Windows 11 tests Bluetooth Audio sharing: Stream sound to multiple devices at once on PC
Microsoft is rolling out a new audio-sharing feature that lets you connect two sets of headphones, speakers, or hearing aids. It’s the perfect solution for collaborative listening sessions.
What’s new?
Windows 11 is testing Bluetooth LE Audio, something that is becoming the new standard by letting users stream sound from one device to multiple outputs at once. According to The Verge, Microsoft is currently rolling out this feature to the Windows Insider Program that lets users preview and shape upcoming Windows tools.
That means you’ll soon be able to play audio from your Windows 11 PC or laptop to two pairs of headphones, earbuds, hearing aids or speakers at the same time.
How to enable audio sharing on Windows 11
Once the feature is available on your Windows 11 device, setting it up is easy:
- Connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to your Windows 11 PC.
- Open your Quick Settings menu.
- Select ‘Shared audio (preview)’.
- Pick the two output devices you want to stream to.
That’s it. From there, your friends can easily tune in at the same time. Just note that the connected headphones or other devices both devices will need to support Bluetooth LE Audio for it to work.
Earlier this year, Google expanded LE Audio and Auracast support to Pixel phones, Sony headphones, and Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 earbuds. So, it’s clear that the feature is starting to become an industry standard.
How is it useful?
Expanding Bluetooth audio sharing to Windows 11 laptops and PCs makes it easier than ever for more users to easily share audio. That’s ideal no matter whether you’re watching a movie together, catching up on a series, or streaming the latest music releases.
The bottom line
For now, shared audio in Windows 11 is only available on select Copilot Plus PCs (like the Surface 13.8”, Surface Laptop 15”, and Surface Pro 13”). However, The Verge notes that the rollout will expand to more devices soon.
As Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast continue to spread to more devices, shared listening capabilities are quickly becoming the norm. With Windows 11 joining the party, shared audio just became easier for even more users.