It's over. Microsoft discontinues HoloLens 2, ending its foray into VR.

Microsoft HoloLens
Launched as an innovative device aiming to pioneer mixed reality, HoloLens had a dire history marred with issues. (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft halted production of HoloLens 2 headsets recently.
  • HoloLens 2 headsets will continue to receive critical security updates and software regressions until the end of 2027.
  • Microsoft's Mixed Reality division has struggled mightily over recent years, including the departure of former HoloLens lead Alex Kipman.
  • Support for the original HoloLens will end on December 10, 2024.

Microsoft ended the production of HoloLens 2 headsets recently. The augmented reality headset will continue to receive "updates to address critical security issues and software regressions," until December 31, 2027. The start of 2028 will mark the official end of software support for HoloLens 2. Support for the original HoloLens 2 will end much sooner, specifically December 10, 2024. But it's worth noting that production of the original HoloLens ended in 2018.

The information comes courtesy of UploadVR, which received confirmation from Microsoft regarding the end of HoloLens 2 production.

When launched in 2019, HoloLens 2 showed promise and drew excitement within the virtual and augmented reality space. The device was much better than the original HoloLens and it did not have many direct competitors at the time. The VR space has changed quite a bit since then, and Microsoft hasn't shown much progress. The HoloLens division was reportedly called a "s--t show" by one Microsoft employee.

Microsoft reportedly canceled HoloLens 3, though there was some back-and-forth on if that was the case. Microsoft's $22 billion Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) for the US military has had several issues during testing. On that note, Microsoft told UploadVR that it is "fully committed" to IVAS, even after today's news.

Microsoft ultimately killed the Windows VR platform and announced the deprecation of Windows Mixed Reality in December 2023.

The (predictable) end of an era

Microsoft's HoloLens 2 launched in a time that still saw hope for Windows Mixed Reality. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft pioneered several concepts in the virtual and augmented reality space, but the company ultimately struggled to grow within the market. HoloLens had uses in industrial spaces and in corporate environments, but Windows Mixed Reality as a whole failed to capture everyday consumers.

Microsoft laid off teams behind virtual reality, mixed reality, and HoloLens in January 2023. The teams behind AltSpaceVR and the Mixed Reality Tool Kit were part of those layoffs.

Reports dating back to February 2022 claimed that Microsoft was lost when it came to HoloLens, calling HoloLens 3 a "s--t show."

In addition to technical and monetization challenges, Microsoft faced issues surrounding the leadership of HoloLens. A report from Insider (formerly Business Insider), accused Kipman of "verbal abuse and sexual harassment." Among the claims was an accusation of Kipman viewing pornography on a VR headset that was mirrored to a nearby monitor that could be seen by other people in the room. Kipman was also accused of fostering "culture that diminishes women’s contributions."

Official word on HoloLens is rare from Microsoft, and the company seems to change its plans about mixed reality regularly. Leadership changes and restructuring within the company have also likely contributed to the wandering path of HoloLens development.

The future of VR at Microsoft

Microsoft still has VR plans, including shipping software for Apple Vision Pro. (Image credit: Apple)

While Microsoft has ended production of HoloLens 2 and killed of the Windows VR platform, the company still has plans for virtual reality. Microsoft has partnered with Meta and Apple to get Microsoft software onto Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, respectively.

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden reported that future Microsoft-made mixed reality headsets will likely be powered by Android, not Windows. While the devices would not run Windows natively, Microsoft is reportedly working on a solution that will let mixed reality devices run full Windows desktop apps through the cloud.

With Microsoft's track record surrounding virtual and mixed reality, even those plans may be canceled before a product is released to the public. We could see mixed reality headsets made by Microsoft as soon as 2025 or 2026, but we'll have to wait to see which plans Microsoft sticks with.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

  • HeyCori
    Props to VR because it has finally been able to get on the market and stay on the market. Unfortunately, mainstream adoption continues to be elusive. VR, AR, MR, none of the Rs have risen above being a niche. Add to that the graveyard of devices out there. All of Windows Mixed Realty is gone. The HTC Vive is still out there although almost no one talks or writes about it. The Valve Index is technically still available. PlayStation VR2 is moving to Windows just to salvage it. The Vision Pro started with a splash but recent articles don't have much to say about it. For the terminally online, VR seems huge, but I'm not finding anything to indicate that the average consumer cares about VR. I don't even think it's about price at this point, especially not with $300 headsets. There just seems to be something instinctual where people can look at VR and go, "Nah, not for me."
    Reply
  • HelloNNNewman
    I thought the HoloLens was a really cool item when it first was demo'd. I've though about getting a VR headset a few times, but hate the idea of working with Facebook if I got an Oculus (Quest) device. And not seeing any new feedback about the Vibe or any others hasn't pushed my forward either. It seems like developers are either waiting for the market to actually take off or the hardware to get better and better before committing. Dunno... I could do a lot of speculating, but in the end, I don't pull the trigger because I don't want to spend the $ and have it outdated (or dead) in a few months. I've got other things to buy and enjoy first. lol
    Reply