Typically, Windows supports only a single audio output without workarounds, which can be inconvenient for sharing music or videos without resorting to outdated methods like passing around wired earphones. A recent Windows 11 update may address this issue, provided users have the right equipment.
According to the Windows Insider blog, the Shared Audio capability has been introduced in Preview Build 26220.7051. Users can activate it by pairing two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously and selecting the appropriate option from the quick settings panel.
The downside is that both the audio devices and the Windows machine must support particular Bluetooth LE standards. This applies to the majority of Bluetooth headphones from recent years, though the requirements for Windows hardware are more restrictive. Microsoft has initially limited availability to the newest Snapdragon-equipped Surface laptops and tablets, along with the Qualcomm-based Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge. Support for additional Galaxy Book5 variants, featuring Intel Core Ultra 200 chips, is planned for a future release.
The feature relies on advanced Bluetooth drivers and is being deployed gradually through Windows Update. The currently supported devices represent a limited portion of potentially compatible hardware, particularly those with Snapdragon chips. Broader access is expected with the stable release to general users.