Windows Holographic, version 21H1 is now available! In this article, we showcase some of the release highlights, but if you’re interested in more details on the full list of features, you can read our official release notes.
Features continually evolve in Windows 10 Holographic based on your feedback. We packed this new update with features for both end-users and IT admins with the goal of making the day-to-day usage of your HoloLens 2 more intuitive and customizable.
To get the 21H1 build now, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update Select > Check for updates. IT Admins can use Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and MDM policy to update their fleet of HoloLens. Note that you must upgrade to Windows Holographic, version 20H2 February Update ( before you can upgrade to Windows Holographic, version 21H1. Another important note is that with the introduction of Windows Holographic version 21H1, we are discontinuing monthly servicing updates (for bug and security fixes) for Windows Holographic version 1903. We will now offer servicing updates for the following releases:
- Windows Holographic, version 21H1 (Build 20346.1002+)
- Windows Holographic, version 20H2 (Build 19041.1128+)
- Windows Holographic, version 2004 (Build 19041.1103+)
Release highlights
The new, Chromium-based Microsoft Edge is now available and will be the default browser for HoloLens users, offering better compatibility for customers and less fragmentation for web developers. The addition of WebXR and 360 Viewer make it possible to explore immersive web experiences. You can also use the new Edge to install web apps alongside Microsoft Store apps. For example, you can install the Microsoft Office web app from https://www.office.com to view and edit files hosted on SharePoint or OneDrive.
The Settings app has been updated to provide more granular control and customizability through additional settings. You can now search for specific settings and explore new options for Sound, Power & sleep, Network & Internet, Apps, Accounts, Ease of Access, and more. Some examples include selecting an alternative color profile for your HoloLens 2 display with the display color calibration tool, resetting default apps using the default app picker, and enabling Battery Saver Mode and Airplane Mode for your HoloLens 2.
We are also adding a new interaction for the holographic keyboard by introducing ‘Swipe to type’, similar to your mobile device. You can pass your fingertip through the plane of the keyboard, create the shape of the word, and then withdraw your finger from the plane.
The new Power menu allows you to Sign out, Shut down and Restart your device from the Start menu by tapping the user profile icon. There will also be an indicator when there is a system update available.
For our customers that share a HoloLens 2 across several users, multiple user accounts will now be visible on the sign-in screen, quashing the need to constantly retype usernames and passwords to change users. Before this build, you would just see one user or the generic ‘Other User’.
For IT admins, we continue to deliver features that enable seamless control and management of your devices. To highlight a few, Visitor Auto-logon for Kiosk mode will now be on by default for visitors but can be managed or turned off. Additionally, we improved error handling to help end-users get unblocked in case of a Kiosk mode failure. Instead of displaying an empty menu on startup if no Azure AD (Azure Active Directory) membership is found, a global kiosk configuration will be displayed (if available).
The Delivery Optimization Preview aims to reduce network bandwidth consumption for downloads from multiple HoloLens devices. Read Delivery Optimization for Windows 10 updates for more information on this feature.
Upgrade Today
As mentioned above, you can check out the full release notes on the HoloLens 2 release notes page. Update your HoloLens 2 devices so today to take advantage of the most recent features. If you are an IT administrator, we also created an IT Admin - Update Checklist to help you track and implement the features of this update.
Use the Feedback Hub app on your HoloLens to submit your feedback and report any issues. We love getting your feedback and take it all into consideration, so please keep it coming!