Windows Mixed Reality

Project: Windows Mixed Reality - Microsoft’s immersive computing platform built into Windows 10 and windows 11, enabling VR experiences across a broad ecosystem of partner-built headsets. The program spanned hardware integration, platform-level feature development, performance optimization, and cross-team collaboration with OEM partners such as HP, Samsung, Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Acer, and more to deliver a consistent, high-quality mixed-reality experience for consumers and enterprise users.

Final Role / Title: Program Manager II (full time) - partnered with internal engineering teams and external hardware manufacturers to support new device bring-up, platform validation, and feature readiness for Windows Mixed Reality. Coordinated cross-functional alignment across software, hardware, and partner teams, validated system-level functionality and performance, and contributed to launch-critical workflows ensuring that new headsets and platform updates met Microsoft’s quality, compatibility, and user experience standards.

What is Windows Mixed Reality?

Windows Mixed Reality is a virtual reality platform developed by Microsoft that was launched in 2017 and is included as part of the Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC operating systems. Windows Mixed Reality enables Windows users to use virtual reality and virtual passthrough experiences via supported 3rd-party headsets that connect directly to a user’s Windows-based PC. Windows Mixed Reality-supported headsets, available from HP, Samsung, Dell, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, and more, are currently compatible with XR software obtained through the Microsoft Store app, or the Steam storefront.

Key Features of Windows Mixed Reality:

  • Full Windows-Based Virtual Reality Experience & Feature Suite

  • Dedicated “Mixed Reality Portal” Desktop App

  • Supported Motion Controllers & Inside-Out Motion Tracking

  • Compatibility with Windows-Based Apps & Tools (I.e., Edge Browser, Inbox Apps, etc.)

  • Extensive Compatibility with SteamVR Content Catalogue

Role & Responsibilities

  • Led end-to-end delivery for the Windows Mixed Reality platform, driving project management, roadmap planning, and cross-team execution that contributed to more than 1M lifetime VR device activations across Microsoft’s Mixed Reality ecosystem.

  • Partnered with senior Mixed Reality leadership to shape long-term platform strategy, aligning engineering, design, partner, and business priorities around a cohesive vision for immersive computing on Windows.

  • Owned production and release schedules for iterative platform updates, establishing a predictable monthly servicing pipeline and coordinating Windows-based update delivery across multiple engineering teams.

  • Built and directed cross-functional strike teams responsible for key components of the WMR stack - including SteamVR app integration, platform documentation, Edge & WebXR support, and device-level supportability - ensuring consistent quality and alignment across the ecosystem.

  • Managed internal and external developer relations across the Microsoft Store and Steam, supporting partner onboarding, content readiness, and platform value creation for both first-party and third-party VR experiences.

  • Oversaw customer-facing operations for Windows Mixed Reality, coordinating responses across social channels, support pathways, and in-person engagements to ensure users received timely, accurate, and empathetic assistance.

  • Established modern QA and validation processes for the platform, defining a unified quality bar, organizing pre-release feature testing, improving automated test pipelines, coordinating group playtests, and enabling structured self‑hosting with reliable feedback loops.

  • Maintained and governed the full Windows Mixed Reality internal device library, tracking hundreds of unique headsets, controllers, and accessories across a complex matrix of identifiers, ownership paths, and interdependent feature teams.

  • Represented Microsoft’s Mixed Reality organization at internal and external events - including Microsoft Hackathons and MIT Reality Hack - advocating for the platform, supporting developers, and strengthening community engagement.

Challenges, Learnings, & Career Impact

Joining Microsoft’s Mixed Reality division placed me at the center of a rapidly evolving platform with complex technical, operational, and partner-driven demands. I entered the organization with an initial mandate to rebuild QA supportability processes for the in-market Windows Mixed Reality platform, but the scope of my role expanded quickly as the team recognized the need for stronger cross‑functional coordination and clearer operational ownership.

As the platform matured, I took on progressively broader responsibilities - eventually driving end-to-end operations for the entire Windows Mixed Reality business. This required becoming highly resourceful and adaptable, often shifting between roles that spanned program management, production, partner relations, customer support, and platform strategy. I learned how to manage release schedules across multiple engineering teams, plan and communicate roadmap priorities, support developers on both Steam and the Microsoft Store, and maintain a consistent, high‑quality user experience across a diverse ecosystem of VR devices.

The biggest challenge - and ultimately the most valuable learning experience - was operating within a platform that blended hardware, software, and partner ecosystems at scale. Keeping operations running smoothly meant navigating competing priorities, aligning distributed teams, and making decisions that balanced technical feasibility with long‑term strategic goals. I gained a deep appreciation for the complexity of platform stewardship and the importance of building systems that empower teams rather than bottleneck them.

My time on Windows Mixed Reality fundamentally shaped my approach as a Senior Producer and Technical Program Manager. It taught me how to lead through ambiguity, orchestrate large cross‑functional efforts, and maintain clarity and momentum across a constantly evolving landscape.

Where to get Windows Mixed Reality

Windows Mixed Reality was released on Windows 10 in 2017 and on Windows 11 in 2021 (current availability may vary).

Windows Mixed Reality - Links & Media