The day Microsoft Killed Virtual Reality on Windows. UPDATED: (Petition Link Added - Let's Sign it!)

[@Tyrielwood]

if someone knows how to start a lawsuit, or anything like that you have my support, and my signature.

[@slateisa]

The incredible thing is Microsoft has reportedly struck a deal with Samsung for OLED panels that could power a new line of mixed reality headsets. This people are crazy. Nobody is going to buy and spend $$$ in a MS AR/VR headset because they are going to kill it in 5 years. Like Google does with everything.

[@James-w5h3c]

lol

[@NonStick872]

​@@slateisaremember when people where up in arms over Google glass because it had a camera in it? Fast forward and you have a glasses company Rayban with cameras in them and no one bats an eyelid... Not to mention things that weren't classed as ethical due to lidar in some things because you could see through some materials, so the Quest Pro didn't have lidar but then the Quest 3 did... There's a lot of things in the world I don't quite get how it's not OK for one lot to do but then another can do it 6 - 12 months later.....

[@sonodietrodithe4iltuoincub848]

​@@slateisathey Would not kill ar since ita already being used in various industries that could easly sue microsoft

[@MarquisDeSang]

They also abandoned xbox series s and x. And MS also abandoned Copilot+ laptops.

[@peterallely5417]

That’s ridiculous- my Reverb G2 has loads of life left in it. Not okay.

[@stevenlarson3316]

Am I going to get home and discover my G2 doesn't work?... Man that would ruin my day. It's a great headset I just got it a couple weeks ago.

[@BestieAK]

Same.. exactly my situation too...

[@peterallely5417]

@@stevenlarson3316 yeah dude!

[@Shadow__133]

I have 3 new in box ones and not enough paper for them to hold.

[@SmokeTooMuch-e2s]

SAME and it had that USB C issue onn top of it.

[@antjones2281]

It should be illegal for them to do this. Come on EU, go get em ..

[@krisitof3]

Sad truth is the EU alone can't regulate all the American tech companies instead of the US goverment. This will never change unless the actual US regulators start doing their job.

[@BenderBendingRodriguezOFFICIAL]

The EU can't do anything, because the market for these things was pretty much entirely US based. If the market was larger in Europe and Asia to a point where disrupting the supply could hurt microsofts bottom line than yeah sure, but since the market is primarily America it won't do anything.

[@oo--7714]

Unless tim sweeney ends up getting a hateboner for Microsoft ain't happening

[@evo-labs]

Nah. It's just capitalism in action. Built-in-obsolescence for the win! (sarcasm BTW)

[@fu102]

@@evo-labs sigh.... did your art professor teach you that? Because I know you never took economics, that's obvious

[@VadimZverev]

time to collect a petition to return all the devices to Microsoft for reimbursement

[@c.j2527]

where do we sign???

[@SargonDragon]

Microsoft didn't make any of these devices.

[@VadimZverev]

@@SargonDragon Microsoft is the partner who is responsible for software support

[@madigorfkgoogle9349]

@@SargonDragon Microsoft made and sold us the OS that promoted a feature called WMR. I upgraded from Win7 due to this to Win10 as I wanted to use Reverb G2. I have no problem if there would be no new updates to WMR, but removing it from Windows is criminal, we should sue MS for indirect damages.

[@SargonDragon]

​@@madigorfkgoogle9349 WMR is an early adopter product effort into VR that failed. So this is kind of like seeing support for HDDVD dropped soon afterward when Blu-ray won the format war. There's no hope of getting traction suing a company for dropping support of a failed product from several years ago (that they didn't make). There's a disconnect here in that the flight sim community sees the Reverb G2 as a successful product because it was very popular inside that niche. But, like all WMR headsets, the Reverb G2 was a failure on the wider market. Most people into VR today have never even heard of WMR and couldn't care less about its removal. But to a narrow niche of the flight sim community this move seems bizarre and like a crime. I'm not trying to thumb my nose at these people. I understand their pain. My intent is to inject a realistic view of the situation and to encourage going in directions that could actually be productive. There are open source efforts to build drivers for WMR. Supposedly this is already working under Linux, and they're trying to get support working under Windows. Rather than trying uselessly to sue Microsoft, it may be better to pressure them to aid these efforts and/or aid these efforts yourselves. Perhaps Microsoft would be willing to donate some code and/or engineering documentation for stuff that they have abandoned anyway. The removal of WMR is necessary because Microsoft made this support an integrated part of Windows itself. They can not just leave it there unmanaged because it would be a security risk.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

I started watching this channel because you were basically the only one really talking about WMR. Its weird they cant just create a standalone driver for the headsets.

[@netshaman9918]

Not weird, just idiotic. Typical from actual occidental short selling culture...^^ So boring.

[@JonReid01]

Same

[@trailingrails9953]

They can….they just wont.

[@nibbler2281]

So fucking angry with Microsoft. They will NEVER sell another product to me.

[@Viesta]

yeah they will... a computer with windows in it.

[@GirlOnAQuest]

@@Viesta Not when SteamOS releases windows will suck my reverb!

[@lukeconsumerofcontent]

​@@Viesta🖥️ 🐧

[@FurBurger151]

You don't have to. You're bound to their platform while they siphon off your data and sell it to companies to generate ad revenue.

[@superpork1superboy771]

@@Viesta it would be such a shame if there were a Github script that activated Windows for free

[@yashizuko]

What the hell, they were the only ones that were on the right path since the start with the insideout tracking

[@Tyrielwood]

so much wasted potential.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

I remember how the Index elitist used to complain about it, and now base stations are pretty much dead tech. Expect when you say this, some zombie Index user from 2019 arises from the dirt and starts telling how amazing it is to have to install base stations onto your walls.

[@blenderalien]

​@@Nobody-NowhereNgl, I am that guy. I'm not gonna tell anyone that Quest inside out tracking isn't absolutely great for any use case, but lighthouse tracking is noticeably better still if you are sensitive to micro drifting and micro stuttering etc. Still, Quest 3 tracks REALLY good for a bunch of cameras, especially the controllers are impressive

[@omarspiderahmed]

@@Nobody-Nowhere Not really dead tech - just for different users. I own 2 WMR headsets and an index, so I'm not a zombie fanboy. For things like racing sims and flight sims I go WMR, but for normal VR experiences I go index (or the varjo I recently got). The base stations just make everything super nice. I never drilled them into my walls either - I just have a long stand for them and that works wonders. My first WMR headset was actually the Odyssey+, way back in 2017. One of the channels that convinced me to grab one was this one, and it wasn't cheap because of Egyptian economy and absurd import costs. But I loved it! I primarily got it for Simracing, but eventually I started exploring other experiences. However, I did have to accept the many limitations of inside-out tracking and just the nature of the setup when it comes to things outside of cockpit experiences. Also, god forbid you try to play in the dark. (I like to keep my lights off, but WMR inside out tracking doesn't work here) I got an index later down the line, and I loved using it for normal VR experiences! Was a much better and smoother experience for me, forgoing the limitations of Inside out tracking of the WMR headsets. However, I got the HP Reverb G2 last year because I find it to be better for driving and flight simming for me. Again, cockpit experiences are lovely in WMR. Both sides have their ups and downs, but I wouldn't call base stations dead tech. Lots of modern VR headsets rely on base stations, both on the budget and high end side of things. VR headsets that utilize base stations still come out to this day, and that's for good reason. Additionally, the vast majority of VR accessories rely on base stations. A good example is Full Body Tracking. It's very, very popular nowadays, and many quest and WMR users are forced to get base stations if they want to buy the Vive Trackers. They then need to use third party tools to calibrate two playspaces, and not only is it jank and takes lots of effort, but it also drifts over time. Recently, trackers that don't use base stations have become somewhat mainstream (since they're a lot cheaper), but the tracking quality is much lower (not to mention the need to recalibrate over time). Both base stations and inside out tracking have their place in the market. If Inside out tracking works well for you and the limitations don't bother you at all because of how you use your setup, then that's perfectly fine, but it doesn't justify blind hatred of the other side of the market. Same thing goes for the Index users you speak of - inside out tracking has it's place. It's convenient, and a lot of budget headsets now utilize it. It's limiting in a lot of ways, but if your use cases fit it then it's not an issue at all. Not sure why the index users you met bash other headsets. Get what you like, lmao. If anything I'm glad consumers are spoiled for choices nowadays compared to half a decade ago. The quest headsets also lowered the bar of entry a ton.

[@TheThunderGhost]

@@Nobody-Nowhere I love my Index, (I mainly use the Playstation VR2 paired with the Valve Knuckles now. XD) but inside-out tracking is easier to set up, and is still really impressive. Lighthouse tracking is better, but in my experience, isn't by a whole lot. Both have been GREAT in my experience.

[@b.s.7693]

dude, absolutely no apologies needed from your side!

[@PixelShade]

The crazy that all of this could've been mitigated if Microsoft just said "let's slim down the current WMR" into a stand alone driver+software that allow you to calibrate the headset, connect controllers and set the floor height and automatically forward you to SteamVR. They already have EVERYTHING in place. they just need to throw away the OS-stuff.

[@yvpetkov]

wtf really? I have a reverb g2 which is fairly recent and still one of the best headsets

[@chaadlosan]

Welcome to the club.

[@ge2719]

Theres already a fix, it's on the reverb g2 Reddit.

[@noam15A]

@@ge2719 Could you link it?

[@stevenlarson3316]

@@ge2719 awesome this is what I was looking for!

[@Peterdeskater100]

There is not fix unless you mean stopping updates of windows

[@TheThunderGhost]

This is freaking messed up, of Microsoft to do. My first VR headset ever, was WMR. It was the Acer one. It's the sole reason I got into VR in the first place. Microsoft intentionally bricking these headsets, instead of just making them not receive updates anymore, makes no frickin' sense to me. That's such a douchey move. I also owned the HP Reverb G2 a few years ago, and it was a fantastic headset. I absolutely loved it, while I had it. I feel incredibly bad for those who only have WMR, currently and don't have a way of upgrading right now. Honestly screw Microsoft. Them doing this intentionally is such an anti-consumer move.

[@JackFoxtrotEDM]

Oh, hey Ghost. Yeah, it's frustrating. I've been a Rift user, still am, but I can totally understand the issues at hand. I've had no desire to install 11 as I've stuck with 10 Pro. I'm not sure if these will brick on 10.

[@TheThunderGhost]

@@JackFoxtrotEDM 10 is safe...for now. But for how long, is the question. :(

[@JackFoxtrotEDM]

@@TheThunderGhost Not sure.

[@AdamMi1]

What annoys me the most is that this could be fine. If they'd publish all of this stuff, so people could make it work it would be fine. I'm not mad about them dropping support I'm mad about them making their devices dependent on support. Just because they don't will make many devices unusable. I payed a lot of money for my g2. This is absolutely unacceptable.

[@peterallely5417]

Man I would be happy to loose Mixed Reality Portal if my G2 just ‘worked’ with OpenXR or SteamVR by default, without the portal bridging. But sounds like that’s not happening either.

[@b.s.7693]

The problem is the tracking. This was (and is) completely handled by the WMR software. So without it, there is no chance running a WMR headset in SteamVR

[@peterallely5417]

@@b.s.7693 ahhhhhhh!!!

[@madigorfkgoogle9349]

@@b.s.7693 who said there cannot be a standalone tracking driver?

[@b.s.7693]

@@madigorfkgoogle9349 well at least up to now, nobody came forward with something like that even though there is a lot of interest.

[@GraveUypo]

@@madigorfkgoogle9349 indeed, people are working on drivers for linux for WMR. just googled it and 7 months ago they got the controllers working. idk, maybe check it out.

[@Rice_Cake_]

I can't believe this is even possible... How is the most expensive peripheral I bought able to be made obsolete with a system update?! I love my G2! Microsoft so scummy, I'll never forget this

[@bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb2]

Laws are needed that when companies do this that the customer should *at minimum* be 100% financially reimbursed at the launch MSRP price. That's not enough to replace the value of the item to the customer, given these are much cheaper than the other options available today, but it's the absolute least they can do. Or a law passed that if a company decides to do this, they need to open source the drivers.

[@MorMacFey-v2g]

Are you kidding, you never bought anything. You were only renting it to begin with, just like everything else.

[@madigorfkgoogle9349]

@@MorMacFey-v2g wrong, you bought the headset, so MS is guilty by destroying a property of third parties.

[@themedleb]

​@@madigorfkgoogle9349What you said it 100% true, but companies nowadays sees it as "we rent things" while we buy them.

[@niklasfritzell6465]

Tyriel is fuming. A rare sight.

[@patrick1143b]

I remember years ago buying the Zune. Microsoft discontinued them mid stream and I told myself I’d NEVER buy another Microsoft backed product again. Was the right decision

[@X-VoodooKing-X]

I'm definitely pissed off. Definitely not buying any hardware accessories from Microsoft.

[@Blazeoptimus]

Unfortunately Microsoft has a long history of doing this. Windows tablet os, zune, umpc, windows phone, etc…

[@GraveUypo]

i have a stupid xbox steering wheel that never worked right on windows despite being advertised as such.

[@Kifter1983]

It definitely feels like a spiteful move from Microsoft to actively remove the software. Fair enough if they don't want to develop and support the WMR, just leave it be and let people continue to use the hardware they bought, but to purposefully remove the software and by extension disable the hardware is disgusting. Especially when you consider the price of these headsets at the time of purchase.

[@MobileDecay]

I remember I had the Lenovo Explorer. I'm glad I upgraded and got rid of it. I hate that they can push updates to brick your hardware. They should receive a lawsuit. 😡

[@Tyrielwood]

I wish I knew a good lawyer

[@theredstormer8078]

Pretty sure any manufacturer technically could do something that bricks your hardware (especially meta or other standalone manufacturers) but yeah it doesn't sound legal.

[@madigorfkgoogle9349]

@@theredstormer8078 the WMR was one of the functionality features of Win10 and Win1, so removing it now is criminal action by MS.

[@FOGDaheee]

I just did a fresh install of W10 a couple of weeks ago and as Tyriel said it's still working and will continue to work. I am sure someone will develop a way for these headsets to keep working in the not so distance future, so don't lose hope guys.

[@pokepokepoke64]

The reverb g2v2 is one of the best hmd’s around and was a perfect replacement for my index

[@Henk717]

This is exactly why despite wanting one I didn't get one, I saw the mandatory online downloads and the fact it was dependent on consumer versions of Windows 10 and I went with a different brand that gives me offline installers without an account requirement. My entire VR setup can be reproduced without the internet so ill always own my headset, its not the company's to take away.

[@dirkthevrstroller]

Hello from Italy Tyriel and thanks for the awesome video! If I can put my two cents, I'll leave one of the of the post I also wrote on reddit, which summarize my take on the situation: Simply put, I won't let go the Reverb G2 'till it works, one way or another. There's simply no substitute for it, and I tried almost everything (and I also use quite regularly both Quest 3 and PSVR2). I never had a single issue with the cable, or with WMR itself, and performance-wise it's far superior to the Quest 3 on the same hardware, with INCOMPARABLE video quality, due to the DisplayPort signal vs streaming (which is unbearable to me in more graphically complex games, even using WiFi 6E, or Link cable with 960mbit data rate). I'll keep Windows 10 and 11 23H2 locked on my PC with the InControl application, and then I'll use 0patch to receive future security updates after 2025. But in no way am I gonna stop using a headset I love and have spent a lot of money on. Just yesterday I was playing Subside, and, needless to say, it's incredible visually on the G2.

[@ItsHotdogFred]

And this is why I don't pay for windows

[@netshaman9918]

Same.

[@golem_videomaking]

i paid mine 10y ago for like a 1€, i think they don't care until you keep use their product lol

[@pweme2985]

facts lol

[@ipigtaiwan]

that's why i pirate windows

[@ArcticPrimal]

They really don't care if you don't pay as long as you're using it. They make money of you. They only care about businesses licensing windows etc

[@themedleb]

This is why open source software is a must, if Microsoft or any other org decided to abandon a piece of software, someone else will pick it up and keep maintaining it, at least the perfectly working hardware won't break.

[@MegaManNeo]

I'd like to see people sticking to those WMR headsets for a while because I'm certain projects like OpenHMD will be continued now by folks who really wanna keep using these brutally underrated yet super simple and amazing VR headsets. I can say I loved my Lenovo Explorer and gave it to a friend two years ago who never knew what to pick up and who also now has my machine from back then.

[@CabrioDriving]

Class action asap. A scandal. "Stop supporting" - just don't disable them with an update.

[@detmer87]

Steamdeck proofed that Windows can be replaced. And I'm done with Microsoft! I jumped on Windows Phone and on Mixed Reality with the Lenovo Explorer.

[@disasterincarnate]

its just a shame the WMR opensource projects on linux are "working" but a bit of a sh*tshow to setup/get working well and even then bits work but not everything.

[@psmithrpm]

Nothing says "F-U" quite like Microsoft. Another nail in their "customer loyalty" program.

[@Denuwu]

Ok so ultimate solution for WMR users is to move to Windows 10 IOT Enterprise LTSC 2021 which will be supported till 2032 not only will you get to use win 10 you will also get at least 8 more years out of your wmr headsets

[@taumelscheibe5948]

Thats probably not going to help. AFAIK the SteamVR drivers will be pulled from steam in november 2026.

[@Denuwu]

@@taumelscheibe5948 even if so not like they can force uninstall them plus steam tends to have a golden rule of installed once forever yours even if they do pull it those that used it should still have access

[@CaveyMoth]

I never would have gotten into VR if it weren't for Windows Mixed Reality and its more affordable headsets as well as lower performance costs. I had a blast with my Lenovo Explorer being powered by a laptop with a GTX 1050ti. Heck, even aside from the software, the Samsung WMR controllers are my favorite VR controllers by far. They are comfortable to hold without slipping out of your hand, have a nice button layout, are easy to button map and customize, and don't suffer from analog stick drift. They are bloody fantastic. I'm glad to still be using Windows 10. I'll have to keep an offline Windows 10 PC that has WMR and all of my games.

[@18earendil]

On one side, Valve is discretly fixing SteamVR for Linux and Gnome finally integrated the Wayland protocole needed for VR on Wayland session. On the other side Microsoft is killing Windows Mixed Reality.

[@10secondsrule]

Never trust Microsoft or Google.

[@MorMacFey-v2g]

I wouldn't trust any corporation.

[@gavial1448]

Or meta, or bytedance, or valve, or Playstation...

[@UbuntuUser1234]

I was happily using a Samsung Oddysey until I heard about the WMR news, I got an Index, I still miss the OLED though.

[@johnsaunders6510]

Unbelievable behaviour from MS. I can’t believe folks at Microsoft thought this would be okay.

[@UserUser-zc6fx]

This is beyond infuriating, I have 3 of these headsets and they are all perfectly serviceable with most games. Thankfully the Linux community is working on a workaround, but that will be some time coming.

[@slateisa]

The incredible thing is Microsoft has reportedly struck a deal with Samsung for OLED panels that could power a new line of mixed reality headsets. This people are crazy. Nobody is going to buy and spend $$$ in a MS AR/VR headset because they are going to kill it in 5 years. Like Google does with everything.

[@haxorcomputerservices]

Would it not be possible to create 3rd party SteamVR drivers to get these working? There is Linux support Monado is the OpenXR runtime project that underpins support for WMR and Rift S and other headsets so surely its possible

[@hectormg9617]

I just bought a used Oddysey+ man...

[@Topper_Harley68]

Perfect black level on that headset.

[@SnowTiger45]

Why the heck can't anyone else develop the WMR-type program/software ? Why wouldn't MS SELL IT to some other outfit OR just make it Public ? Even a Subscription-based purchase and maintenance (while it would SUCK) would be better than NOTHING. Sadly, I built a brand new PC with Win11. Why would I revert to Win10 ? That makes Zero Sense to me. I do have other programs besides my Gaming Shite. PS> I'm not so happy with HP getting out the VR industry either. I feel like I got EFF'd from Both Ends !

[@elturner7241]

This is the same thing that recently happened to my GearVR. Now I have to deal with Ms doing this to my Lenovo Explorer I bought these devices and the software for them, I should be able to continue to use them until they fall apart. Imagine if an auot maker decided to discontinue your car model. Now your vehicle will no longer work to get you to around -

[@GraveUypo]

i still have a gear vr but i never use it since i have a quest 2. i wonder if there's anything useful for that thing. there must be a homebrew scene for it [edit] yup, just asked perplexity pro about it. here is its answer Answer Yes, there is an active homebrew scene working to maintain and revive Samsung Gear VR functionality after its official discontinuation. While Samsung and Meta (formerly Oculus) have ceased support for the Gear VR platform, enthusiasts and developers have created workarounds to enable its continued use. Here are some key aspects of the current state of the Gear VR homebrew scene: Efforts to Restore Gear VR Functionality Developer Mode and Sideloading: Users have found ways to enable "Developer Mode" on their phones to bypass restrictions. This allows them to sideload necessary apps and services manually, such as the Oculus runtime and Gear VR-specific APKs1 4 . By enabling options like "Allow VR API without OSIG" in the Gear VR Service settings, users can run unofficial or sideloaded apps4 . Community Resources: Websites like gearvr.net provide archives of essential files, apps, and tutorials for setting up Gear VR on unsupported devices. These resources include guides for installing APKs and troubleshooting common issues1 4 . Reddit communities like r/GearVR serve as hubs for sharing experiences, solutions, and updates about maintaining Gear VR functionality5 . Compatibility Workarounds: Specific steps include downgrading certain system apps (e.g., Gear VR Setup Wizard) to older versions that work offline or bypass server dependencies4 . Some users have reported success by disabling Google Play Protect and manually installing necessary files2 4 . Challenges Despite these efforts, there are several limitations: Device Dependency: Only certain older Samsung devices (e.g., Galaxy S7, S8) are compatible with these workarounds. Newer devices or updated operating systems often face compatibility issues4 5 . Limited Functionality: While basic features may work, many apps that relied on Oculus servers or DRM protections are no longer accessible. Games with online requirements or DLCs are particularly affected1 5 . Complex Setup: The process requires technical knowledge, including sideloading APKs, modifying settings, and troubleshooting errors. This can be daunting for non-technical users4 5 . Conclusion Although official support for the Samsung Gear VR has ended, a dedicated homebrew community continues to keep the platform alive through creative solutions. Enthusiasts can still enjoy basic VR experiences by following detailed guides and leveraging community resources. However, the process is not straightforward and may require significant effort depending on the device and software versions involved.

[@overtorquednut]

LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT! LAW-SUIT!

[@exhaustor5983]

Hi, long time Levono user here, Q3 now. Just want to say that I really appreciate yours "rumbelling" video. Any opinion on these problems should be voiced and I am glad you are taking a part. There should be more reviewers like you. Show the falts in product after time should be stadart of every reviewer who is promoting anything. I dont use WMR any more but all the Reverb G2 users are wery much on the line here. Thx.

[@ZolderAut]

I'm never giving up my reverb g2. Even planning on getting an omnicept.

[@Strannix1979]

They have solid experience with shooting themselves in the foot. At the end of the day, the community will rise to the challenge. I had a feeling I should keep my gaming pc on W10.

[@MrDumbeldore1000]

i just got an odyssey + because its one of the few OLED vr headsets, i use it for racing. bricking the headsets is just completely uncalled for! dont care about the mixed reality portal thingy, never used it, but disabling the possibility to use the headset at all is just crazy

[@BoltRM]

_ANOTHER_ reason to not use win 11 😮

[@flamingscar5263]

I get Microsoft doesn't want to support WMR anymore, and bricking the devices is the 2nd best option from a security standpoint (without support from Microsoft they become a security nightmare) but the best option that MIcrosoft should go for is open sourcing the driver, let the community maintain WMR

[@derichiggins]

I'd suggest setting up a VM. I did this for some Win7 functions I didn't want to lose . With windows though you may be able to load the appropriate file / drivers.

[@daimus]

Just a heads up from a techo that Win11 23H2 (the update before 24H2) goes end of support Nov 11 2025. So, after that date it won't receive security updates; kind of forcing you to go to 24H2 or risk the vulnerabilities in the OS. I'm a proud Reverb G2 user, and when I heard about this deprecation it had me fuming. We're forced to use Windows as a service, and the deprecation timelines that go with it. It's funny that core to the broader Windows ecosystem is backwards compatibility. However, Microsoft are generally forced into that approach at the application layer due to the wide install base. It's so sad to see them kill WMR off without a supported solution; and I'd wager it's so they no longer have to factor in WMR app compatibility testing across major feature update releases. They invented WMR, dipped their toes in the water and put the risk on the shoulders of their hardware partners. There was no further development and a minimum of investment, hence the platform failed to grow as it should have. The parallels to Windows mobile are (as mentioned) a great example.

[@TaderSamich]

🤬 I have macular degeneration. I am visually impaired. I use vr because I can see 10x better with light close to my retinas. As a 3d graphic designer, this news is heartbreaking

[@H4GRlD]

That's why we need VR to come to Linux properly. Linux devs are usually not abandoning people on a whim if the community wants something. I'm waiting for the new Valve headset for quite some time for the exact same reason. IMO Windows will eventually become a platform like facebook that people are trying to avoid if they can.

[@fenix2k1]

Thanks for pointing this out. I'm still using a Dell Visor and was about to pull the trigger on a Reverb G2. I don't understand why MS needed to completely brick Win MR headsets rather than just provide limited support.

[@jasons4745]

Thank you for the video and zero people would be blaming you man, keep up the great work

[@SamHartwell420]

What a shame. I've heard Linus talk about this on the wan show and brush it off because no one used them, but that's not true. A ton of people used the first Gen headsets for a super cheap entry into VR, and the second and third Gen (Odyssey/reverb, Odyssey+/G2) headsets did very well and were actually very high quality with OLED screens on the Odyssey and the damn valve index audio setup on the G2. So disappointing Microsoft doesn't care to keep the platform going.

[@pykepyke_]

No need to apologize, I also thought that Microsoft's support and ecosystem wpuld last longer than most others. Sadly they had a lot of missed opportunities. Your reviews got me into VR with a WMR headset but I've since moved on to better ones. Not always because of the platform but often it's the spec uodates and compatibility that make me uograde. I appreciate your channel and how it introduced me to VR, there's never a need to apologize

[@GraveUypo]

at the time these were coming out hot, i was SUPER tempted to get one. i'm so glad i waited some more and got a quest 2 instead.

[@Tuntalunta]

its been almost exactly a year with my reverb g2, this is disappointing

[@ABonYT]

Set windows to get only security updates using something like ChrisTitus's debloat tool to make sure your WMR HMD doesn't turn into a paperweight so soon

[@Official_Arion]

I don't have a good play area for VR. But since my computer can run pretty much every VR game, and the quest 2 gave me so many issues prior, I wanted to get a good vr headset and one that I THOUGHT wouldn't have any of these problems. My Reverb G2 is still managing with Mixed Reality Portal and SteamVR, surprisingly enough. It's just that... it's kinda buggy, steamVR crashes some times even after updating my graphics card drivers. It feels like they wanted me to waste the little money I have... (though if I knew, I would have bit an earlier $1k investment in a valve index, as opposed to having to replace my G2 nowadays. Even without a suitable play area, it would have been better)

[@Trace6x]

Damn I remember when the reverb g2 was being launched and I was weighing up getting one over a valve Index, I'm sure glad I went with the Index.

[@vincentpaniccia109]

The reason microsoft is deprecating the windows headsets is to increase their sales margin for their future partnership with Meta and the open source OS that they would use for the Xbox VR Headset. They want to make sure there is no better option but to use those headsets.

[@supersoundset]

That’s exactly right!

[@overtorquednut]

Now that's grimy....

[@sovietunion8304]

hopefully valve can release that headset soon this would be a perfect time

[@Luchingador]

Create a restore point, if somehow microshaft pushes the update to u, u can go back

[@amigang]

Completely agree, I hate how this is happening more and more.

[@DerekSpeareDSD]

I'm staying on Win10. I love my Reverb too much. Been watching your "through the lens" videos for years. Thank you, Tyriel!

[@TheGunterGlieben]

I’ve been declining the upgrade to w11 for a while. Last week I woke to find my pc had decided to ignore me, and overnight it auto updated to w11... what complete and utter bs. Luckily I had a recovery usb thumb drive, this was able to unf#@k it back to w10. Without the recovery stick I was stuck in a blue screen of death recovery loop.... This is before I learned about ms killing the wmr headsets with w11. My Reverb g2 still works great. Complete d#$k move on your part ms. 👎

[@VroodenTheGreat]

If anyone finds an un-patch or some sort of an exe to re-patch WMR back into windows, please respond here.

[@luisold]

I am using the dual boot solution because my reverb g2 stop working on windows 11 for an unknown reason so I am already prepared.

[@NeseComedy]

Phew, when you said bricked I thought like the device itself becomes a paperweight, even when going back to Windows 10 PC

[@Recon777x]

But wait a minute. Windows updates on its own without asking for permission. I've never found a way to prevent it. I'm not upgrading to 11, so I'm on 10 hoping my Reverb G2 will continue to function. I was under the impression that Windows 10 would always have WMR.

[@MuletTheGreat]

Hello from the XNA community! We feel your pain. MonoGame became our hero. Please be the man who starts OpenMR. Be the Batman of Windows mixed reality. 🙏

[@larrythehedgehog]

Just tell Linus from LTT and get him to raise awareness. Maybe you can get the ball rolling like that.

[@therealxchan]

hopefully someone makes a compatibility for it only for steamvr when this closes

[@rwxstudio7173]

So what does this mean for the older Lenovo mixed reality headset like the Star Wars experience? My local Value Village had one for sale (need a phone with Os 7.0 phone to use).

[@drumbliss]

Windows 11 version 23h2 has end-of-life on November 11, 2025 (unless you own an Enterprise/Educational version, in which case it's 11/10/2026). Microsoft will be able to force-update to 24h2 within the preceding four months (i.e. some time past July 2025). As you mentioned, DON'T TRY TO BLOCK OR DELAY the update. Registry hacks and other tricks inadvertently end up triggering the update early. There is TONS of misinformation on this issue floating around. "Feature" updates such as this one are NOT automatically installed by Microsoft (until end-of-life). The best thing to do is to NOT agree to any feature-update notifications from Windows. Security updates will still be installed automatically, so your machine will remain protected. And you've just earned another subscriber with this video. I've enjoyed your videos in the past, but I especially appreciate a video dedicated to this issue. In fact, it was this video that led me to study this issue more closely.

[@GraveUypo]

that is why i left windows last year. i was fucking livid of microsoft wrestling me for ownership of MY machine. eff off you pissants! seriously!

[@DMouseCA]

The end of your video was awesome!!! Keep up the good work!! I absolutely love my Reverb G2, the clarity, comfort and easy of use make this an all time great headset, but then there is Microsoft, grrrr!!!

[@seebarry4068]

Sounds like class action to me. I'd be so pissed off if this happened with my rift s, I don't understand why it can't do vr at least

[@phoenixbluex]

Is there something you can install that will allow it to work even after they remove it?

[@seekvapes9641]

Oh man, I only have a Reverb G2 that I've been saving up to for so long, with extra spare parts, loving it, and no money to buy another headset in any foreseeable future, probably can't even sell it now since MS made it worthless.

[@dgkimpton]

Same dude. Saved up, got my headset which is good enough for the foreseable future, now been utterly screwed. No money for a new headset, so that's me out of VR. Grrr.

[@Sandflowgames]

You know he’s pissed when he swears..

[@abeidiot]

stopping support and completely removing are two very different things. It speaks to the incompetence of microsoft engineers that they couldn't even separate wmr from the OS and have it work without support

[@adiil2014]

Where is HP in all of that?

[@matthewwain9958]

Wait.. WHAT???????? I was literally looking at headsets to buy for work.

[@Skylancer727]

I still use a Samsung Odyssey Plus I got for $200. Kinda sucks to lose it since the OLED is pretty sweet, though I will say I kinda wish we had 120hz.

[@MixologistMilo]

Any info on the new update file that’s the issue?

[@AngryApple]

what I dont get is windows has so much old bloat in there so that really really old stuff still works. Why do they remove this? Its okay to make it deprecated but why remove it? Makes no sense

[@mrspaceman2764]

I haven't seen any compelling reasons to move to W11 on my gaming PC. Are there any gaming features or added performance specific to W11?

[@Jdbye]

Maybe there's a chance that at least some of these headsets will get 3rd party drivers or software to make them function with SteamVR directly. The Reverb G2 was and still is nice hardware, but I sold it in favor of a Vive Pro 2 to go native SteamVR because I was just having too many software related issues. I still miss certain aspects of the Reverb G2 like the clarity and the audio solution which the VP2 is just way worse at, but I've had far less technical issues since I made the switch. I suppose I'm glad I sold it while I had the chance because they're going to be worthless now. Shame for that hardware to go to waste though. With better software it would be a nearly perfect headset.

[@germanrifter2117]

I'm in the comfortable situation that a) I already planned on upgrading from the Reverb G2 to the Pimax Crystal Light and b) I got a 2nd PC with Win10 I can still use the G2 with, but not everyone got that option so I'm 100% with you: MS should have at least made it possible to use WMR hmd with OpenXR.

[@bradpaca]

This really shows how much Microsoft cares about its users. I will hold a bad impression of them for a long time. Plus, they are going to join with pimax for the flight game.

[@urosgrum5137]

Just teied my old medion version of acer headset id didnt work so i used it as a last lerning experience and took it appart its just sick that they didnt put out standalone driver since 99% didnt even use microsoft hub for nothing more than to enable steam vr

[@Smuggers.]

I wish I knew more legal things, this feels like the kind of thing people would start a class action lawsuit over.

[@Wooskii1]

I'm still on windows 10 (I don't like 11), I have multiple drives, and even more empty drive bays... Maybe I should start keeping my eye out for a good deal on a G2v2?

[@peppyrobo7049]

Is there no way of making these a native Steam Vr headset?

[@chaadlosan]

No

[@andre-le-bone-aparte]

Hot Take: Microsoft has to pay for those Nuclear Reactors somehow...

[@BirkinIdk]

I was never into WMR but man I feel for you. I can tell you're genuinely disappointed in Microsoft. This should be illegal.

[@rudlzavedno7279]

I hope worthy HP reverb replacement comes before my G2 gets bricked. Valve, Samsung, Asus, Lenovo, LG where are you?

[@Healthy_Toki]

:shines the vr bat signal:

[@Davids6994]

They're out there targeting mass consumer products while looking at Meta pouring millions into VR with little profits to show for it

[@matvander5928]

I wonder how much we can trade our G2's for? 🤔 Oh, that's right, not a thing - they're absolutely worthless now.

[@glenben92]

thank you for making it clear that even on other OS's they'll be useless eventually.. I nearly still bought a G2 coz its got no real competition at the price. This is disgusting

[@moshmoshpitpit]

Has anyone replicated the home environments in other platforms like VRChat or Horizon Worlds? Or has anyone extracted the assets from the home environments?

[@TheGamersShow1]

Yeah, I'm sad about this but not surprised - I do own two WMR headsets and talked my friends into buying them too. For a company that is one of the most profitable, and has some of the biggest cash reserves, it's kind of unforgivable they didn't release a separate download or patch or open source toolkit to allow the community to keep their hardware working. Companies should be required to either make their products run without server connections, or the ability to be patched out of an OS, or alternatively place a big ugly label on them that states the product may stop working in the future if the company stopped supporting them, and include past examples of when this has happened. Sadly, I've been taken for a ride by Microsoft a few times, including buying digital games from the Games For Windows platform, which they shut down and I lost me entire (but small) library... thankfully, I did buy most all digital games on Steam. Someday these practices will come back to haunt Microsoft (and other big tech brutes,) and I'll be there with my Popcorn ready!