Microsoft is giving Bluetooth audio on Windows 11 a major upgrade, and it’s one that fans of wireless listening will appreciate. The company has started testing a new shared audio feature that lets users stream sound to two sets of Bluetooth headphones, speakers, earbuds, or even hearing aids at once.
The feature, now available in Windows Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 for the Dev and Beta Channels, is powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, the same efficient wireless standard that improves sound quality while reducing latency and battery drain. Essentially, shared audio allows two people to listen to the same track or film from a single Windows 11 device which is perfect for flights, study sessions, or quick music sharing.
To use it, you just need two Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible devices paired with your PC, then activate the new “Shared audio (preview)” tile in Quick Settings. You can stop the session anytime via the same panel.
At launch, the feature supports select Copilot+ PCs, such as the Surface Laptop (13.8- and 15-inch) and Surface Pro (13-inch) models powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, as well as their business variants. Microsoft says more devices will soon join the list, including the Samsung Galaxy Book 5 and Book 4 series, and additional Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models.
On the accessories side, shared audio already works with popular Bluetooth LE gear like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, and recent ReSound and Beltone hearing aids.
Shared audio builds on the LE Audio foundation Microsoft introduced in August, which already improved sound quality during calls and gaming. It also puts Windows 11 in line with Google’s Auracast and Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem, both of which have recently adopted similar broadcast-style audio features.
If you’re part of the Insider program, you can try shared audio now by keeping your system updated through Windows Update. Microsoft says it will roll out more broadly as testing continues into 2025.
The post Microsoft is testing some clever Bluetooth tricks for Windows 11 appeared first on Trusted Reviews.
