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Microsoft is introducing the long-awaited wireless audio feature, which, however, is still available only to a limited number of users. The Windows operating system is now able to stream audio to two pairs of wireless headphones simultaneously, albeit with certain caveats. Currently, this option works exclusively on Copilot+ PCs that are equipped with Bluetooth LE Audio technology, which is why the vast majority of PC owners remain in standby mode.
The latest cumulative update for Windows 11 brings a number of small improvements, with the newly introduced Shared Listening being one of the big news. This feature allows you to stream sound from your computer to two wireless devices in parallel, which is very convenient when watching a movie together or listening to music tracks.
In an official announcement, the developers explained that the new technology provides synchronized audio transmission from a computer to two accessories that support the Bluetooth LE Audio standard. This option is compatible with a huge number of different peripherals, including full-size headphones, compact earbuds, and portable speakers. In addition, the developers emphasize compatibility with medical assistive technologies, including specialized hearing aids and modern cochlear implants.
To activate the joint audio stream, you need to pair and connect two corresponding wireless accessories to an updated Windows 11 computer. Once the connection is complete, open the Quick Settings menu by clicking on the speaker icon on the taskbar, click on the Shared Audio control, and select the two devices that should receive the signal. When the necessary accessories are selected, all you have to do is click the Share button to start streaming.
The developers emphasize that the standard Windows volume control tools continue to function during joint listening, but moving the main slider changes the sound level on both connected devices simultaneously. Users who need to make individual adjustments can use the individual controls within the shared audio menu or go to the settings pages of each specific connected accessory.
During an active joint listening session, a special icon will be displayed on the taskbar to remind you that the audio stream from the computer is being broadcast to two external audio devices. The owner of the PC can click on this icon and use the “Stop Spreading” option to end the function. The broadcast is interrupted automatically if the computer is turned off. To return to listening together after a system restart, users will have to reconnect their wireless devices to the computer.
This functionality is being distributed as part of the preliminary update KB5089573 for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. Any personal computer that has hardware support for Bluetooth LE Audio streaming is compatible with the update, so software developers and hardware manufacturers do not need to make changes to their applications or accessories. Nevertheless, the operation of shared audio is directly dependent on relatively new Bluetooth LE hardware solutions and up-to-date driver versions, which narrows the range of compatibility to a small group of modern Copilot+ PC laptops. These are devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and Intel Core Ultra 200 series chips. The company notes that the necessary drivers are being introduced through the Windows Update Center gradually to expand support to more computer systems over time.
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