multi-app camera

Winsage
June 9, 2026
Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 include enhancements for versions 25H2, 24H2, and the new 26H1, which is designed for new PCs with Qualcomm ARM chips. Key features of the update include: - Shared audio allowing two users to listen to the same audio stream via Bluetooth LE audio accessories. - NPU usage displayed in Task Manager for devices with NPUs, including optional columns for NPU and NPU Engine. - Multi-App Camera support enabling multiple applications to access the camera stream simultaneously. - Improvements to the Magnifier feature for clearer announcements and support for magnifying protected content. - Customizable user folder names during setup. - Optimized Windows Search functionality for locating local files with just two characters. - Performance enhancements through a “Low Latency Profile” for faster app launches and core shell experiences. The update also addresses a BitLocker security bypass vulnerability (CVE‑2026‑45585) that could allow attackers to circumvent BitLocker Device Encryption. The KB5095051 patch for version 26H1 includes support for shared audio over Bluetooth LE and features from the previous month's update, such as Xbox mode and expanded archiving support in File Explorer.
Winsage
May 27, 2026
Users of Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 can install the preview update KB5089573, upgrading their systems to builds 26100.8524 and 26200.8524, respectively. Users on Windows 11 version 26H1 can install KB5089570, upgrading to build 28000.2179. The updates introduce new features such as shared audio support over Bluetooth LE, multi-app camera support, custom user folder naming during setup, and enhancements to Magnifier, Secure Boot, Task Manager, Windows Hello, and Windows Search. They also include performance improvements and increased reliability for sign-in and Lock screens.
Winsage
May 15, 2026
The May optional update for Windows 11 introduces several features, including shared audio for Bluetooth LE accessories, simultaneous camera access for multiple applications, and NPU usage visibility in Task Manager. The update also improves the Magnifier accessibility feature and aims to enhance app launch speeds and core shell experiences. Additionally, Microsoft has released a first build of version 26H1 on the Release Preview Channel, which is intended for devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon® X2 Series chips. Devices running version 26H1 will not be eligible for the next annual feature update scheduled for late 2026.
Winsage
December 23, 2024
Microsoft has enhanced camera capabilities in Windows 11, allowing users to adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and sharpness through Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Camera. However, these features are not universally available across all cameras. In tests, the DJI Osmo Action 3 did not support these adjustments, while an HP Spectre did. Microsoft has acknowledged that some cameras may not appear on the Camera Settings page. In the Windows 11 Dev Channel Build 26120.2702, two new advanced camera options have been introduced: a Multi-app Camera feature that allows multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously, and a Basic Camera mode for troubleshooting. A third option is planned to let users select camera resolution and frame rate, with current options of 1920×1080 (16:9) and 1280×720 (16:9) at 30 FPS available for all cameras.
Winsage
December 19, 2024
Microsoft is rolling out a feature called "Multi-app camera" for Windows 11, allowing users to access a single webcam across multiple applications simultaneously. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders with the latest Dev Channel release (Windows 11 build 26120.2702) and is part of a broader update with new settings under Windows Camera Advanced Configurations. Users can find these settings under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. The two new options include: 1. Multi-app camera: Enables multiple applications to access the camera stream at the same time, developed with input from the Hard-of-Hearing community. 2. Basic camera: Provides essential camera functionality for troubleshooting, recommended as a last resort. Microsoft plans to introduce a third option in future builds, allowing users to select different media types such as resolution and frame rate, with a default setting of "Let Windows Choose."
Winsage
December 17, 2024
Microsoft is refining Windows 11 with Build 26120.2702, introducing a feature that allows multiple applications to access the webcam simultaneously, responding to user feedback. This functionality is being trialed by Windows Insider program participants and enables activities like video conferencing on Google Meet while streaming on platforms like Twitch. Users previously had to choose one application for webcam access. The exact limit on the number of applications that can use the webcam concurrently is unclear, but excessive usage may affect system performance. Additionally, Microsoft is developing further webcam settings for adjusting resolution, frame rate, and media type. This update reflects a shift towards user-requested features rather than unwanted elements.
Winsage
December 17, 2024
The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2702 introduces a feature that allows multiple applications to access the camera simultaneously, aimed at improving inclusivity for users needing video streaming to both a sign language interpreter and an audience. A new “multi-app camera” setting is available in the advanced camera options, along with a “basic camera” feature for troubleshooting webcam issues. Future builds will include options for selecting specific media types like resolution or frame rate. Users previously relied on third-party software for multi-app camera access, but this new feature simplifies the process by integrating it directly into Windows 11. Adjustments to camera settings must be made through the Windows 11 camera settings interface when using the multi-app feature.
Winsage
December 16, 2024
Windows 11 is introducing a multi-app camera feature in Build 26120.2702, allowing multiple applications to access the same camera simultaneously. This functionality aims to improve accessibility for the Hard-of-Hearing community by enabling video streaming to both a sign language interpreter and the audience at the same time. Users can access this feature through new configuration options in the Settings app, which will also include options for basic camera features and troubleshooting. Additionally, Microsoft is adding API support for third-party passkey providers in this build. Windows 11 Build 22635.4655 included minor updates, such as improvements to the Start menu's recommended websites filtering, experiments with the lock screen's hotspot, changes to the Desktop Spotlight icon interaction, and a visual preview in the Windows share window for shared links or web content.
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