- Compatibility, room limits, and pairing define the foundation of a stable WMR experience.
- Screen, audio, voice, and input settings optimize quality, fluidity, and control.
- Edge in WMR and Windows version management affect features and support.
If you're about to dive into Windows Mixed Reality, here's a complete guide to get everything working perfectly the first time. prepare the space From fine-tuning image quality to resolving typical errors, we will go through each section in detail and with clear language, one-on-one.
It should be borne in mind that the WMR ecosystem mixture hardwaresoftware and system settings. This means that a good experience starts with careful preparation: compatibility check, downloads necessary, controller pairing, limit setting and a couple of key audio, display and input settings.
Get ready: requirements and safe space
To run Windows Mixed Reality, you will need a compatible PC, a WMR headset (see our virtual reality glasses setup guideAnd, if you're going to use motion controllers, make sure your computer has Bluetooth 4.0 (or a USB adapter that provides it). Also, make sure you have enough storage for the software and content.
Before putting on the headset, clear the play area. Remove small furniture, fragile objects, and potential obstacles; if there are low ceiling fans or stairs nearby, relocate the experience. It is essential that all users read and understand the safety guidelines of the helmet and the manufacturer.
With the space ready, connect the headset to the PC but don't put it on yet: we'll perform the initial setup on the computer first. At this point, Windows will download the necessary software. will check compatibility and will guide you through pairing controllers and creating the room boundary.
Once the system is ready, the fun part begins: put on the headset and enter your Mixed Reality home. In the first few steps, the assistant will guide you and teach you how to... move and interact in this new space.
PC startup and testing
When you connect the headset for the first time, the Mixed Reality Portal will initiate a system check. You will see status indicators: green The triangles indicate that your PC meets the requirements. oranges point out potential problems, and the Red x that the requirements are not being met. If you detect any issues, you may need to update drivers or the hardware itself.
Before continuing, the system will ask you to review the terms and conditions. To proceed, make sure you have at least 2 GB free On your PC, accept the terms and let Windows download the necessary components (WMR takes up approximately 1 GB, so There (It will depend on your connection).
During the "Preparing for Configuration" phase, you'll see an icon spinning briefly. Do not interrupt the process: this is when services are being installed and components are being consolidated. from the Mixed Reality Portal.
Motion controllers: pairing and alternatives
If your headset has a built-in radio for controllers (most manufactured from 2018 onwards), the controllers usually come pre-paired. Turn them on and they should be ready. If your headset doesn't have a built-in radio, pair the controllers with your PC using [command missing]. Bluetooth 4.0In that case, a compatible USB 4.0 adapter may be required.
If you're going to play only with a gamepad Xbox With a keyboard and mouse, you can do without motion controllers. However, if you plan to use them at some point, it's best to pair them beforehand to avoid wasting time later. take the leap to the full experience.
Tip: If you need to review the pairing or controller setup process, the Mixed Reality Portal includes a dedicated section for configuring and synchronize the controls.
Configure the limit: room scale or desktop scale
The WMR experience can be tailored to your space and needs. If you choose "Set me up for all experiences" (room scale), you'll have the freedom to walk around the room, provided you have a clear area. Ideally, you should have at least 1,5 m x 2 m to move around safely.
If you choose "Set me up for sit and stand experience" (desktop scale), you can use the static viewer, perfect for small spaces or tasks that don't require moving around. In this mode, you won't use any boundaries and you'll have to stay put, because there won't be a virtual guide to help you. avoid obstacles.
For room setup, make sure the area is clear. Center the headset, follow the wizard to draw the perimeter, and keep the headset pointed at the PC when prompted. When finished, you'll see your virtual boundary Ready to help you move safely.
If you choose the "seated and standing" experience, there are no additional steps: simply confirm this option and continue with the following steps. system settings.
Maximum limit size and why it matters
Windows Mixed Reality supports boundaries up to 18 x 18 feet (approximately 5,7 x 5,7 m), or a radius of 13 feet (about 4 m) from the center. This maximum is defined by the anchor point and how far you can move away without compromising the stability of the boundary, which is key to the inside-out tracking used by WMR headsets. to be located in space.
As you move too far from the anchor point, tracking reliability decreases and the limit can become less consistent. The headset cable (typically ~3 m) also plays a role, naturally limiting the distance. Therefore, the maximum limit size balances tracking fidelity, safety, and cable length.
Voice, audio, and viewfinder display
In WMR you can activate commands Use Cortana's voice commands to teleport yourself or open apps. It's a quick way to interact without removing your headset, though keep in mind that voice availability and behavior may vary depending on your region and device settings. privacy and microphone.
Regarding audio: many WMR scopes include built-in speakers and microphones. If yours is older, you can connect a wired headset to the scope's 3,5mm jack (usually on the bottom or on a short cable) or use a bluetooth earphone with microphone.
To adjust the headset display, go to Settings > Mixed Reality > Headset Display. Under “Visual Objects,” you can choose the visual quality of your Mixed Reality home; the default value is Automatic to balance quality and performance.
If you connect a viewer with high-resolution panels (for example, 4320 x 2160), an option will appear to choose how the image is rendered: native (better quality) or "auto-scaling" (better performance). By default, the system renders natively to take full advantage of the viewer's quality, but if you notice performance drops, try the automatic scaling.
In “Calibration” you can adjust the IPD if your visor supports software calibration. If the option is grayed out, your helmet likely has a physical IPD control, which you will need to adjust from the visor itself. viewfinder mechanism.
Frame rate and input switching
For frame rate, you can let Windows decide between 60 Hz and 90 Hz based on your hardware, or manually force the frequency. A higher refresh rate improves smoothness but can put more strain on your computer. System GPU.
Input switching controls how Windows redirects your keyboard and mouse when you put on the headset. The default setting switches automatically with the presence sensor; if you prefer to manage it yourself, set it to manual mode and use Win+Y to switch between desktop and WMR.
Microsoft Edge in Windows Mixed Reality
To use the new Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) as a Win32 app in the WMR home, you need Windows 10 1903 or later, or Windows 11If you don't see it, check. Windows Update or manually install the latest version of your operating system.
Following a 2020 cumulative update for Windows 10 1903 and higher, known issues such as micro-freezes on startup were fixed. apps Win32 (including Edge), the disappearance of the Edge icon from the WMR Start menu, the inability to use legacy windows placed in the home directory, and links from the WMR homepage opening the browser on the desktop instead of in the home directory. virtual home.
Other aspects to consider: websites open within WMR are lost when the Portal is closed (Edge windows remain), Edge audio is not spatialized, and if you open 360° YouTube videos, distortion may appear unless you have the 360 Viewer extension in its corrected version (2.3.8) (see What is WebXR?To check versions, type edge://system and expands “Extensions”.
During WMR sessions, virtual monitors may appear as generic physical monitors in Settings > System > Display, which is normal when the environment creates displays. virtualized work.
Start WMR after the first time and the Portal
Re-entering WMR is as simple as putting on your headset while it's connected. If you prefer, manually launch the Mixed Reality Portal app from the Home menu; input and audio will automatically be redirected to the headset, or you can press Win+Y to force it
When you connect the headset and controllers for the first time, the Portal usually opens automatically on your desktop. If it doesn't, look for it in the Start menu. Within the Portal, you can start or stop the preview (on WMR Ultra systems), check the status of the headset and controllers, configure new controllers, enable or disable the limit, create a new one, and view photos of mixed reality and access compatible apps and games.
Download and install WMR
The Windows Mixed Reality package is approximately 1 GB. If you see the message “We were unable to download the Mixed Reality software” or the installation freezes on “Blocked while we download,” check your connection and try again. If the problem persists, apply the following measures: problem solving which you will see below.
General troubleshooting
If you encounter errors or unusual behavior in the Portal, the first thing to try is a "WMR reset": disconnect both cables from the viewer, restart your PC, and reconnect them. Sometimes, a clean cycle resolves issues. enumeration of devices.
If it doesn't work, check that the device recognizes the viewer: open the Device administrator and expand “Mixed reality devices”. If it doesn't appear, try other ports (make sure you're using USB 3.0), check for updates in Windows Update, or uninstall and reinstall WMR by disconnecting the headset, removing the motion controllers from Bluetooth, and finally reconnecting the headset so that Windows reinstall all.
You might also encounter messages like “Something went wrong and we couldn’t start,” “Connect your headphones” even when they’re already connected, or the assistant getting stuck on the “Move your head from side to side and look at the ground” step. In those cases, check cables, ports, graphics updates, and the headset calibration, and don’t forget the Presence sensor (If it doesn't detect that you're wearing a helmet, some steps won't progress).
Typical error messages and how to act
Below is a quick reference of errors and recommended actions, rewritten to be clearer and more direct, but respecting the essentials of the usual warnings in WMR. Check each point calmly.
| Message | What to try |
|---|---|
| Check the USB cable | Connect the headset to another USB port (SuperSpeed 3.0). Avoid using extension cables and hubs; ideally, connect it directly to the motherboard. Real USB 3.0 it's key. |
| Check the video cable | Use DisplayPort 1.2 or higher, or HDMI 1.4 or higher on the dedicated GPU. If using an adapter, ensure it supports 4K. Try another HDMI/DP port and connect the external monitor to DP, reserving HDMI for the viewer. |
| A problem has occurred | Follow the general steps: restart WMR, check detection in Device Manager, update drivers and Windows, and reinstall if the fault persists. |
Movement, home of WMR and applications
The Windows Mixed Reality home is your home environment: a three-dimensional space where you can dock apps, navigate, and personalize. It's not a flat interface; every element has its place in space, and the Microsoft Store apps or SteamVR are integrated onto that canvas almost unlimited in 3D.
To move around you have the following options: physically walking (if you set a limit and the area is clear), teleporting with motion controllers (push the stick forward, aim and release), teleporting with a gamepad (left stick forward) or with a mouse (hold the secondary button and release at the destination) (if you want, see the Differences between VR, AR, MR, and XR). You can adjust the teleporter's fall direction by rotating the stick or with the mouse wheel.
There's also "Fit to Application": point the teleportation arc at a window and release; the system will position you perfectly to interact with that content. And if you prefer continuous scrolling, press the stick to click and move in the desired direction with your... controllers or gamepad.
To launch apps: Press the Windows button on the controller to open the Start menu, choose the app, and place it wherever you want. From then on, you can launch it by touching its 3D model. To browse the web, repeat the gesture and launch it. Microsoft Edge.
For music, open the menu and launch the Groove Music app. If you want more apps, launch the Microsoft Store and choose "Get" or "Buy." The "New for you" app (shopping bag in your home) shows relevant recommendations. your viewer.
Personalization, house reset, and limit
Decorate your home with apps and holograms, adjust their size and position with the Adjust button, or use two controllers to quickly scale: point both at a hologram or a window bar and zoom in or out to change size and distance.
If you want to revert to the original layout, go to Settings > Mixed Reality > Environment and use the Reset Home option. It's a quick way to clear your setup and get started. right from the start.
To uninstall WMR: disconnect the headset, close the Portal, and go to Settings > Apps to remove the Mixed Reality components. If you only want to disable the limit, open the Portal > menu (top left) > Run Limit Configuration and use the toggle to turn it on. Disabled (in that mode he remains seated at the desk).
The sound in the WMR home is spatialized: the audio originates from the location of each app. As you turn or change distance, the direction and volume vary just like in real life, reinforcing the feeling of immersion. presence.
Compatibility, downloads, and other common notices
If you see “We couldn’t download the WMR software” or the wizard gets stuck downloading, check your connection and permissions. If the Portal doesn’t open when you connect the viewer, open it from the Start menu. If your PC says it can’t run WMR or displays “You’re almost there,” check your GPU, drivers, ports, and settings. USB power.
Other frequently cited problems: Xbox controller not responding (reconfigure or re-pair), motion controllers not tracking (re-pair via Bluetooth 4.0, change batteries and check for updates), slow Wi-Fi (move the Bluetooth dongle away from the Wi-Fi if there is interference), or desktop preview not appearing (enable it from the Portal on PCs). WMR Ultra).
A common legal point in this ecosystem: names and logos belong to their respective owners, and in the case of content from Steam and SteamVR, the trademarks belong to their owners in each territory.
WMR and Windows 11 24H2: what changes and how to continue using your viewers
Users who have upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 are reporting that Windows Mixed Reality has stopped working and the system no longer recognizes their headsets. Microsoft has announced the retirement of WMR in that version, scheduled for the end of 2024, so if you rely on WMR, it's advisable to stay on the current version. Windows 11 23H2 or earlier.
If you've already upgraded or don't want to give up 24H2 for everyday use, a practical solution is... Boot Dual boot: Install 23H2 on a separate drive and choose the operating system at startup. You can rename boot manager entries with the command `bcdedit /enum` to locate the identifier and `bcdedit /set {IDENTIFIER} description "Your name"`. This way, at boot, you'll see both entries. clearly differentiated.
To lock on 23H2 and block 24H2 in Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise, open gpedit.msc and go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage the update experience. Enable “Select the target feature update version” and set “Windows 11” as the product and “23H2” as the version. target feature.
In Windows 11 Home, do it via the Registry: in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate, create the string values TargetReleaseVersion (value 1) and TargetReleaseVersionInfo (23H2). Restart and check that the 24H2 update is not offered automatically. and immediately.
Quick Guide: Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset (AH100/AH101)
Make sure you have Windows 10 Fall Creators Update or later and that your computer meets the requirements. You can check this with the PC Checker app for Windows Media Player. Connect the headset's HDMI cable to the GPU and the USB cable to a USB port. USB 3.0.
Launch the Windows Mixed Reality app and tap Get Started. Read the on-screen information and accept to install the software. The system will check your hardware, and if everything is OK, proceed with "Next." You will then go through a brief driver tutorial. key notions.
To sync the controllers, press and hold the Windows button on the controller to turn it on. Remove the battery cover and hold the sync button until it flashes; then close the cover. Complete setup standing or sitting, as needed. your space.
Adjust the headset using the rear wheel for a firm and comfortable fit. If you're using headphones, connect them and you're all set: you'll be ready to enjoy your Acer WMR with this configuration. simple and direct.
This guide covers everything you need to get your WMR headset working properly: from preparing the environment and pairing controllers, to adjust image quality, frequency and input...until you understand how Microsoft Edge integrates, what to do about the most common errors, and how to maintain support on Windows 11 if you use 23H2; with these steps and TricksThe experience should be stable, fluid, and above all, safe.
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