August 29, 2025 marked an unexpected milestone for the virtual reality community: the release of the Oasis Driver for Windows Mixed Reality, a native SteamVR driver that brings back to life headsets considered obsolete after the official discontinuation of Windows Mixed Reality.
In this article, I’ll explain what it offers, how it works, and why it’s generating so much excitement among those who still own devices like the HP Reverb G2, Samsung Odyssey, or Lenovo Explorer.
What is Oasis Driver?
Oasis is a native SteamVR driver that allows you to run OpenVR and OpenXR applications directly, removing the dependency on Microsoft’s old Mixed Reality Portal.
In simple terms: you can now use your Windows Mixed Reality headset again as if it had never been abandoned.
Release and Availability
- Release date: August 29, 2025
- Platform: Steam
- Official support: Windows 11 (version 24H2 or later)
- Windows 10: not recommended due to instability
The most surprising part is that this project began as an almost experimental initiative and ended up officially approved by Valve to be available on the Steam store.
Main Features
Native SteamVR Support
The driver works in Direct Mode, ensuring greater stability and compatibility with modern VR titles.
6DoF Tracking
It includes support for 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) for both the headset and the controllers, providing an immersive experience comparable to newer devices.
GPU Compatibility
At the moment it is compatible only with NVIDIA GPUs.
- AMD and Intel are not supported due to technical limitations in how SteamVR interacts with graphics drivers.
Why Its Release Matters
In 2024, Microsoft decided to discontinue Windows Mixed Reality, leaving thousands of users without support. This turned headsets like the HP Reverb G2 into nearly useless pieces of hardware.
Oasis arrives to fill that gap, showing how the community can keep an ecosystem alive even after being abandoned by the company that created it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does it work on Windows 10?
Yes, but performance is unstable. Windows 11 (24H2 or later) is recommended.
Can I use it with AMD or Intel GPUs?
No, currently only NVIDIA is supported.
Do I need the Mixed Reality Portal?
No. Oasis works independently, directly with SteamVR.
The Oasis Driver for Windows Mixed Reality is not just a driver, but a lifeline for the VR community that refused to abandon its hardware. In times when planned obsolescence feels inevitable, seeing projects like this bring back functionality is refreshing.
If you own a compatible headset and an NVIDIA GPU, it’s worth trying.
Happy Racing!
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