset) and plug-and-play setup with Windows 10 and Windows 11.

More detail: Windows Mixed Reality offers several features, including easy setup (no need for external sensors to track you and your controllers), your choice of headsets to meet your comfort and price-point, headsets that have competitive resolutions, and finally a unique user experience that features a spatial interface, which allows you to use thousands of apps from the Microsoft Store.

Does Mixed Reality mean that inside-out cameras are passthrough? Can you experience Augmented Reality in addition to Virtual Reality

Quick Answer: No, the inside-out cameras on Windows Mixed Reality headsets are used for positional tracking only. Windows Mixed Reality headsets are occluded, meaning that they are for Virtual Reality and don't provide a view of the real world or Augmented Reality.

What is inside-out tracking? How is it different than outside-in tracking or lighthouse tracking

  • Inside-out tracking Windows Mixed Reality, Oculus Quest, and Vive/Index systems use inside-out tracking. With inside-out tracking cameras are built into the headset and track changes in the environment to determine the headset's position based on the environment as you move around. Some systems, such as the HTC Vive and Valve Index, use infrared sensors instead of cameras and depend on external "lighthouses" or "base stations" that project infrared light to track their environment.

  • Outside-in tracking Systems such as the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR use outside-in tracking. With outside-in tracking, the headset is tracked by one or more external devices. Camera(s) are built into those external devices, placed around the environment and are used to determine the position of the headset based on the environment.

Find out more about inside-out tracking.

Can inside-out tracking of motion controllers impact my game play due to camera FOV

Like the headsets, the Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers require no setup of external tracking sensors. Instead, the controllers are tracked by sensors in the headset itself. If the user moves the controllers out of the headset's field of view, in most cases Windows will continue to infer controller positions and provide them to the app. When the controller has lost visual tracking for long enough, the controller's positions will drop to approximate-accuracy positions. At this point, the system will body-lock the controller to the user, tracking the user's position as they move around, while still exposing the controller's true orientation using its internal orientation sensors. Many apps that use controllers to point at and activate UI elements can operate normally while in approximate accuracy without the user even noticing. The best way to get a feel for this is to try it yourself.

How is Windows Mixed Reality different from Samsung Gear VR

Quick Answer: All smartphone-based VR products, including the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream, use three Degrees Of Freedom (3DOF) head position tracking systems. 3DOF based systems allow you to move your head only from the neck up in the virtual world. Windows MR on the other hand uses a six Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) head and controllers position tracking systems. 6DOF based systems allow you to move your entire body in the virtual world; so you can walk around an object and see it from different perspectives, just like you can in the physical world. The Rift and the Vive are also 6DOF based systems.

Technical specifications

Headset Resolution Display Refresh Rate FOV Audio Bluetooth IPD Adjustment Release Date More info
Acer AH101 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 100˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 Acer
Acer OJO 500 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 100˚ Integrated + 3.5-mm jack Built-in Mechanical Fall 2018 Acer
ASUS HC102 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 95˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 ASUS
Dell Visor 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 105˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 Dell
Fujitsu FMV Headset 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 105˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 Fujitsu
HP Reverb 4320x2160 LCD Up to 90 Hz 114˚ Integrated + 3.5-mm jack Built-in Software Spring 2019 HP
HP VR1000 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 105˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 HP
HP Reverb G2 2x 2160x2160 LCD Up to 90 Hz 107° Integrated Built-in Mechanical Fall 2020 HP
HP Reverb G2 Omnicept 2x 2160x2160 LCD Up to 90 Hz 107° Integrated Built-in Mechanical Spring 2021 HP
Lenovo Explorer 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 105˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 Lenovo
Medion ERAZER MR X1000 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 105˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 Medion
Samsung HMD Odyssey 2880x1600 AMOLED Up to 90 Hz 110˚ Integrated None Mechanical Fall 2017 Samsung
Samsung HMD Odyssey+ 2880x1600 AMOLED Up to 90 Hz 110˚ Integrated Built-in Mechanical Fall 2018 Samsung
3Glasses Blubur S2 2880x1440 LCD Up to 90 Hz 105˚ 3.5-mm jack None Software Fall 2017 3Glasses

Technical details listed above are referenced from manufacturer specifications and are subject to change.

Does "Mixed Reality" mean that the inside-out cameras are passthrough?

Quick Answer: No, the inside-out cameras are used for positional tracking only. Windows Mixed Reality headsets are occluded.

Do the mixed reality headsets have IPD adjustment?

Quick Answer: Depending on the headset, some mixed reality headsets feature mechanical IPD adjustment. Other headsets feature software IPD adjustment, which improves image distortion and depth accuracy based on your IPD. Users can set their custom IPD via Settings > Mixed Reality > Headset display > Calibration.

Do the mixed reality headsets have eye relief adjustment?

Quick Answer: No, the Windows Mixed Reality Headsets don't have eye relief adjustment.

Will there be issues with motion controller tracking if multiple Windows Mixed Reality Headsets are in close proximity?

Quick Answer: We have found that there's no interference with motion controllers but you should give users enough room for the best experience in mixed reality - for example, 10 feet x 10 feet.

Is there boundary, chaperone, or guardian system in Windows Mixed Reality?

Quick Answer: Windows Mixed Reality allows you to set up a boundary. Also, some of the Windows MR headsets have a front hinged display, so you can flip the headset up while working.

Do Windows Mixed Reality Headsets work in the dark?

Quick Answer: A good general rule is if you can't confidently move around the room because it's too dark, the tracking system will also have a hard time working in that environment.

What is the cable length of the Windows Mixed Reality Headset?

Quick Answer: Typically the cable length of Windows Mixed Reality Headsets is 4 meters but it depends on the Headset. For more details, check out: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/collections/vrandmixedrealityheadsets

Can I use a USB / HDMI extension cable with Windows Mixed Reality Headsets?

Quick Answer: We have designed Windows Mixed Reality to work without extension cords. Use of extension cords with mixed reality headset is unsupported and use may impact your experience.

PC Compatibility

Will my PC work with Windows Mixed Reality? What are the minimum specs?

Quick Answer: You can find the minimum specs here or you can download and run Mixed Reality Portal to see if your PC will work with Windows Mixed Reality.

Will Windows Mixed Reality work with my Xbox?

Quick Answer: No, Windows Mixed Reality only works with PCs. Download and run Mixed Reality Portal to see if your PC is WMR ready.

What PCs have been badged for Windows Mixed Reality?

Quick Answer: The full list of badged PCs hasn't been published yet, but will be later this year. Download and run Mixed Reality Portal to see if your PC is WMR ready.

What Windows version supports Windows Mixed Reality?

Quick Answer: You must have Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709) or greater, or Windows 11 installed. Download and run Mixed Reality Portal to see if your PC is WMR ready.

Does the Windows Mixed Reality platform support Rift and Vive hardware?

Quick Answer: Windows Mixed Reality will only work with approved Windows Mixed Reality headsets / controllers. See https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/b/virtualreality

Motion Controllers

How do motion controllers work with my PC?

Quick Answer: Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers use Bluetooth. Depending on the headset, the motion controllers are either paired to the Bluetooth radio on the headset (if equipped), or to the Bluetooth radio on your PC.

  • Some Windows Mixed Reality headsets, including the Acer OJO 500, Samsung Odyssey+, HP Reverb, and HP Reverb G2 feature built-in Bluetooth radios for use with motion controllers. The motion controllers that come with these headsets are pre-paired to the headset from the factory, and do not require your PC to have a separate Bluetooth radio.
  • Other Windows Mixed Reality headsets will need to be paired with a Bluetooth radio on your PC.

Are Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers cross-compatible between Windows Mixed Reality headsets?

Quick Answer: Yes, Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers will work on all Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

How do I connect motion controllers if I do not have built-in Bluetooth?

Quick Answer: If your PC doesn't have built-in Bluetooth support, you'll need to plug in a USB Bluetooth adapter that supports Bluetooth 4.0 to enable your motion controllers.

Will the controller's work with Bluetooth 3.1 or do I need Bluetooth 4.0?

Quick Answer: The minimum supported specification for Windows Mixed Reality is Bluetooth 4.0. If your PC has Bluetooth 3.1, you won’t be blocked from using the controllers, but the best experience is on BT 4.0. Download and run Mixed Reality Portal to see if your PC is WMR ready.

Will Windows Mixed Reality controllers work with HoloLens?

Quick Answer: No, Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers don't work with HoloLens.

Will Windows Mixed Reality work with my Oculus Touch controllers or HTC Vive headsets / controllers?

Quick Answer: No, Windows Mixed Reality will only work with approved headsets / controllers. See https://www.microsoft.com/store/collections/VRandMixedrealityheadsets

Will Windows Mixed Reality work with my SteamVR Knuckle controllers?

Quick Answer: No, Windows Mixed Reality will only work with approved headsets / controllers. See https://www.microsoft.com/store/collections/VRandMixedrealityheadsets

Will Windows Mixed Reality support my Xbox One controller with the wireless Xbox adapter?

Quick Answer: Yes, it will work with a wireless Xbox adapter (no Bluetooth required).

Comfort

Can I wear a Windows Mixed Reality headset with glasses?

Quick Answer: Yes, you can wear a Windows Mixed Reality headset both with and without glasses.

Does Windows Mixed Reality support productivity within a VR headset on a desktop environment?

Quick Answer: Within a Windows Mixed Reality headset, you can multitask with Windows UWP apps like Mail & Calendar and access full Win32 apps that are running on your desktop using the Desktop Preview app.

Can I see my keyboard from inside a Windows Mixed Reality headset?

Quick Answer: You can't see your physical keyboard from the headset, but you can use our software keyboard. Additionally, many Windows Mixed Reality headsets have a front hinged display, so you can flip the headset up while working. More details: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-mixed-reality#specs

What games require a gamepad as opposed to motion controllers?

Quick Answer: We expect that most immersive, Windows Mixed Reality applications will choose to support motion controllers, but it isn't a requirement. Motion controller support is up to the developers of the experience. It's up to the developer to decide what mode of input they want to support in their game. You can see which controller types are supported on a particular game or app's product detail page in the Store.

If I am using Xbox game streaming, can I use my Xbox controller?

Quick Answer: Yes, streaming a game from an Xbox requires an Xbox controller, just as it would if you were sitting at the console.

Will Windows Mixed Reality work if I have no space in my room?

Quick Answer: Yes, Windows Mixed Reality will work even if you don't have much room. You can set this during setup by selecting the "desk-scale" experience.

Content

What games and apps run on Windows Mixed Reality?

Quick Answer: Windows Mixed Reality is compatible with the SteamVR library and with content available in the Microsoft store. Look for the Windows Mixed Reality logo on Steam for game compatibility.

Will Vive be able to run Windows Mixed Reality content?

Quick Answer: Vive headsets aren't compatible with Windows Mixed Reality.

Can I play my Xbox One games in Windows Mixed Reality?

Quick Answer: You can play all your favorite Xbox One games in Windows Mixed Reality using the streaming feature of the Xbox app for Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can resize the app inside the Windows Mixed Reality home to fill the wall. To learn how to set up Xbox One game streaming, you can check out our instructions here: http://support.xbox.com/games/game-setup/how-to-use-game-streaming

SteamVR

Are the minimum specs for SteamVR higher than a Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PC?

Quick Answer: You can run SteamVR with the Ultra PC requirements for Windows Mixed Reality. However, we recommend running the SteamVR Preview on a PC with a GTX 1070 video card (or better) and an Intel Core i7 processor. We're continuing to review feedback and optimize the performance to support additional system configurations in future updates. Your PC won't be blocked from running Windows Mixed Reality SteamVR if you don't meet these higher specs, however, this will impact the performance and quality of the overall experience.

Are all Steam VR games supported?

Quick Answer: Our intent is to support as wide a range of Steam games as possible, but keep in mind that Steam games can take dependencies on specific hardware and controller configurations based on the game developer's decisions during development.