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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Microsoft is adopting Bluetooth LE Audio in some of its Windows 11 PCs.
- Bluetooth LE Audio brings audio sharing and super wideband to Windows 11.
- Your laptop and hearing device must be compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio.
Microsoft is rolling out shared audio support to compatible Windows 11 PCs, allowing users to broadcast audio from the PC to two compatible audio accessories. Some PC models received this feature last October and November, while others received it as recently as late January.
In a blog post, Microsoft explains that users can share music with a friend or watch a movie together while traveling. To try this feature, users can enable their compatible Windows 11 Copilot + PC in the Windows Dev or Beta Channels and install the latest updates via Windows Update.
Also: Microsoft said my PC was ‘too old' to run Windows 11 – how I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway
If your PC is not yet compatible, Microsoft says to look out for driver updates via Windows Updates. Once your device is compatible, a “Shared audio (preview)” tile should appear in Quick Settings.
Microsoft's implementation of the audio-sharing feature builds on the Bluetooth LE Audio connectivity standard, which enables audio sharing between Bluetooth-enabled devices. Bluetooth LE is the architecture that supports Auracast, a feature within Bluetooth LE Audio that enables a single source to broadcast to an unlimited number of nearby audio receivers.
Is it Auracast?
Microsoft omits the word Auracast from its blog post. While the Auracast protocol supports broadcasting to an unlimited number of nearby audio receivers, Microsoft's hardware implementation limits the number of audio receivers its PCs can broadcast to two. (Limiting the number of audio receivers that PCs can broadcast to is entirely within Microsoft's discretion as a manufacturer, as I learned from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group earlier this year.)
Also: What is Bluetooth 6.0? Why the newest audio connectivity standard is worth getting excited about
Microsoft's blog post says consumers should look for compatible Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, and hearing aids that advertise LE Audio support. Auracast-supported devices can still support the new Windows Bluetooth LE feature, even though Microsoft doesn't specify it.
What else comes with LE Audio on Windows 11?
Last year, Microsoft announced that certain Windows 11 PCs will support super wideband (SWB), a Bluetooth LE Audio feature that enhances voice clarity. SWB replaces older, less efficient hands-free profiles within the Classic Bluetooth radio. SWB's sample rate is 32 kHz, ideal for voice chat while gaming and for video calls.
Also: I spoke with Bluetooth reps about the future of connected audio, and it's cooler than I expected
On top of SWB, select Windows 11 PCs support SWB stereo, which uses two audio channels for audio output, creating a more immersive and expansive soundstage for gaming and movie-watching. Both your laptop and headphones, earbuds, or hearing aids must be compatible with LE Audio to experience it.
Which Windows PCs support LE Audio?
As of February 2026, these Windows 11 PC support Bluetooth LE Audio:
- 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
Also: After setting up Windows 11, these 9 steps are non-negotiable for me
According to Microsoft, these laptops are up next for LE Audio support:
- 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
