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How to Remove Mixed Reality on Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Issues

If you are experiencing problems with Mixed Reality on your Windows 10 computer, removing it can often help resolve the issues. Mixed Reality is a feature that combines real and virtual environments, but sometimes it may cause performance problems or software conflicts.

Removing Mixed Reality may seem complicated, but it can be done step-by-step with simple instructions. This guide will walk you through the entire process clearly and slowly.

Whether you want to uninstall Mixed Reality to fix errors or just disable it because you don’t use it, this article covers everything you need to know. Follow the steps carefully to avoid any unintended changes.

Let’s get started with a few important notes before we dive into the removal process.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks Before Removing Mixed Reality

  • Backup Important Data: While removing Mixed Reality usually does not affect your personal files, it’s always good practice to create a backup just in case.
  • Close Mixed Reality Apps: Make sure no Mixed Reality or VR applications are running before you start the removal process to avoid conflicts.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, updating Windows can fix Mixed Reality problems without needing removal.
  • Confirm Administrator Access: You will need administrator rights on your PC to uninstall Mixed Reality components.

Step 1: Uninstall Mixed Reality Portal via Settings

The first and simplest method to remove Mixed Reality is through the Windows Settings app. This removes the main Mixed Reality Portal application.

  1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar.
  2. Select the Settings gear icon to open Windows Settings.
  3. Choose Apps from the list of settings categories.
  4. In the search box under “Apps & features,” type Mixed Reality Portal.
  5. Click on Mixed Reality Portal in the results.
  6. Press the Uninstall button, then confirm by clicking Uninstall again in the popup window.
  7. Wait for the process to complete. This will remove the main app but might leave some related files behind.

This step is important because Mixed Reality Portal is the central application that runs virtual reality experiences on Windows 10. Removing it can stop most Mixed Reality functions immediately.

Step 2: Disable Windows Mixed Reality Feature

Sometimes, uninstalling the portal app is not enough because the Mixed Reality feature itself is integrated into Windows. Disabling it helps prevent the system from running related services.

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type optionalfeatures and press Enter. This opens the Windows Features window.
  3. Scroll down and locate Windows Mixed Reality or Windows Mixed Reality Feature.
  4. Uncheck the box next to it.
  5. Click OK and allow Windows to apply changes. You may need to restart your computer.

Disabling the feature from Windows Features ensures that related system components are turned off, which can improve system stability if Mixed Reality was causing issues.

Step 3: Remove Leftover Mixed Reality Files and Folders

Even after uninstalling apps and disabling features, some files may remain on your system. Removing these leftover files can free up space and prevent conflicts.

  1. Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar.
  2. Navigate to C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataLocalPackages. Replace [YourUsername] with your Windows login name.
  3. Look for folders containing WindowsMR or MixedReality in their names.
  4. Right-click on these folders and select Delete.
  5. Also check C:Program FilesWindowsApps for any Mixed Reality-related folders, but be cautious as this folder contains system apps.

Deleting leftover files helps ensure that no residual data from Mixed Reality remains, which might interfere with future installations or system performance.

Step 4: Use PowerShell to Remove Mixed Reality (Advanced)

If the above steps do not fully remove Mixed Reality components, you can use Windows PowerShell to uninstall the app package forcibly.

  1. Press Windows Key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) to open PowerShell with administrator privileges.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to get a list of Mixed Reality packages:
    3. Get-AppxPackage *WindowsMixedReality*
  3. Find the package name under Name in the output.
  4. Run the command below, replacing PackageFullName with the exact package name from the previous step:
    5. Remove-AppxPackage PackageFullName
  5. Wait for the command to complete. This forcibly removes the app package from your system.

This method is helpful if the standard uninstall process is blocked or incomplete. Use it carefully to avoid removing important system components.

FAQs About Removing Mixed Reality on Windows 10

Can I reinstall Mixed Reality after uninstalling it?

Yes, you can reinstall Mixed Reality Portal from the Microsoft Store if you decide to use it again in the future.

Will removing Mixed Reality affect my VR headset?

Removing Mixed Reality disables the Windows integration for VR headsets. If you use other VR platforms like SteamVR, they may still work independently.

Is it safe to delete leftover Mixed Reality files?

Generally, yes, but make sure you only delete files clearly related to Mixed Reality to avoid impacting other apps.

What if the uninstall button is grayed out?

This can happen due to system restrictions. Try running PowerShell with admin rights to remove the app as described above.

Does disabling the feature free up a lot of space?

Disabling Mixed Reality features frees some system resources but does not free a significant amount of disk space by itself.

When Nothing Works: Final Steps and Official Resources

If you still face issues after following all the steps, consider the following options:

  • Run Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run the troubleshooter for Mixed Reality or related hardware.
  • Reset Your PC: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 10, but this will remove all apps and settings, so backup first.
  • Visit Microsoft Support: Check the official Microsoft Mixed Reality support page for detailed guides and updates: Microsoft Mixed Reality Support.

Conclusion

Removing Mixed Reality from Windows 10 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully. Starting with the simplest uninstall method and progressing to more advanced options ensures you don’t accidentally disrupt your system.

By uninstalling the Mixed Reality Portal, disabling the feature, deleting leftover files, and using PowerShell if needed, you can effectively fix most Mixed Reality-related issues. Remember to back up your important data and have administrator access before making changes.

If problems persist, use official troubleshooting tools or contact Microsoft support. With this guide, you should be able to remove Mixed Reality safely and restore your system’s normal operation.

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