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Windows 11 shared audio: The long-overdue feature users have waited for

Playing music or audio through more than one speaker has long been a frustrating limitation for Windows users. Now, Windows 11 might finally address this with a new shared audio feature. According to a leak from a reliable source on X (formerly Twitter), the feature is hidden in recent Windows 11 Dev and Beta Channel builds and allows users to stream audio to multiple output devices at once. For anyone who’s ever tried to get two Bluetooth speakers or headphones working in sync, this update could be a game-changer.

Why Windows 11 shared audio matters for users

Many users have been turning to third-party apps or technical workarounds just to share audio between speakers or headphones. While macOS and some mobile platforms have supported this kind of multi-device audio sharing for years, Windows users have had to wait—until now. The Windows 11 shared audio setting appears in the Quick Settings panel, although it’s currently hidden and still under testing. Once active, this tool could simplify everything from listening parties to collaborative workspaces and immersive gaming experiences with multiple audio outputs.

How Windows 11 shared audio works (and what we know so far)

Details about how the feature will function are still emerging. The leaker, PhantomOfEarth, enabled the setting using a configuration utility in a preview build, suggesting Microsoft is still ironing out its functionality. It may allow simultaneous streaming across Bluetooth, wired, or wireless output devices. Though not yet available in public preview builds, its presence in the backend hints that Microsoft could roll it out soon—possibly in the next major feature update. This update signals a shift toward more versatile audio handling in Windows 11, aligning it with what users already expect in 2025.

What’s next for Windows 11 and shared audio support

While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced this feature, the fact that it’s already coded into recent builds suggests that shared audio could launch in the near future. If polished and released widely, it could eliminate the need for clunky third-party solutions and elevate the audio experience for entertainment, productivity, and accessibility. As more users demand seamless multi-device support, this addition could mark a small but meaningful step in making Windows 11 shared audio a modern, user-first experience.