Microsoft Ends Support for HoloLens: What This Means for Enterprise XR

Microsoft has officially announced that it will no longer support HoloLens 2, marking the end of an era for one of the most well-known enterprise Mixed Reality (MR) headsets. Since its launch, HoloLens and HoloLens 2 have been widely used in engineering, healthcare, training, and industrial applications, enabling businesses to integrate AR into their workflows. However, with Microsoft shifting its focus, many organizations must now rethink their XR strategies and look for alternative solutions.

What Does This Mean for HoloLens Users?

With Microsoft ending official support for HoloLens and HoloLens 2, users may face several challenges:

• No more software updates – Future security risks and compatibility issues as systems evolve.

• Limited technical support – Enterprises relying on HoloLens may struggle with troubleshooting and maintenance.

• No new hardware improvements – As other XR headsets advance, HoloLens will remain static.

• Reduced ecosystem development – Fewer developers and partners will continue building for HoloLens.

While existing devices will continue to function, the lack of ongoing support means businesses must consider long-term alternatives to ensure they remain competitive in the evolving XR landscape.

Hololight Stream Still Supports HoloLens 2

Even though Microsoft is discontinuing support, Hololight Stream continues to support HoloLens 2, allowing businesses to run high-fidelity XR experiences on the device. This ensures that companies using HoloLens 2 can continue leveraging their existing hardware while planning for a smooth transition to other XR devices in the future.

The Future of Enterprise XR: Flexibility Across Devices

One of the key advantages of Hololight Stream is its device-agnostic approach. As XR hardware evolves, companies can easily switch to new headsets without being locked into a single device ecosystem. With Hololight Stream, businesses can seamlessly transition from HoloLens 2 to newer XR devices, such as:

• Apple Vision Pro – Offering advanced spatial computing and high-resolution passthrough.

• Meta Quest 3 – Providing an accessible Mixed Reality experience with powerful hardware.

• PICO 4 Enterprise Ultra – A business-ready XR headset with eye tracking and enterprise security.

• High-end PC-powered VR devices – Ideal for engineering, automotive, and industrial applications that require extreme detail and performance.

With Hololight Stream’s cross-device support, organizations are no longer tied to a single headset, ensuring long-term flexibility and scalability for XR applications.

Conclusion

With Microsoft ending support for HoloLens, enterprises must reassess their XR strategies and adopt more flexible, future-proof solutions. Hololight Stream enables businesses to continue running high-fidelity XR experiences on modern devices without relying on aging hardware. Since Hololight Stream supports HoloLens 2 and a wide range of alternative headsets, companies can easily transition to the best available hardware without disrupting their workflows.

The end of HoloLens is not the end of enterprise XR—it's a shift toward more adaptable, scalable, and future-ready solutions that keep businesses at the forefront of innovation.

Closing

At Hololight, we stay at the forefront of extended reality (XR), covering topics from AR, VR, and the benefits of augmented reality to the latest advancements in devices like Pico XR, Meta Quest 3 passthrough, Hololens, HTC Vive, and Apple Vision Pro support. If you’re curious about what is XR, what is virtual reality, or what is augmented reality, explore our blog for insights. We also delve into what is an SDK, industry trends, and how Hololight is shaping the future of immersive technology. Stay updated with our latest news and deep dives into what is extended reality?