- Windows 11 tests "Shared Audio" to output to two LE Audio devices at the same time from build 26220.7051 (Insider Dev/Beta).
- The preview is limited to Copilot+ PC (Surface Laptop/Pro with Snapdragon X) and will be expanded to more devices such as Galaxy Book5.
- Requires Bluetooth LE Audio compatible accessories (e.g., Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3/Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, ReSound, Beltone).
- It is activated from Quick Settings with the "Shared Audio (Preview)" tile, without third-party apps.
¿What is Bluetooth LE Audio and how do I use audio sharing in Windows 11? Windows 11 is launching a feature that many of us have been requesting for a long time: the Share audio via Bluetooth on two devices simultaneouslyCurrently being tested on the Dev and Beta channels of the Insider program, this new feature allows a single PC to simultaneously output sound to two compatible headphones, speakers, or even earphones, without any unusual adapters or additional software.
The key lies in Bluetooth LE Audio, the low-power standard that brings lower latency, better efficiency, and native support for hearing aidsMicrosoft is enabling it in Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26220.7051, and while the rollout starts limited to certain Copilot+ PCs, the list of compatible models will expand over time to include Surface and Galaxy Book devices.
LE Audio doesn't stop at headphones and speakers: it adds standard compatibility with hearing aids (Hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc.). This integration opens the door for Windows 11 to connect directly to LE hearing aids and transmit multimedia and calls with fewer intermediaries and more control for the user.
In addition, Microsoft has incorporated specific improvements for this standard in Windows 11. Among them is LE Audio's "super wideband stereo" mode, which It allows participation in stereo calls or game chat at 32 kHz. without sacrificing quality when you activate the microphone. These are adjustments designed so that wireless audio on PC no longer lags behind what we already had on mobile.
What is Bluetooth LE Audio and why does it matter?
Bluetooth Low Energy Audio, or LE Audio, is the evolution of Bluetooth audio designed to make everything last longer and sound better. Compared to traditional Bluetooth, LE Audio introduces codecs and mechanisms that They reduce energy consumption and lower latency costsThis translates into longer sessions and a more stable experience, especially on laptops and small accessories.
One of its strengths is multichannel and multistream transmission: it allows for the coordinated management of multiple audio streams, enabling features such as the one we are discussing, the Send sound to two devices simultaneously from the same PCThis is precisely the type of scenario where LE Audio shines, as it synchronizes both receivers without the typical lag or buffering when two active connections need to be maintained.
LE Audio doesn't stop at headphones and speakers: it adds standard compatibility with hearing aids (Hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc.). This integration opens the door for Windows 11 to connect directly to LE hearing aids and transmit multimedia and calls with fewer intermediaries and more control for the user.
In addition, Microsoft has incorporated specific improvements for this standard in Windows 11. Among them is LE Audio's "super wideband stereo" mode, which It allows participation in stereo calls or game chat at 32 kHz. without sacrificing quality when you activate the microphone. These are adjustments designed so that wireless audio on PC no longer lags behind what we already had on mobile.
Audio sharing in Windows 11: how it works and what you need
Microsoft calls this new feature "Shared Audio" or "Shared Audio (Preview)" in the interface. When the PC and accessories meet the requirements, a new tile in Quick Settings From here you can activate or stop the function without any further ado. The system handles synchronization and output routing.
Typical usage is as simple as pairing and connecting two Bluetooth LE Audio devices and then pressing the button. Audio shared in the quick access panelThere's no need to install third-party apps or tinker with exotic sound profiles; management is native to Windows 11 and integrated into the system controls.
However, there are conditions. For one thing, the preview is initially limited to PC Copilot+ Specifically, models like the Surface Laptop (13,8 and 15 inches) and the 13-inch Surface Pro with Snapdragon X processors already have support. Furthermore, the feature It only works with LE Audio accessories.These include the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, the Sony WH-1000XM6 and recent headphones from brands like ReSound and Beltone.
Microsoft indicates that support will be progressively expanded to more devices, including families like Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro...in addition to future Surface variants. And although at this stage the feature is not enabled by default for all Insiders, simply being on build 26220.7051 of the Dev or Beta channels is enough to start seeing it appear in the system.
One detail to keep in mind: for now You cannot mix a Bluetooth device with a wired device For shared audio. If you want to stream to two receivers, both must be wireless and compatible with LE Audio, a requirement that should be checked in the technical specifications or the accessory manufacturer's app.
Real compatibility: PCs, headphones, and other accessories
Just because a PC has Bluetooth doesn't mean it's compatible with LE Audio. To use shared audio and LE hearing devices, the computer must run Windows 11 and have factory-integrated Bluetooth LEIn addition to having Bluetooth drivers and the audio subsystem with LE Audio support provided by the PC manufacturer.
Not all Windows 11 computers that boast "Bluetooth LE" actually support "LE Audio". Similarly, Not all hearing aids that advertise Bluetooth LE They use the LE Audio standard to transmit audio: proprietary technologies such as ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids) or MFi (Made for iPhone) are not based on LE Audio, even though they may sound similar in marketing.
In practice, Windows PCs with Bluetooth LE Audio have started arriving en masse from 2024 onwards, with Some 2023 models also support itOn the hearing aid side, LE Audio compatible devices began to appear on the market in early 2024; if you have any doubts, check the manufacturer's specifications or consult an audiologist.
Windows 11 includes visibility improvements so you don't get lost: from the section of Settings > Bluetooth & devices You can see important details about connected accessories, such as connection status or battery level. It's a very practical way to avoid surprises in the middle of a movie or a call.
If we add to this Microsoft's focus on the Copilot+ On a PC with a Snapdragon X processor, it's not surprising that the shared audio preview starts there. The company has made it clear that The list of compatible devices will continue to grow as we get closer to its general release, but for now the cut is demanding.
Step by step: pair, activate and adjust shared audio
First of all, make sure your PC is compatible with LE Audio and that you are on the Insider build 26220.7051 (Dev or Beta channels) If you want to try the feature right away, you have two options for pairing devices.
- Pairing from Quick Setup:
- Turn on The first LE Audio accessory and put it into discoverable mode.
- On Windows, click the network, sound, or battery icons next to the clock to open Quick Settings and go to "Manage Bluetooth devices".
- Select the device when it appears in "New devices" and confirm the pairing.
- Repeat the process with the second LE Audio accessory to have both connected.
- Pairing with Fast Pair:
- Activate the accessory's pairing mode; if the device supports Fast Pair, Windows will display a notification to connect it instantly.
- Accept the notification and tap "Connect". If you're using two hearing aids, you might see an additional message such as "We've found the other hearing aid, connect now?"; confirm to pair both.
With both LE Audio accessories already paired and connected, expand Quick Setup and tap the tile "Shared audio (preview)" To start broadcasting in parallel. When you want to return to normal mode, deactivate it using the same button.
It's a good idea to keep your headphone or earphone firmware up to date. Manufacturers often enable or improve LE Audio support in their devices. official apps with updatesSo check the relevant store before trying. Outdated firmware is one of the most common causes of failure when enabling shared audio.
If you're on Windows 11 24H2 and using LE Audio hearing aids, the system lets you adjust audio presets and the ambient sound volume directly from Settings (or from the Quick Settings app itself). It's ideal for adapting the device's behavior to different environments without having to open multiple apps.
To manually connect to an already paired device, return to Quick Settings, go to "Manage Bluetooth devices," and select the accessory from the paired list. Although it's normal to... Reconnect only when turning it onYou can always force the connection from there if you need to.
Current limits, differences with Auracast, and what's to come
In this first stage, Windows 11 shared audio is limited to two simultaneous LE Audio devicesIt's perfect for watching a movie as a couple, studying with a friend, or enjoying the same playlist without bothering anyone, but it's not intended for mass distribution.
And that's where it comes into play Auracast, an LE broadcasting technology focused on transmitting audio to many listeners simultaneously in public spaces. Microsoft's proposal is different: private, integrated, and PC-focused management, with control from the operating system and without the need for added apps.
Another time limitation is the hardware: as we have already mentioned, the function starts in a selection of Copilot+ PC with Snapdragon X (Surface Laptop and Surface Pro) and will be extended to other devices, including the Galaxy Book5 360 and Book5 Pro. This approach has generated debate, as many users suspect it could be a more of a commercial decision than a technical oneSince many modern machines with Bluetooth 5.2 or higher should be able to handle it, Microsoft has confirmed that the list will grow over time.
There are also a couple of practical nuances worth mentioning. First, the function It does not combine Bluetooth with a wired headsetIf you're sharing, both receivers must be LE Audio wireless. Second, the option may not be enabled by default for all Insiders; if you meet the requirements and don't see it, make sure you've updated and that the accessories are indeed LE Audio (not ASHA or MFi certified).
What do we gain today? Experience. Being able to sync two headsets from a laptop for a late-night gaming session, share audio on a plane, or coordinate a game with two headsets and 32 kHz stereo voice chat brings... flexibility and comfortAnd, in addition, it drives the ecosystem's transition towards LE Audio devices with better battery life and lower latency.
Everything points to "Shared audio" arriving as native Windows 11 feature More devices will be supported at no additional cost, with a phased rollout. Meanwhile, if you have a compatible Copilot+ and LE Audio accessories, build 26220.7051 from the Dev or Beta channels already lets you try it.
Looking at the whole picture, Windows 11's shared audio combines the efficiency of LE Audio with a simple and useful implementation for everyday use. From the best headphone integration (including brands like ReSound and Beltone) and controls like presets and 24H2 ambient sound, to compatibility with popular headphones like Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3/Buds3 Pro or Sony WH-1000XM6The system is aligning pieces that have been consolidated in mobile for years and, finally, they land on the PC with confidence.
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