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The main conclusions of ZDNET
- Microsoft uses Bluetooth LE Audio on some of its Windows 11 PCs.
- Bluetooth LE Audio brings audio sharing and super-wideband to Windows 11.
- Your laptop and hearing aid must be compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio.
Microsoft is introducing shared audio support for 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 didn’t receive it until late January.
In one blog postMicrosoft explains that users can share music with a friend or watch a movie together on the go. To try out 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 isn’t yet compatible, Microsoft says to look for driver updates through 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 devices. Bluetooth LE is the architecture that supports Auracast, a feature within Bluetooth LE Audio that allows 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. Although the Auracast protocol supports broadcasts to an unlimited number of nearby audio receivers, Microsoft’s hardware implementation limits the number of audio receivers the PCs can broadcast to two. (Limiting the number of audio receivers to which PCs can broadcast 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 latest audio connectivity standard is worth getting excited about
Microsoft’s blog post states that 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 if Microsoft doesn’t specify it.
What else comes with LE Audio on Windows 11?
Last year, Microsoft announced that select Windows 11 PCs will support super wideband (SWB), a Bluetooth LE Audio feature that improves 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.
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In addition to 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?
Starting in February 2026, these Windows 11 PCs will support Bluetooth LE Audio:
- Surface Laptop, 13.8″ and 15″* | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15 inches* | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Surface Pro, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Surface Pro for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Surface Laptop, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Surface Laptop for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Surface Pro, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Surface Pro for Business, 12 inches | Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | Qualcomm Snapdragon
Also: After setting up Windows 11, these 9 steps are non-negotiable for me
According to Microsoft, these laptops are the following 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
#Windows #PCs #major #Bluetooth #update