shared audio Archives

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Windows 11 insiders can now share Bluetooth LE audio over two pairs of headphones, so now you and your bestie can both sob over K-Pop Demon Hunters on the plane

Windows 11 Insiders are testing build 26220.7051, which includes a Shared Audio feature that allows two users to listen to the same audio through separate Bluetooth devices. This feature is part of an initiative to expand Bluetooth Low Energy Audio support on Windows 11, currently available on select "Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs," including various Surface laptops, Surface Pro tablets, and Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and 5 models. Users need Bluetooth LE Audio-compatible devices, such as Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds3, Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, and recent LE Audio-capable hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone. Additionally, the build introduces a full-screen experience for handheld Windows 11 devices, enhancing performance and gameplay, particularly for devices like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and MSI Claw, the latter being the first non-Xbox device to receive this feature.

Winsage

November 2, 2025

Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 released with “Ask Copilot” feature

Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 is being rolled out to testers in the Insider Program, introducing new features including the 'Ask Copilot' feature on the taskbar, which allows users to search the internet, local files, and AI resources using text and voice commands. Users can activate it via Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. A new full-screen experience for Xbox is now available to all handheld device owners, which can be enabled through Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience. The update also includes "shared audio" support for Bluetooth, allowing audio streams to be transmitted to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. ARM PCs will see improved performance with expanded support for more 64-bit x86 applications under emulation. These features will roll out to all users in the coming weeks, with early access available through the Beta or Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Windows 11 tests shared Bluetooth audio support, but only for AI PCs

Microsoft is testing a "shared audio" feature on Copilot+ PCs that utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology, allowing simultaneous audio streaming to two Bluetooth devices. This feature is part of Windows 11 Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) and can be activated through quick settings. Currently, it is compatible with select PCs, including various models of Surface laptops and Surface Pro devices, and will expand to additional devices in the future, such as Samsung Galaxy Book models. Users will need compatible audio accessories to utilize the feature, which is being rolled out to Windows Insider Program participants in the Dev and Beta channels.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Extending Bluetooth® LE Audio on Windows 11 with shared audio (preview)

Today, the shared audio (preview) feature has been rolled out in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26220.7051) for Dev and Beta Channels, allowing users to share audio between two Bluetooth audio devices simultaneously. This feature utilizes Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology and is currently available on select Copilot+ PCs, with plans to expand support to more devices in the future. Users can share audio by connecting two compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories to their Windows 11 PC and accessing the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in quick settings. Compatible devices include specific Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models, as well as Samsung Galaxy Book models. Compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories include Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Sony WH-1000XM6, and recent hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone. To use the feature, users must enroll in the Windows Insider Dev or Beta Channels and ensure their OS and drivers are updated. Feedback from users is encouraged to improve the experience.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (Dev & Beta Channels)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7051 (KB5067115) has been released to the Dev and Beta Channels. Insiders in the Dev Channel can switch to the Beta Channel while both channels receive the same 25H2-based updates. The update introduces the Ask Copilot feature in the taskbar, allowing users to interact with their PC using text or voice commands. The full screen experience (FSE) is now available on more Windows 11 handheld devices, designed for console-style navigation. A preview of shared audio is being rolled out, enabling two users to share audio from connected devices. The update also includes improvements to Prism, enhancing compatibility for 64-bit x86 applications. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with USB devices, the Start menu, File Explorer, lock and login screens, and Settings. Known issues include problems with the Start menu and system tray for some users. Features are rolled out gradually, and feedback is encouraged through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

KB5067115 Brings Ask Copilot in Windows 11 Taskbar with Instant AI Search

Microsoft is integrating its Copilot feature into Windows 11 as a central element, moving it from a sidebar experiment to a taskbar shortcut called "Ask Copilot" in Insider Preview Build 26220.7051. This feature allows users to search for applications, files, and settings or interact with Copilot through voice or text commands. The results adjust dynamically based on user input and suggestions from Copilot. Users can opt-in to use this feature, which complements the traditional Windows Search. To enable it, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot, and there is an option for automatic launch upon sign-in. Ask Copilot uses existing Windows APIs and does not access personal files unless requested. This update also includes a Full Screen Experience for handheld devices and a Shared Audio Preview.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Dev and Beta Channels Get a New Preview Quality Update, Bigger Changes to Come

The Windows Insider Program is rebranding its updates, with the latest cumulative update preview build now called a Preview Quality Update. The update, Windows 11 Insider Preview Quality Update KB5067115, is available for users in the Dev and Beta channels. It upgrades Dev channel systems to Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26220.7051 and Beta channel systems to Windows 11 version 24H2 build 26220.7051. KB5067115 is classified as a recommended update for the Beta channel, indicating a shift towards testing 25H2 builds. New features in this update include: - Integration of Ask Copilot into the Taskbar's Search box, allowing access to Copilot Voice and Copilot Vision. - A Full-screen experience being extended to additional gaming handheld PCs, starting with the MSI Claw. - Support for Bluetooth LE-based shared audio broadcasts on Copilot+ PCs, enabling collaborative audio experiences. - Improvements to the x64 emulator in Windows 11 on Arm, enhancing CPU feature support and allowing more applications to function seamlessly.

Winsage

October 31, 2025

Windows 11 tests Bluetooth audio sharing that connects two headsets at once

Microsoft is enhancing the audio experience for Windows 11 users with a new feature that enables shared audio streaming across multiple wireless devices using the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio codec. This feature is currently in preview mode for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. Users can connect Bluetooth LE-supported devices to their Windows 11 PC and select the “Shared audio (preview)” option from the quick settings menu. The shared audio feature is available on select Copilot Plus PCs, including the 13.8 and 15-inch Surface Laptops and the 13-inch Surface Pro, with plans for additional devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 and Galaxy Book5 Pro to support it soon. Compatible devices include Bluetooth LE models such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 is testing Taskbar companions and it might be another AI feature

Microsoft is exploring a new taskbar feature called "companions," which may integrate artificial intelligence into the Windows experience. This initiative is in early stages, with references to "Agentic Companions" found in recent Windows 11 preview builds. A specific string indicates users may manage these companions from their settings, although the features are not yet operational. Previously, Microsoft aimed to introduce a "recommendations" feature for the taskbar to enhance engagement with Bing and web content, but the project was abandoned after the departure of Mikhail Parakhin. Additionally, Microsoft is testing features such as support for "shared audio" for multiple devices and a clock displaying seconds in the Calendar flyout, with the latter already available to Windows 10 users.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Microsoft makes it easy to play Windows 11 audio through multiple devices

Microsoft is developing a feature called "Shared Audio" for Windows 11, which aims to simplify the process of outputting sound to multiple speakers simultaneously. This feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Dev or Beta channels and allows users to easily configure audio output across two sets of speakers. However, connecting three or more sets of speakers may still require additional setup. Screenshots of the feature have been shared by PhantomOfEarth, indicating a user-friendly interface. The broader rollout of this feature is anticipated soon.