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Windows 11 Shared Audio lets two people listen from one PC through two compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories at the same time. Microsoft has expanded the feature in Insider builds and added accessory examples and controls, but it is not available on every Windows 11 computer: the PC, its drivers, both accessories, Windows build and rollout status all matter.
What Windows 11 Shared Audio does
Shared Audio broadcasts a PC’s sound to two separate Bluetooth LE Audio accessories. Microsoft lists headphones, earbuds, speakers and hearing aids as possible accessory types. Its suggested uses include listening to music or watching a movie together; these are scenarios Microsoft describes, not a guarantee of performance for every setup.
The feature appears as Shared audio (preview) in Quick Settings when available. After connecting two compatible accessories, start sharing from that tile; choose Stop sharing to end the session.
Does your Windows 11 PC support Bluetooth LE Audio?
Check Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices for Use LE Audio when available. Microsoft says that if this setting is missing, the PC does not currently support LE Audio; hardware limitations or missing or incompatible drivers may be responsible. A manufacturer driver update may add support on some devices.
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Microsoft cautions: “Not all Windows 11 devices support LE Audio, even if the Windows device is marketed as supporting Bluetooth LE.” The PC needs compatible Bluetooth LE radio support and audio codec, plus manufacturer-provided LE Audio-capable Bluetooth and audio drivers. Microsoft’s checklist calls for Windows 11 version 22H2 or newer, but meeting that software minimum alone does not establish compatibility. See Microsoft’s Bluetooth LE Audio support checklist.
Which headphones, earbuds and hearing devices work?
Each accessory must support Bluetooth LE Audio; a generic Bluetooth or Bluetooth LE label is not enough. Microsoft recommends checking the maker’s specifications for Bluetooth LE Audio or declared TMAP support, then confirming that LE Audio is enabled in the manufacturer’s app and that firmware is current.
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Microsoft has named these examples. The list is not exhaustive, and a named accessory is not guaranteed to work with every PC.
| Microsoft announcement | Accessory examples |
|---|---|
| Original Shared Audio announcement | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3 and Buds3 Pro; Sony WH-1000XM6; recent LE Audio-capable hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone. |
| February 2026 Beta announcement | Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro; Sony WF-1000XM6; Xbox Wireless Headset. |
For hearing aids, LE Audio support must be present on both the PC and hearing device. Proprietary ASHA and MFi hearing devices are not based on LE Audio, even if described as using Bluetooth LE. Confirm the exact model and configuration with the manufacturer or your audiologist. Microsoft’s guidance is in Using hearing devices with your Windows 11 PC.
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How to start sharing audio
- Pair and connect both LE Audio-compatible accessories to the PC. If they do not appear as available devices, consult their makers’ instructions and confirm LE Audio and current firmware in the accessory app.
- Open Quick Settings and select Shared audio (preview).
- Start sharing. To finish, return to the control and select Stop sharing.
If a connected accessory does not appear in the Shared Audio tile, Microsoft suggests removing it from the PC and pairing it again.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changed as Microsoft expanded the feature
Microsoft first described Shared Audio as an Insider preview in October 2025, initially for selected Copilot+ PCs with compatible Bluetooth and audio driver updates. That announcement named certain Snapdragon X Surface devices and Samsung Galaxy Book models, but it is a historical starting list—not a complete current compatibility database. Microsoft later documented the feature in a February 2026 Beta build, adding the accessory examples above and describing separate volume sliders for each listener. System, keyboard and accessory volume controls adjust both listeners; a taskbar indicator opens sharing settings.
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These announcements do not mean every Insider receives the feature immediately. Microsoft says Beta features can be delivered to subsets of Insiders through controlled rollout. Its September 10, 2026 Release Preview notes describe a Shared Audio reliability improvement. Microsoft distinguishes gradual updates, which arrive in phases with timing that can vary by device, from normal rollout to eligible devices. The update is evidence of continued improvement, not proof of general availability on every Windows 11 PC. See the original Shared Audio announcement, February 2026 Beta notes and September 2026 Release Preview notes.
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How to check compatibility before buying accessories
- Check the PC first: look for Use LE Audio when available under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
- Check each accessory’s exact model specifications for Bluetooth LE Audio or declared TMAP support; do not infer support from Bluetooth branding alone.
- Look for Microsoft’s exact model names as helpful examples, not as a substitute for confirming your PC’s drivers, accessory firmware and model support.
- If you use hearing devices, verify LE Audio compatibility for both the PC and the exact hearing-device model and configuration.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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