Microsoft is Bringing Bluetooth Audio Sharing to Windows 11: Everything You Need to Know About the Game-Changing Feature

In a significant upgrade to Windows 11's audio capabilities, Microsoft has begun a gradual rollout of shared audio (preview), a new experience that allows your audio to be shared between two separate headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids through Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 for Dev & Beta Channels Al Jazeera. This long-awaited feature brings Windows 11 into parity with mobile operating systems that have offered similar functionality for years. What is Shared Audio and Why Does It Matter? Built on top of Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology, shared audio lets your supported Windows 11 PC transmit an audio stream to two Bluetooth audio accessories at the same time Al Jazeera. Microsoft calls it 'Shared Audio,' and it uses Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio to let a compatible PC broadcast to both audio devices simultaneously without a splitter or extra setup The Washington Post. For years, Windows users who wanted to share audio between two devices had to rely on cumbersome workarounds. For a long time, sharing audio required technical gymnastics Al Jazeera, including third-party software like Voicemeeter, physical audio splitters, or complex audio routing configurations that often introduced latency and quality degradation. Real-World Use Cases That Make Life Easier Shared audio lets students share music with a friend while studying or brings family members closer by watching a movie together on an airplane Al Jazeera. Beyond these scenarios, the feature opens up numerous practical applications: Travel companions: Share a movie or podcast during long flights without disturbing other passengers Collaborative work: Listen to the same presentation or training video with a colleague during remote work sessions Family entertainment: Watch videos together on a laptop while everyone uses their own wireless earbuds Accessibility: Support individuals with hearing aids by allowing them to share audio experiences with caregivers Party setups: Stream music to multiple Bluetooth speakers in different rooms simultaneously This could also be a convenient function for party setups, with Bluetooth sound systems set up both inside and outside The Washington Post. The Technology Behind Shared Audio: Bluetooth LE Audio Its new functionality is built on the modern Bluetooth LE Audio standard, a significant upgrade to classic Bluetooth audio. This new protocol uses the highly efficient LC3 codec, which delivers better audio quality at lower data rates, reducing power consumption Al Jazeera. It also enables new capabilities like broadcast audio, which is the technological foundation for Microsoft's Shared Audio feature Al Jazeera. This represents a substantial improvement over traditional Bluetooth, offering: Better audio quality: Enhanced sound fidelity even at lower bitrates Reduced power consumption: Extended battery life for both PC and audio devices Lower latency: Minimized audio delay for video watching Multi-stream capability: Native support for broadcasting to multiple devices Device Compatibility: The Current Limitations Here's where things get complicated. This preview is currently only supported on Copilot+ PCs, with an update noting that more devices may be supported once available to general audiences Al Jazeera. Initially supported only on select Copilot+ PCs, including the 13.8″ & 15″ Surface Laptops and the 13″ Surface Pro (Snapdragon X models) The Washington Post. Microsoft says support for more devices will be added later, but for now, only these PCs support the shared audio feature: Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X, and Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15-inch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Al Jazeera. The good news? Microsoft has published a "coming soon" list, promising to expand support to eight more models in the coming weeks. This upcoming wave includes various Samsung Galaxy Book5 models with Intel Core Ultra Series 200 processors and the Snapdragon-powered Galaxy Book4 Edge Al Jazeera. Compatible Audio Accessories Shared audio (preview) is compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth LE Audio accessories. This includes, but is not limited to, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, and recent LE Audio capable hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone Al Jazeera. This only works with Bluetooth LE Audio, the new low-energy standard introduced with Bluetooth 5.3 France 24, which means older Bluetooth headphones and speakers won't be compatible with this feature. How to Set Up Shared Audio (Step-by-Step Guide) If you have compatible hardware and are enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, setting up shared audio is remarkably straightforward: Check your system compatibility: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices on your PC and verify whether your system supports Bluetooth LE Audio The Washington Post Join the Windows Insider Program: If you want early access to Shared Audio (preview), enroll your Copilot+ PC on the Dev or Beta channel and update to Build 26220.7051 The Washington Post Pair your devices: Plug in two LE Audio-enabled headphones/earbuds The Washington Post Enable shared audio: Use the "Shared audio (preview)" tile in quick settings to start sharing audio Al Jazeera Start streaming: From there, users can see their connected devices, select two for sharing, and click a "Share" button to begin mirroring the audio Al Jazeera Stop when finished: Use the "Stop sharing" button to end an active sharing session Al Jazeera Strategic Context: Microsoft's Audio Evolution This feature didn't appear overnight. Shared Audio's journey began back in July 2025, when Windows enthusiasts first unearthed the feature hidden within Insider Preview builds. At the time, it was seen as a promising, native replacement for the cumbersome workarounds Windows users have relied on for years, bringing the OS into parity with features common on mobile devices Al Jazeera. Shared audio and other innovative Windows Bluetooth audio experiences, like super wideband stereo, are built on top of LE Audio technology Al Jazeera. Microsoft introduced an LE Audio feature on Windows 11 in August, enabling higher audio quality while using a wireless headset in a game or call Al Jazeera. Windows Resiliency Initiative: A Conservative Approach Such a cautious rollout fits into a broader, more conservative strategy for the Windows 11 version 25H2 update. Unlike past feature-heavy releases, 25H2 prioritizes stability and refinement over sweeping changes. This shift follows a turbulent year that included criticism over buggy updates and the controversial rollout of its Windows Recall feature Al Jazeera. A focus on core reliability is a key part of the company's "Windows Resiliency Initiative." Al Jazeera As Microsoft VP David Weston previously stated regarding the initiative, "resilience has become a 'strategic imperative,' not an optional feature." Al Jazeera Comparing to Competitors: How Windows 11 Stacks Up Microsoft is finally addressing a gap that has long been filled by Apple and Samsung devices: wireless audio sharing between two users France 24. Apple's ecosystem has offered audio sharing between AirPods for years, while Samsung provides similar functionality through Galaxy Buds on compatible devices. Microsoft's foray into shared audio positions Windows 11 as a stronger contender against rivals like Apple's AirPlay, which has long offered multi-device streaming, potentially influencing enterprise adoption where cross-platform compatibility is key CNN. However, Microsoft's implementation is a "personal broadcast" solution for one-to-two streaming, not the full public broadcast capability defined by the broader Auracast standard. Auracast, which is gaining traction on Android, allows a single source to broadcast to an unlimited number of receivers in a public space like an airport, gym, or lecture hall Al Jazeera. Potential Challenges and Limitations While the feature is promising, users should be aware of several limitations and potential issues: Hardware Restrictions The biggest hurdle remains device compatibility. This hardware lock means most people must wait for wider support in the future Al Jazeera. The exclusivity to Copilot+ PCs has drawn criticism, with some suggesting it might be a strategy to boost sales of newer AI-capable devices. Audio Synchronization There may be slight audio latency, particularly for videos. Microsoft is still testing synchronization between the two audio streams, which can be inconsistent depending on the headsets and drivers used France 24. Backward Compatibility The shared audio feature relies on Bluetooth LE Audio, which is not compatible with traditional Bluetooth headsets France 24. This means your older, beloved wireless headphones won't work with this feature, necessitating an upgrade to LE Audio-compatible devices. What Power Users Want: Beyond Bluetooth We have to express a frustration with this, because it appears to exclusively apply to Bluetooth audio devices. In ages past, it was possible to "pair up" audio outputs using audio control panels supplied by the audio processor vendors themselves. Realtek, VIA, Crystal Sound, Creative Labs—these companies used to offer powerful audio control panels that had features like this exposed to end users instead of buried in labyrinthine Windows property dialogs The Washington Post. It would be preferable if Microsoft could add this functionality to Windows itself. Indeed, if instead of selecting just one output device, if we could pick a "primary" device and then mirror the audio stream to other output devices, just as we can with displays, that would be strongly preferable. That would allow us to, for example, play audio to a home theater system connected via optical and also via Bluetooth to a small speaker upstairs The Washington Post. Timeline for Public Release This feature is rolling out to everyone in the Windows Insider Program's Dev and Beta channel with Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) Al Jazeera. As for when regular users can expect this feature, Microsoft plans to refine the feature based on Insider feedback, with possible integration into stable Windows 11 builds by early 2026 CNN. Industry Impact and Future Implications For industry insiders, this development underscores a shift toward more inclusive audio ecosystems, where software innovations bridge hardware gaps. As Bluetooth standards continue to mature, Windows 11's shared audio feature may set a new benchmark, encouraging competitors to follow suit and ultimately benefiting end-users with more versatile, energy-efficient listening options CNN. Data from industry trackers indicates that Bluetooth audio device shipments are projected to grow significantly, fueled by demand for wireless solutions in hybrid work environments CNN. Tips for Maximizing Your Shared Audio Experience Once you have access to the feature, here are some recommendations: Invest in LE Audio devices: Look for LE Audio support when purchasing your next headphones, earbuds, speaker, or assistive hearing device Al Jazeera Update regularly: To try out shared audio (preview), enroll your compatible Windows 11 Copilot + PC in the Windows Insider Dev or Beta Channels, and install the latest OS and driver updates through Windows Update Al Jazeera Enable automatic updates: For Windows Insiders who want to be the first to get features gradually rolled out to you, you can turn ON the toggle to get the latest updates as they are available via Settings > Windows Update Al Jazeera Provide feedback: Since this is a preview feature, your feedback helps Microsoft refine the experience before the public release The Bottom Line: A Step in the Right Direction Shared audio represents a meaningful improvement to Windows 11's audio capabilities, even with its current limitations. It's great to see Microsoft working on stuff like this that actually benefits users instead of endless additional Copilot integrations The Washington Post. This new capability is primarily aimed at students, families, or travelers who wish to watch a movie or listen to music together without disturbing others around them. However, it remains experimental for the moment, available only on a select few recent PCs and compatible headsets France 24. For Windows users who have been waiting for this functionality, the message is clear: the future is coming, but patience is required. If you own a compatible Copilot+ PC and are willing to test preview builds, you can experience shared audio today. For everyone else, early 2026 looks like the most realistic timeline for widespread availability. As Bluetooth LE Audio adoption grows and Microsoft expands device support, shared audio could become one of Windows 11's most practical everyday features—transforming how we share media experiences in an increasingly wireless world.