WMR headsets connect to your PC via HDMI and USB-A 3.0, while the motion controllers use Bluetooth 4.0. Unfortunately, not all PCs have what it takes to connect, so adapters (often called dongles) are required. The adapter market is huge, and buying the first thing you see might not always turn out great. We put together this guide to help you get the right connection.
A Bluetooth adapter that works with Windows Mixed Reality
If your PC doesn't natively support Bluetooth 4.0, Microsoft recommends an adapter from Plugable. It's tiny, it plugs in through a USB-A port (best used with USB 2.0), and costs only about $14 (opens in new tab). There are internal solutions you can look at as well, but this adapter is by far the easiest way to get your WMR motion controllers connected.
See at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Display adapters that work with Windows Mixed Reality
If your PC only has DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, or USB-C, these adapters will help you get your WMR headset connected.
Plugable Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0
This active adapter supports both 60Hz and 90Hz, plus it's available in both Mini DisplayPort and regular DisplayPort configurations. It costs only about $18 (opens in new tab) and will support 4K at 60Hz if you want to use it for other purposes than WMR.
See at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Surface Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0
If you're using a Surface device with WMR, you might be interested in an adapter to match. This supports 60Hz and 90Hz, plus it can be used elsewhere at 4K to maintain a 60Hz refresh rate. It costs about $40 (opens in new tab).
See at Microsoft Store (opens in new tab)
Plugable USB-C to HDMI 2.0
Coming in at about $18 (opens in new tab), this adapter from Plugable takes the USB-C port on your PC and turns it into an HDMI 2.0 port. It works for both 60Hz and 90Hz, and can help you out elsewhere by offering 4K resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate.
See at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Plugable USB-C to USB-A adapter
Your WMR headset also requires a USB-A port to plug into, but newer laptops sometimes only come with USB-C. If this is the case, grab this adapter from Plugable (about $10) (opens in new tab). It plugs into the USB-C port on your PC and provides an input for USB-A.
See at Amazon (opens in new tab)
A powered USB 3.0 hub that works with Windows Mixed Reality
If your PC doesn't have enough USB 3.0 ports for all your peripherals and your WMR headset, you'll likely have to invest in a powered USB hub. That means it's plugged into a separate power source at all times.
Microsoft recommends the Plugable 10-port USB 3.0 hub (about $50) (opens in new tab) for WMR. It connects to a USB-A 3.0 port on your PC and offers up, as advertised, 10 USB-A ports. It comes with a 48W power adapter, and has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with more than 2,650 reviews.
See at Amazon (opens in new tab)
Making sense of adapter compatibility
WMR PCs come in two flavors: devices that are considered "Ultra" and devices that are considered "regular."
Ultra PCs generally have dedicated graphics cards (GPU) and can reach 90 frames per second (FPS). PCs that run standard WMR have integrated GPUs that can achieve 60 FPS.
What is Windows Mixed Reality Ultra?
Figuring out which adapters work with what can be confusing. Microsoft thankfully created some handy tables (opens in new tab) that outline what adapters are required based on what ports your PC has. (You can click to enlarge the images below.)
Windows Mixed Reality
Windows Mixed Reality Ultra
More resources
If you're looking for more WMR content, we have it!
- See the VRHeads Windows Mixed Reality Ultimate Guide
- New to Windows Mixed Reality? Here's how to get started!
- HoloLens vs. Mixed Reality headsets: The little differences
Cale Hunt is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
