Microsoft is rolling out an exciting new feature in the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26220.7051) for the Dev and Beta Channels: Windows 11 shared audio (preview), powered by Bluetooth® LE Audio. This update enables users to stream audio from their Copilot+ PC to two sets of Bluetooth headphones, speakers, earbuds, or even hearing aids simultaneously, dramatically improving how audio can be enjoyed together in shared spaces and scenarios.
Shared Audio: A Major Leap for Windows 11
Shared audio complements Windows 11’s ongoing evolution toward collaborative, seamless experiences. The new feature lets users pair and connect two compatible Bluetooth LE Audio devices to their PC and use the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in Quick Settings to broadcast the same audio stream to both devices at once. Ending the session is as simple as selecting “Stop sharing.” This innovation is especially noteworthy for students wishing to listen to music together while studying, families watching movies on flights, and users with assistive hearing devices seeking better accessibility options.
What is Bluetooth LE Audio and Why Does It Matter?
Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) Audio is a next-generation wireless audio standard. LE Audio offers improved sound quality, lower power consumption, and—crucially for this feature—broadcast audio capabilities. Windows 11 leverages these broadcast capabilities to enable shared audio, opening the door for richer use cases across work, learning, and play. Notably, LE Audio also powers other advanced Windows features like super wideband stereo, delivering clearer call and music quality.
Copilot+ PCs: Who Gets Shared Audio First?
Not every Windows 11 device supports the shared audio preview initially. Here’s a list of Copilot+ PCs that either already support or will soon receive this feature, provided they have compatible Bluetooth and audio drivers:
Available Now
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Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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Surface Pro, 13-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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Surface Pro for Business, 13-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
Coming Soon
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Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 (Intel Core Ultra Series 200)
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Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro (Intel Core Ultra Series 200)
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Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 (Intel Core Ultra Series 200)
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Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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Surface Laptop, 13-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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Surface Laptop for Business, 13-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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Surface Pro, 12-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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Surface Pro for Business, 12-inch (Qualcomm Snapdragon X)
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(Note: Surface Laptop 7th Edition and Surface Pro 11th Edition are now renamed to align with this list)
Driver and Firmware Updates
The “Shared audio (preview)” feature appears in Quick Settings after your device receives the necessary driver updates, distributed through Windows Update. Users are advised to keep their devices—and Bluetooth accessories—updated to the latest firmware for maximum compatibility and performance.
Compatible Bluetooth LE Audio Accessories
The shared audio preview supports a broad spectrum of Bluetooth LE Audio accessories, including but not limited to:
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Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3, and Buds3 Pro
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Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones
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Hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone that support LE Audio
Microsoft recommends checking for “LE Audio” support when buying new headphones, earbuds, speakers, or assistive listening devices to take full advantage of these new features in Windows 11.
How to Enable and Use Shared Audio (Preview)
To try out shared audio on your Copilot+ PC:
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Enroll in Windows Insider Dev or Beta Channels: You’ll need the latest OS and driver updates.
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Pair Two Compatible Devices: Make sure both are Bluetooth LE Audio-enabled.
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Open Quick Settings and Find “Shared audio (preview)”: Tap the tile to start sharing; you’ll see connected devices appear.
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End Session Simply: Click “Stop sharing” when done.
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Update Firmware: Use your audio accessory’s manufacturer app to enable LE Audio, check for the latest firmware, and re-pair if needed.
If the shared audio option does not show—even after updates—try removing and re-adding the accessory. Firmware and driver freshness is essential.
Insider Program and Feedback
This feature is currently exclusive to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels, letting enthusiasts and early adopters shape the experience before the wider public rollout. Microsoft encourages users to provide feedback via Feedback Hub under “Bluetooth – Audio quality, glitches, choppiness and stuttering,” helping the team refine audio quality and reliability.
Why Shared Audio Matters for Windows Users
This update is more than just a new feature: it’s a shift in how Windows 11 interprets connected, collaborative experiences. Key benefits include:
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Socialize Seamlessly: Two people can enjoy audio content together—without sharing a single earpiece or crowding around a laptop.
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Greater Accessibility: Hearing aid support via LE Audio can improve accessibility for users with special needs.
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Next-Gen Audio Fidelity: LE Audio’s super wideband stereo and broadcast support offer richer, clearer audio overall.
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Future-Proof: As more devices add LE Audio support, shared audio will become a staple feature in homes, classrooms, and workplaces.
What’s Next for Bluetooth on Windows?
Microsoft’s investment in Bluetooth LE Audio signals even bigger ambitions for Windows 11’s audio ecosystem. With super wideband and shared audio, the groundwork is being laid for scenarios where PCs, tablets, and mobile devices interact fluidly with multiple users—and multiple devices—at once.
This shared audio preview serves as a call to action: update your Copilot+ PC, grab the latest Bluetooth LE Audio gear, jump into the Windows Insider Program, and help Microsoft shape the future of audio experiences on Windows. As Windows 11 continues to evolve, collaborative features like these will transform everything from entertainment to education, making devices truly fit the way people live and work today. Be sure to check out how the Microsoft Edge Scareware Blocker has expanded. If gaming is your thing, then check out all the games coming next week on Xbox.
Windows 11’s shared audio feature is a milestone in audio sharing and collaborative listening, launching first for Windows Insiders on the Dev and Beta Channels and soon redefining the audio experience for everyone on Copilot+ PCs.
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