Microsoft has introduced a new shared audio feature in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 for users in the Dev and Beta Channels. The feature allows a Windows 11 PC to stream the same audio to two Bluetooth devices at once. This means two people can listen to the same music, watch a movie together, or use the computer audio at the same time without needing audio splitters or adapters.
The feature is based on Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology. It works by sending the same audio signal from the PC to multiple receivers like headphones, earbuds, speakers or even hearing aids. Google has also added similar Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast support in Android 16.
At the moment, this preview feature is limited to select Copilot Plus PCs, but support will expand to additional devices once the rollout is made public.
Microsoft says shared audio can be useful in everyday situations. For example, students can share music while studying or friends and family can watch videos together during travel. It can also help users who wear hearing aids to listen in sync with regular Bluetooth headphones.
To try the feature, users must be part of the Windows Insider Dev or Beta Channel and have the latest operating system and driver updates. Bluetooth devices should also be updated to support Bluetooth LE Audio. If the shared audio option does not appear, re pairing the device may resolve the issue.
How to use shared audio on Windows 11:
- Pair and connect two Bluetooth LE Audio compatible devices to the PC.
- Open Quick Settings by selecting the sound or WiFi icon on the taskbar.
- Choose the Shared audio preview option to begin sharing.
- Select Stop sharing to end the session.
Devices currently supporting the preview include:
- Surface Laptop 13.8 inch and 15 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- Surface Laptop for Business 13.8 inch and 15 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- Surface Pro 13 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- Surface Pro for Business 13 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
Coming soon:
- Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 with Intel Core Ultra Series 200
- Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro with Intel Core Ultra Series 200
- Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 with Intel Core Ultra Series 200
- Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- Surface Laptop 13 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- Surface Laptop for Business 13 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- Surface Pro 12 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
- Surface Pro for Business 12 inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X
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