Windows 11 moves toward multi-device Bluetooth streaming — but your PC probably isn't invited

Windows 11 will soon support sharing audio to two separate headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids. The feature has been in testing among Windows Insiders since last October, and the list of supported devices for the preview expanded recently.

The feature relies on Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast, which is why Microsoft can't just flip a switch and have it work on any device. That technology makes it possible to stream a single audio source to multiple devices.

For example, a TV in a gym could stream audio to the earbuds of multiple attendees at once. Microsoft's blog post about the feature does not specify if Auracast is being used, but that appears to be the case. Auracast is the tech that makes it possible to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices.

Our friends at What Hi-Fi break down Bluetooth LE Audio, including Auracast. Bluetooth LE Audio is still a relatively new standard, and knowing if your device supports it is not straightforward.

While Bluetooth LE Audio requires Bluetooth 5.2 or later, not all Bluetooth 5.2 devices support the standard.

Below are the Windows 11 PCs that support the feature today (assuming they are in the appropriate preview channel):

• Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

A smaller group of devices are also set to receive preview support soon:

• Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200
• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro | Intel Core Ultra Series 200
• Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200

Shared audio began rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels with Windows 11 Insider Build 26220.7051.

Microsoft notes that "more devices may be supported once [the feature is] available to general audiences."

If your PC and all connected speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids support the feature, you can try it by using the "Shared audio (preview)" option in quick settings.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds! Also join us on reddit.com/r/windowscentral!