How to calibrate your Windows Mixed Reality headset display

By Richard Devine
last updated

If things don't look quite right while wearing your Windows Mixed Reality headset, some calibration might help. Here's how to do it.

On the early batch of Windows Mixed Reality headsets there aren't any physical controls to adjust the focal length, or, well ... anything. Aside from adjusting it up and down on your head to get a comfortable, light-free fit, you can't change any settings.

So, if you jump in for the first time and things don't look too good, it's not the end of the world. There is a way to adjust the calibration of your headset in the software.

Calibrating your Windows Mixed Reality headset's screen

Mixed Reality

To make adjustments, follow these steps:

  1. Open settings on your PC.
  2. Click on Mixed Reality.
  3. From the sidebar, select headset display.

From here, you can alter two things: The quality of the visuals, and the calibration. In particular, you'll want to look at the latter, but it's also worth seeing if setting the quality higher makes a difference. The levels range from low to very high (beta) and by default will be set to automatic. However, your system may underestimate how good Mixed Reality can look.

Mixed Reality

The calibration tool changes virtual distance, and by default it is set to 65 mm. There's no "right" or "wrong" setting here as everyone is different, and the only way to get it right for you is to play with the slider. Move it up or down a few millimeters at a time to see what difference it makes. If it's still not right, keep going.

This process is more complicated than just making an adjustment on the headset, but having a tool in the OS means all headsets can be adjusted in the same way. It'll take some time to get right, but keep at it until your eyes are dancing with glee at the crisp, focused images in front of you.

More on Windows Mixed Reality

If you're interested in Windows Mixed Reality, be sure to check out all the other great content we have.

Richard Devine
Richard Devine
Managing Editor - Tech, Reviews

Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him steering the site's coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine

2 Comments
  • Hi Richard Devine, one question. One thing I really hate while using GearVR is the screen door effect. It is very annoying. Are the new WMR headsets better in this area? I ordered Samsung Odyssey. I hope it can be better even though the resolution is just a tiny bit better.
  • Or (ask someone to) measure your interpupillary distance (IPD) and enter the right number the first time.