Windows 11 tests Shared audio for two LE Audio devices

Microsoft is testing a new Windows 11 feature that lets a single PC stream audio to two Bluetooth devices at once, allowing two pairs of headphones, earbuds, speakers, or compatible hearing aids to hear the same audio simultaneously. The capability, called Shared audio, is available now in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 for users enrolled in the Dev and Beta channels and on a limited set of Copilot-capable PCs.

Microsoft said the feature is built on Bluetooth Low Energy LE Audio broadcast technology, which enables a PC to transmit an audio stream to multiple receivers without external splitters or cables. To use Shared audio, a Windows 11 device must support Bluetooth LE Audio and the user must pair two LE Audio–compatible accessories. Once paired, the Shared audio preview toggle appears in Quick Settings; users select two devices to share audio and press Stop sharing to end the session. Microsoft described common use cases as letting "students share music with a friend while studying" or letting "family members watch a movie together on an airplane."

At launch the preview is limited to select Copilot PCs, with initial support on some recent Surface models and a...