Microsoft 3D Viewer
Retired 3D model viewing application by Microsoft
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
3D Viewer[2] (formerly Mixed Reality Viewer and before that, View 3D)[3][4][5] is a retired 3D computer graphics viewer and augmented reality application that was first released in March 2016. It supports multiple file formats, including the .fbx, .3mf, .obj, and .stl.[6]
| 3D Viewer | |
|---|---|
| |
 | |
| Other names | Mixed Reality Viewer, View 3D |
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Release | 11 March 2016 |
| Final release | February 2026 Update (7.2602.8012.0)
/ 11 February 2026[1] |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Version 1709 to Windows 11 Version 26H1 |
| Platform | IA-32, x86-64, ARM32, ARM64 |
| Successor | Babylon.js |
| Available in | 65 languages[1] |
List of languages
| |
| Type | 3D modeling |
| License | Proprietary, commercial software |
| Website | apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nblggh42ths at the Wayback Machine (archived November 12, 2025) |
The Mixed Reality Viewer was introduced in Windows 10 1703 and superseded by Babylon.js in 2026.
History
On the first launch, 3D Viewer automatically loads a "Bee.glb" file and renders an animated wasp[citation needed] on a grey background. Users can change the viewing angle, select and watch one of the available animations (defined in the 3D file) or adjust either of the 3 light sources. The light setup can be saved as "themes" and applied to other 3D objects quickly. The app also features four "Quick Animations".
These are ways in which the app can showcase the 3D object by changing the viewing angle. For example, the "Turntable" item rotates the viewpoint around the object latitudinally. If the device running the app is equipped with a camera, the app can create a mixed reality experience that will allow you to tap on a surface you are viewing, and the 3D model will drop onto that surface. It will then make a rudimentary attempt at SLAM in order to keep the object in place.[jargon]
In the Windows 10, View 3D was renamed to Mixed Reality Viewer on September 6, 2017 and later was replaced by 3D Viewer on October 1, 2018.[4][2]
On February 4, 2026, Microsoft announced that Support for 3D Viewer ended on June 30, 2026 and was removed from the Microsoft Store on July 1, 2026, replaced by the Babylon.js.[7][8][9][10]
Functions
3D Viewer can post a file to the Remix 3D website, open it in Paint 3D, or send it to the Print 3D app (formerly 3D Builder) for 3D printing.[11] When in Mixed Reality mode, the 3D Viewer can also capture photos and videos of the scene that has your 3D model augmented into it.
Availability
3D Viewer is no longer included with the operating system as of Windows 11, could still be downloaded from the Microsoft Store until July 1, 2026.[12][10]