Windows 11 tests Bluetooth audio sharing that connects two headsets at once
Microsoft is enhancing the audio experience on Windows 11 by introducing a new feature called shared audio, which allows users to stream sound simultaneously across two pairs of wireless headphones, speakers, earbuds, or even hearing aids. This capability is powered by the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec and is currently being rolled out in a preview mode for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. The shared audio feature is particularly useful for situations where you want to enjoy a movie or listen to music with a friend or family member without disturbing others or needing to share a single pair of headphones.
To utilize this feature, users simply need to connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and select the “Shared audio (preview)” button from the quick settings menu. This innovation follows Microsoft’s introduction of LE Audio in August, which aimed at improving audio quality during gaming or calls with wireless headsets. Other tech giants have also embraced similar features; for instance, Google has implemented the Bluetooth LE-based Auracast feature to allow Android 16 devices to broadcast audio to compatible hearing aids, and later expanded this functionality to enable Pixel 8 phones to connect to two pairs of headphones simultaneously. Samsung has also joined the trend by incorporating Auracast into its devices, starting with the Galaxy S24.
Currently, shared audio functionality is limited to select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro. Additional devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro, are expected to support this feature in the future. Users will need to ensure that their headphones or earbuds are compatible with Bluetooth LE to take advantage of shared audio, with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones being among the compatible options. As this feature continues to roll out, it promises to enhance collaborative listening experiences, making it easier for users to share their audio experiences seamlessly.
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Microsoft is
bringing shared audio to Windows 11
, allowing you to stream audio across two pairs of wireless headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids. The feature is built using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec, and it’s rolling out in preview to Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels.
Shared audio comes in handy if you’re watching a movie on a laptop with your friend or family member, or just want to show them new music that you can both stream inside your own wireless headsets. You can use shared audio by connecting Bluetooth LE-supported devices to your Windows 11 PC and then selecting the “Shared audio (preview) button in your quick settings menu.
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. Other device makers have added support for shared audio as well, with Google using the Bluetooth LE-based Auracast feature to broadcast audio
from Android 16 devices to compatible hearing aids
. The company later
expanded this capability
to allow Pixel 8 phones or newer to connect to two pairs of headphones at once. Samsung also
began building Auracast into its phones
with last year’s launch of the Galaxy S24.
For now, shared audio in Windows 11 is only available on select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro. It’s coming to the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360, Galaxy Book5 Pro, 13-inch Surface Laptop, and others at a later date. You can also only use the feature with devices compatible with Bluetooth LE, such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and the
Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones
.
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