Microsoft is introducing a new audio sharing feature to the Windows 11 operating system. This feature allows the system to stream audio simultaneously to two different wireless headphones, speakers, or hearing aids. The Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec was used during development. This feature is currently available as a preview to Windows 11 Insiders through the Dev and Beta channels.

Audio Sharing Coming via Bluetooth

Audio sharing is especially useful for users who want to watch movies or listen to a song together on their laptops. To activate the feature, users first connect their Bluetooth LE-enabled devices to the computer. Then, enable the “Shared audio (preview)” option in the Quick Settings menu.

Before this development, Microsoft added LE Audio support to Windows 11 in August. This support provided higher sound quality when using wireless headphones during games or calls. The company is further enhancing the user experience with this new feature.

Other device manufacturers have implemented similar audio sharing solutions. For example, Google used the Bluetooth LE-based Auracast feature to stream audio from Android 16 devices to compatible hearing aids.

Google later expanded this feature, allowing the Pixel 8 and newer phones to connect two headphones simultaneously. Samsung also integrated Auracast into its phones with the release of the Galaxy S24 last year.

Currently, the shared audio feature in Windows 11 only works on select Copilot Plus PC models. Supported models include the 13.8-inch and 15-inch Surface Laptops, as well as the 13-inch Surface Pro.

The Samsung Galaxy Book 5 360, Galaxy Book 5 Pro, and several other models are expected to join the support in the near future. Users must have Bluetooth LE-enabled headphones to use the feature. Compatible devices include the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6.