Incoming Windows 11 Update in 2024 will render the HP Reverb G2 Unusable! | What You Need to Know! 

If you follow my channel you’ll know I am fairly calm and not easily riled, but this really annoys me, it’s becoming more of a trend I feel for developers to drop and go…disappointing! The most irritating aspect of this announcement is it infers that the WMR app will not work with 24H2 even if downloaded separately? We will have to wait and see!

Just as you said, if you own a G2 you will have to consider an alternative in the future. That's exactly what MS and Meta want us to do. MS has the power to do this by making a perfectly good headset incompatible with their Windows software. I would have thought that our competition regulators would view this suspiciously as anti-competitive behavior.

Actually this is scandalous. The HP Reverb G2 was promoted at the time as THE VR headset for Microsoft Flight Simmulator. And now Microsoft ensures that you can no longer use it after the next Windows update. Scandalous. Not everyone has the financial resources to buy yet another new and more expensive VR headset.

Nice move, will try to avoid anything that is not based on open software in the future.

Thanks for the info. Words fail me and there is nobody to complain to :( VR flight siming is so frustrating!!!!

I just disabled automatic updates for Windows 11. The decision by MSFT to “discontinue” now means BREAK (devalue or even render useless) my expensive hardware. Thanks, MSFT.

Thanks for the warning Mark. As a G2 owner, I’m highly frustrated and disappointed with this news. One hand, it’s all well and good with us avoiding that particular update for Win 11, but then does that mean we avoid Windows Updates until somebody smart comes out with a third party solution?

Thanks for keeping us in the know, Mark.

Thank you Mark for flagging this out. I'm sure some creative minds will find a way around it. I'll look for videos on how to NOT upgrade so I stay on 23H2. I'm assuming there's no way foe a G2 to *not* use WMR?

I had to fight tooth and nail to get HP to replce my faulty Reverb G2 just outside of its very small 1 year warranty. If I hadn't managed it, I calculated that my VR experience for that year would have cost me about £10 a week at 2 hours use every day. If we are expected to pay relatively high amounts for our tech, we need to have confidence that it will be supported both via warranty and ongoing support which is just not the case at present. The Seasonic PSU I just purchased, has a 12 year warranty. That says confidence. I'm not even sure I will make another 12 years myself... 😆

Thank you for this info. I just reinstalled Windows 10 on a separate partition that I'll only use for VR (Simming, Unreal Engine, Unity,...) Hopefully this extends the lifecycle of my Reverb G2 a bit. I simply don't have the money for switching hardware all the time. So hopefully some clever peeps come up with a solution. I prefer to cherish hope on this matter.

I've refused to update to W11 anyway so it hopefully shouldnt affect me, but it still begs the question: why is an update removing functioning software?

Can some third party dev create unofficial OpenXR drivers for the Reverb G2 that won't rely on the Windows Mixed Reality platform?

The solution supplied by Microsoft to not update to the newer releases of W11 is concerning. They did the same thing with Windows Media Center and dumped the platform from Windows 7/8 despite a significant community and ecosystem. There was a large cohort of consumers that were operating on old and potentially vulnerable devices for years just so they could continue to use what was sold to them. With the speed of technology advancement I often feel like we're back in the wild west and we're collateral damage...

HP Reverb G2 are awesome glasses in MSFS-2020, just unbelievable clarity. Can't wait for software advancements to make these VR miracles even better. Looking so forward to new utilities and features and Graphics engines.

Thank god (or you Mark), as I followed your example, sold my G2 last year and replaced it with a Pico 4.

Thanks for the info. It obviously a pretty disgusting way of supporting WMR to 2026. Haven’t gone to W11 yet so am not planning to at the moment.

I wonder if this is why I now get the "Please connect your headset" message in WMR. I have checked all connections. The exact same connections I've been using for years. ...and yes, the cable to the headset is securely seated.

I’m hoping for open source projects.

Just to confirm, the 24H2 build will not have the WMR app by default, correct? So, 1. Can we enable WMR separately in 24H2? 2. Will Upgrading from 23H2, delete existing apps and features like WMR?

Thanks for another great video Mark and Win10 + Reverb G2 + MSFS2020 will provide a few years enjoyable VR flying yet. Positive news for me with no more wondering whether to risk upgrading to Win11. Looking forward to the next generation of lighter more capable HMDs :)

Glad I sold mine last week !!!!

I'm using Linux, and have a separate Windows10 partition dedicated to "VR gaming" with the Reverb G2. That's the way it will stay until open source solutions has matured to a stable point where we don't rely on WMR anymore. I am staying positive that openXR will be integrated into SteamOS and Linux; And SteamVR being 100% compatible. Valve is working hard on what seems to be a stand-alone headset called "Deckard" So I am pretty positive that Linux and OpenXR will mature into the best VR environment out there. Hopefully it helps out with backwards compatibility for WMR headsets as well. Especially since Valve still promotes the HP Reverb G2 on their VR page.

No regrets jumping to the Quest 3 from a G2

@SimHangerFS congratulations for all these tutorials and information you bring... I've only known you for a short time and I'll sign up soon... I would like to know if something can be done regarding the HP Reverb G2 regarding the end of WMR support... it can only be used openxr? is this viewer totally independent from wmr? thank you very much in advance for your...

Golf clap, Microsoft. Thanks for having no regard for your user base.

I still have not gone to windows 11 on my desktop. I know I will have to but keep putting it off.

Hi Mark, I am Using the Varjo Aero in Windows 10…..should I worry about it? (Or When planning to move to Windows 11)

Hi....I have a problem since I up-loaded The Caribbean scenery with me looking out with-in the pilot....All I see when looking ahead is the sun-glasses the edges of the face and the head moving around-sideways and up and down....I think there is a setting for this-but can't find it----Any help would be appreciated....

@Microsoft executives will be looking into this closely. Drivers for all version one VR headsets will remain functional with SteamVr until the end of days. That is final. updated drivers for devices older than 5 years may be problematic due to incompatibility with OpenXR (Augmented Reality mixed with Virtual Reality). These devices can not run OpenXr features and may pose lots of conflicts. Basic Drivers like the SteamVR Null driver was made for all VR and XR headsets; both past and future. It will stay as such. Remember all these devices are supported by our engines and driver system for 10 years. Meaning the Reverb G2 still has 6 years to go. This will only affect the portals into VR as we streamline the system and break fragmentation. As far as drivers are concerned, standard drivers will keep working for the agreed 10 year period for each generation of VR headsets. @HP and other WMR manufacturers will be urged to push a system driver that's compatible with the SteamVR frontend. Thanks for your concern, its being looked at closesly now at the very top. PS. your HP reverb G2 and G1 devices are still eye candy. with the RTX 4090, you can, for the first time enjoy VR as was intended. VR headsets with resolutions higher than 2k by 2k are not best for gpu's under the RTX 4090 or 4080TI. The G1 would need the RTX 3090 while the G2 would need 4080 and up. enjoy for as long as you can. spend the money on games and accesories from HP or your manufacturer. New users are advised though to go for the last generation or current generation headsets and skip the first two generations. they are on life support for the next 5 years.

Just stumbled across this video again. Made me JUST AS MENTAL as the first time i saw it. Grrr…

As a recent Reverb G2 owner, I’m absolutely gutted. My headset has become worthless overnight. Surely this kind of behaviour is illegal? I understand withdrawing support and not updating. But to actually remove software and render hardware inoperative cannot be allowed under anti-monopolisation rules?

Has anyone managed to verify the comments by the other Mike, claiming to work for Microsoft? If true, at least it would mean my G2 will work until I upgrade my system.

my reverb G2 doesn't work since last windows upodate yesterday

Thanks for the warning

Will it continue to work with a Windows 10 machine?

What other headset would you recommend to get other than the G2

Hi Mark. So to clarify…… I’m using a quest (cable linked to pc). The windows update you talk about here won’t affect my experience or ability to continue using it with steam BR titles or MSFS?

Unfortunately by stopping windows updates you are not going to save yourself from the bricking, even if youre using windows 10. Its an online service so when Microsoft ends support for it it will end and know one using it currently will be able to use it whether youre on Windows 11 or not. Basically Microsoft is going to Brick all the Reverb G2 headsets.

Too bad. The Tobi eye tracker is starting to look better all the time. Why would Microsoft not enable it to keep people happy? Big business

Is anyone having trouble with windows 10 and WMR?

That is only one reason why I have stayed on Windows 10, besides the bloatware on windows 11

So Microsoft are saying: "We don't like money, use Linux"?

You should delete this video, it is misinformation. For reference I work for Microsoft. Future versions of Windows will no longer offer the WMR download and support will indeed end, however, your headsets will continue to work well past 2026. If you already have WMR the software will continue to run on future versions of Windows- it will not be deleted or removed from your system. Furthermore some of us in the VR community are already working on a solution for the future removal of WMR software, so even if you buy a G2 after 2026 on the used market a solution will most certainly be available by them. No need to panic, your G2 will not be made unusable if you already have WMR downloaded. This rumor started from a vague and poorly written document released by Microsoft that people have misunderstood. Please delete or update this video because you are encouraging a lot of people to dump these headsets and spend money they don't have on replacements.

Why even go Windows 11? I did and that was a poor decision. I don't recommend abandoning Windows 10 if you're still on it. Win11 brings zero benefits

Can't they just make wmr open-source?

What about headsets like the odyssey+?

Yet another reason not to downgrade to Windows 11... ~70% of users are staying on Windows 10. You can probably install the package manually which is how I reverted the photos app after they filled it with bloatware.

My feeling of anger and sadness with this news from Microsoft. At the very least, a lack of respect for consumers who pay a lot for this equipment. I hope someone emerges in the community who can save us (G2 users).

Why you misinfirming Mark? Do your research man!

Excellent reporting as always. Not compatible and bricked are not the same thing. "Bricked" is when the firmware is rendered unusable in an irreversible way. I watched a live demo of Microsoft's $6000 augmented reality headset last week. They will have software to do VR, it just may not be WMR.

An anti-trust class action? Although there'll be no support from HP who are dumping VR.

This poisons anything having to do with Microsoft. They WILL pull the rug from underneath, for any reason and at any time. I cant say I am surprised considering Microsoft's history, but this is brazen after only a couple of years of the G2 being on the market. Unbelievable. This also sets the hobby of VR back. Avoid anything Microsoft at all costs. Lesson learned.

Man, this really sucks! All that money spent on the HP Reverb G2 and then all of a sudden, it's about to become a brick! How am I supposed to use a VR headset on a computer that's not going to drop support so quickly and isn't run under a shady company? Will I really have to discard this one and buy another? I don't want to have to keep doing this over and over every one or two years!

This is terrible news. I am not in the market for a 500 dollar purchase of another VR head set. I hate Microsoft for doing this!

I've tried to configure my HP Reverb G2 under Windows 11 today. WMR throws errors and my headset is useless. Wow this has been poor value.

What about Windows 10?

So Steam won't pick up the slack then?

Microsoft is Apple Jr. Apple Jr see's $3500.00 headsets from Apple Sr and the next day WMR is axed by Apple Jr, lol.

this is so sad im so upset about it F microsoft

Stay on windows 10 you'll be good until oct 2025 .windows 10 will still work but you'll get no updates so make it a game only pc an manually manage your steam passwords not save on the pc an you should be fine for a fair bit longer then that before games start to not work on win 10 , 11 is just 10 in a fancy dress with less under the hood an more spyware lol so games that work with 11 should still work on 10 for a while yet . on a side note you can still fresh install 10 if your 11 update is looming .don't be so attached to it its just an operating system most of your games can be downloaded again an vids an pics can be put on a separate hardrive while you make the upgrade back to 10

Nawty Nawty Windows. thats why I dont use windows 11 till I have no choice.

I guess I’ll just stick with windows 10. Never updating.

Gutted

The thing is, nobody actually knows what will happen with the update. I'm finding it difficult to believe that a new Windows update is going completely break what is essentially a USB controller and display adapter output. If it does then the update is going to break a hell of a lot more devices along with it. It's more reasonable to expect that it won't "auto discover" the headset and you'll have to download it and install it and that Microsoft is just not going to fix any bugs which "may" arise in future updates. The big scary "It's over and you can't update ever again" is just click bait. It's sad to see everyone blindly jumping on it.

As from today, my flightsim no longer works with my ReverbG2. "No Headset detected" Well Microsoft, those are my wishes to you 🤬

Not all is grim. I payed 490€ for G2 with controllers in 2021 and feel like I got enough value from it already. Lets face it, G2 is getting old tech and we'll be seeing micro OLED headsets from LG's, Samsung's, Huawei's in the near future. Plus there is always a Quest 3 as a viable reasonably priced upgrade path. Microsoft has clearly lost interest in consumer XR space so no point biatching about it as it will not change anything.

joke like the rest of the uk

This is so stupid