Here’s how to use the HoloLens Emulator

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

If you are curious about the HoloLens, but don’t actually have one, then you can try using theHoloLens Emulatorto give you a feel of how its apps work. The emulator also comes with a development toolset that is designed to attract developers to create more applications. Below you will find information on how to use the emulator.

How does the HoloLens Emulator work?

The HoloLens Emulator uses a virtual machine calledHyper-V. This virtual machine simulates both the environmental and human inputs of a HoloLens. However, instead of a HoloLens, you will use anXbox controlleror mouse and keyboard for controls. Furthermore, with the emulator, applications run exactly like how they would run with a real HoloLens.

How do I deploy applications on to the emulator?

How to control the HoloLens Emulator

Controlling the HoloLens Emulator is actually not a very difficult task. I’ve mentioned before that you also can choose to use an Xbox controller or mouse and keyboard. Controlling the emulator is just like controlling a three-dimensional video game.

The way it works is input from your Xbox controller or mouse and keyboard moves a simulated user that is wearing a HoloLens. Basically, it would be just like controlling a character in a video game. Your input will be read by the apps as if it were a real HoloLens.

What are the controls for the emulator?

Here are some controls that you can useon the mouse and keyboard:

Here are the controls for yourXbox controller:

What are the features of the emulator?

Once you launch the emulator you will be brought to themain windowof the HoloLens operating system. On the right side of the main window you should see a toolbar. This toolbar is highlighted in red.

As you can see there are nine buttons on the tool bar. We will explain each button starting from the bottom to the top.

— RELATED:4 of the best Virtual Reality software for Windows 10 PCs

What are the options available in the addition tools option?

You will be presented with four tabs when you click on theadditional tools button. In this section we will talk a little about each tab.

Simulation Tab

The first tab is the simulation tab. Here is where you can configure the simulated sensors used to control the operating system of the HoloLens. You will find tooltips telling you how to change the value.

2.Room Tab

As you can see, in this tab you can test your applications in simulated rooms. Downloading the emulator will automatically give you several rooms that you can try out. These rooms were actually captured by the HoloLens in real environments. Note, anyone can record their own rooms with a HoloLens.

3.Network Tab

This tab has an option that lets you sign in with a Microsoft Account. When you sign in you will be able to configure the emulator, among other things.

Conclusion

The HoloLens Emulator is an amazing tool that you can use to test apps and rooms for the HoloLens OS. Remember, you will need a PC that can handle virtual machines, so make sure you check your specs before you install the application.

Here’s how to use the HoloLens Emulator#

How does the HoloLens Emulator work?#

How do I deploy applications on to the emulator?#

How to control the HoloLens Emulator#

What are the controls for the emulator?#

What are the features of the emulator?#

What are the options available in the addition tools option?#