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If you mean Microsoft’s Windows 3D Viewer, it is free to use if it is already installed on your PC—but new users can no longer download it from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft removed it from the Store on July 1, 2026. Existing installations continue to work, according to Microsoft’s lifecycle guidance.
What does Microsoft 3D Viewer do?
Microsoft’s 2019 3D content guidelines describe 3D Viewer as a tool for previewing 3D models and inspecting information about them. The documented capabilities include viewing model statistics and visualizations for scenes, meshes, textures, animations, and performance. The guidelines also describe importing supported 3D file types and saving them as GLB. These are capabilities documented in 2019, not a promise of continued development or support.
The app was preinstalled on some Windows 10 devices, but Microsoft says it was not preinstalled on Windows 11 devices. Its removal from the Store means a Windows 11 user who does not already have it cannot get a new copy from that official source.
Which 3D file formats work best?
3D Viewer uses glTF to render models and can automatically convert many imported formats to glTF. For this app, Microsoft recommends GLB, the binary form of glTF, as a substitute for FBX. Microsoft Support states: “GLB (Binary GL Transmission Format) is the recommended substitute 3D file format for use in 3D Viewer.” See Microsoft’s FBX support guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- In particular, added the sponge nose pad and forehead pad to Let your nose and face feel more comfortable. Lengthened headband satisfied different size of head's need.
- Unique suction cups design,protect your phone from scratch,easy to fixed and not to fall down!
- Press the triangular wings will contact screen,make you convenient to enjoy the 3d world.
- Although it's small,it fits various brand models small or large size mobile phones which between 3.5"-6.0".
Important warning about FBX
FBX support is off by default because of a security vulnerability. Microsoft warns that enabling it can increase exposure to malicious code and recommends assessing the risk before changing the setting. If you have an FBX model, prefer a GLB version when one is available rather than casually turning FBX support on. Read Microsoft’s security warning before changing the setting.
What can you use instead?
Babylon.js Sandbox
Microsoft’s deprecation guidance names Babylon.js Sandbox as an option for viewing 3D content. That mention does not establish that it supports every format or reproduces all of 3D Viewer’s inspection features. Check that it accepts your file and provides the tools you need.
Rank #2
- SUPPORT FOR MYOPIA USERS: The reasonable design of the optical lens and the body can pre-vent fatigue and sleepiness, and can support the use of myopia users, reduce deformity and glare to effectively reduce visual fatigue, maintaining 3D reality with a wide field of vision and creating a virtual reality world.
- ADVANCED VR TECHNOLOGY: 360-degree panoramic view, bringing more shocking visual experience and immersive visual impa-ct.Gaming and watching movies with virtual reality headsets work best when your eyes properly align with the screen box. With this device, you can experience the immersive, fun and exciting world of VR, such as 3D movies, skydiving, underwater worlds, panoramic natural scenery, virtual game scenes, etc.
- ADJUSTABLE INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE: The use of a large lens barrel has a wider field of view, and the interpupillary distance design of the adjustable gear can meet a variety of needs.The pupil distance can be adjusted to get the clearest view.Our optical goggles has the characteristics of an-ti-blue light, effectively protects the eyes, makes the picture clearer, and reduces the feeling of dizziness.
- MORE PORTABLE, MORE COMFORTABLE, MORE LIGHTWEIGHT: Suitable for 4.7-7 inch mobile phones, compatible with more types of large-screen mobile phones. VR Headset weighs as light as its concise appearance, it more portable no matter at home or outdoor. A T-shaped headband will fit different head sizes (both adults and children).
- PERFECT GIFT FOR KIDS & ADULTS: This premium VR headset is the perfect present for father's day, Halloween, Easter, or Christmas. Compatible with smartphones and other mobile phone devices with a 4.7-7” screen to bring you a totally immersive visual 360 degree experience.
Other viewers
Innerscene 3D Viewer is a separate product whose vendor advertises a free viewer, support for 34 formats, and operations such as orbiting, measuring, exploding, sharing, and converting. Its listed formats include GLB, GLTF, OBJ, STL, FBX, and 3MF. Those are the vendor’s claims about its own product, not Microsoft 3D Viewer capabilities or a Microsoft endorsement. See the Innerscene viewer page and its format list.
Before choosing a replacement, check whether it runs on your operating system, supports your specific file type, offers the inspection features you need, and keeps files local or requires uploading them. The available information does not establish a complete feature-by-feature comparison, so no single alternative can be called the best for every user.
Rank #3
- 【Immersive 3D Movie Viewing】Gaming and watching movies in 3D works best when proper your eyes properly align with the screen. VR headset offers FD and OD adjustments (wide Field of Vision) to expand the viewing angle and perfectly match focal distance and unilateral myopic alignment for reduced distortion to ensure an optimal viewing experience.
- 【Better Control Experience】Our virtual reality headset provide a control that connected to the phone, then you can play and stop music, volume +/- directly. Put yourself right into the action with games, movies and more!
- 【Wide Compatibility】3D mobile VR headsets set compatible with 5.0-7.0 inch smartphones. such as for Phone 15 Pro Max/15/15 Pro/14 Pro Max/14/13 Pro Max/13 Pro/13/13 Mini/12 Pro Max/12 Pro/12/12 Mini/11 Pro Max/11 Pro/11/8 Plus/8/7 Plus/7/6s/6/XS MAX/XR/X; for Galaxy S22/S21/S21 Ultra/S20/S10/S10e/S10 Plus/S9/S9 Plus/S8/S8 Plus/ Note 10 Plus/Note 10/9/8/A20e/A50 etc.
- 【More Comfortable Wearing】VR headset comes with a fully adjustable head strap, eyesight protection system, and a soft nose piece to reduce pressure and ensure a comfortable experience. Easy to set up and use, place the phone horizontally with reference to the center line, adjust pupil distance and object distance.
- 【Perfect Gift for Kids & Adults】Invited your family and friends into your immersive vivid virtual reality world. It would be a fun way to sample VR and experience some immersive content.
How to open an STL file on Windows now
If you already have Microsoft 3D Viewer installed, try opening the STL file with it. If you do not, the app is no longer available as a new Microsoft Store download. Choose another viewer that explicitly supports STL, such as the separately advertised Innerscene viewer, or check Babylon.js Sandbox for your specific file and viewing needs. The cited information does not establish that every alternative offers the same tools as Microsoft 3D Viewer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【HD WIDE ANGLE LENS】Double spherical optical lens, restore the real image, more high-definition. High-definition optical multi-layer protection lens.360-degree panoramic view, bringing more shocking visual experience and immersive visual impact.
- 【GOOD EFFECT】Full-screen VR rejects the black box effect. Smaller size allows larger field of view. VR removes the black box frame around to make the field of vision bigger and more comfortable. It no longer feels like watching a movie in a box.
- 【EASY TO USE】Easy to set up and use, place the phone horizontally with reference to the center line, adjust pupil distance and object distance. Vr goggle is adjustable on pupil distance and objects distance with individual lenses for different eye sights.
- 【3D GAMING】Gaming and watching movies with virtual reality headsets work best,(5.5-6.2 inch mobile phone with auxiliary frame is better). Boasting HD optimization and 3D gaming support, you’ll put yourself right into the action with games, movies and more!
- 【WIDE ANGLE LENS】With a 100 degree wide-angle lens, the immersion is better. Myopia within 600 degrees can be viewed with the eye. Compatible with 4.7-7.2 inch mobile phones. Full screen vision, no black box effect when watching movies.
Rank #4
- This VR 3D Glasses can turn your mobile phone into a VR 3D content viewer, player, and even a VR 3D photo/video camera with free apps: "MS3D ChaCha" and "MS3D ChaCha Video".
- It is creatively designed a pair of optic glasses to be used in conjunction with your iPhone / Android mobile phone.
- While using the MS3D Glasses, you can still manipulate the app's screen buttons with your thumbs -- e.g. touch to skip ads during YouTuble 3D videos playing.
- The MS3D glasses can fold flat against the back of your phone, making it easy to put in your pocket.
- Additionally, it can also be formed as a bidirectional mobile phone stand.
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