How to Add or Remove Mixed Reality Pane in Windows 11
The Mixed Reality pane in Windows 11 is a menu item in Settings that helps you connect and manage virtual reality headsets. Removing this pane hides the virtual reality options from your System settings menu when you do not use them.
You can remove the pane by making a quick change in the Registry Editor, a tool built into Windows for editing system settings. Cleaning up unused menus keeps your PC simple and easy to navigate.
To add or remove the Mixed Reality pane, open the Registry Editor and navigate to 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\
Important Deprecation Notice: Windows Mixed Reality
Important Notice: Windows Mixed Reality is leaving Windows 11. Updating to version 24H2 stops the old Mixed Reality Portal from working entirely. Headset owners need to look into alternatives such as SteamVR or software from the headset’s manufacturer.
Mixed Reality Portal vs. Mixed Reality Link
Windows 11 previously offered a Mixed Reality Portal for VR. Now, a newer app called Mixed Reality Link helps connect specific hardware.
| Feature | Mixed Reality Portal | Mixed Reality Link |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Deprecated | Active/Transitionary |
| Function | Full VR Environment | Connection Bridge |
| Compatibility | Legacy Headsets | Modern VR Hardware |
Connecting Your Meta Quest 3
PC streaming via the Meta Quest 3 bypasses the old Mixed Reality Portal entirely. Meta Quest Link software or third-party streaming apps handle this task instead, delivering better performance than legacy Windows tools.
Manually Adding or Removing the Mixed Reality Pane
The Mixed Reality pane Windows 11 setting can be added or removed by editing the system registry. You need to open the Registry Editor (a database storing Windows configuration settings) and sign in with an administrator account to make these changes. This process involves locating the correct registry key and creating a specific DWORD value to control whether the pane shows up in your File Explorer .
- Open the Windows Registry by pressing the Windows key, typing
regedit, and pressing Enter. - Navigate to this path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Holographic - If you do not see the
Holographicfolder, right-click on theCurrentVersionfolder, select New, and create a Key namedHolographic.
- Right-click inside the empty space on the right side of the
Holographicfolder. - Select New then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name this new value
FirstRunSucceeded. - Double-click
FirstRunSucceededto change its settings. - Set the Value data to
1to show the Mixed Reality button. Set it to0to remove the button.
Close the Registry Editor and reopen Settings to see your changes.
Summary
Registry edits control the Mixed Reality pane in Windows 11. Because Windows Mixed Reality faces phasing out, adopting newer alternatives like Mixed Reality Link prevents future compatibility headaches.
Is Windows Mixed Reality being removed from 🪟 Windows 11?
Yes, Microsoft has officially deprecated Windows Mixed Reality. It is being removed from the operating system starting with the Windows 11 24H2 update. Switching to alternative VR platforms and software solutions helps maintain access to virtual reality content and hardware functionality.
Can I still use my VR headset after the 🪟 Windows 11 24H2 update?
If your headset relies on the legacy Windows Mixed Reality Portal, it will stop working after the 24H2 update. However, if your device supports SteamVR or uses its own proprietary software, you may still be able to use it by bypassing the Windows-specific VR tools entirely.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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