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The latest preview build of Windows 11 now allows you to share audio streams with two Bluetooth audio accessories simultaneously for the first time. This means you can use Bluetooth to share your audio between two separate headphones, speakers, earbuds, or hearing aids.
Students can now share music with a friend while studying (without getting thrown out of the library), while family members can watch a movie together on an airplane with their own headphones.
The feature is rolling out now as part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build, but unfortunately you’ll need a Copilot+ PC to get it to work, and not all Copilot-capable machines are supported. You’ll also need to install the latest OS and driver updates available through Windows Update. Microsoft says it may add support for more devices once the feature becomes available to general audiences.
You’ll also need a fairly modern set of headphones or speakers for the devices to work, such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, or Buds 3 Pro or the Sony WH-1000XM6. Many older headphones, like first-gen AirPods, don’t support Bluetooth LE Audio. Head here to see a list of compatible devices.
If you're interested in trying shared audio, you’ll need to pair and connect two compatible Bluetooth LE Audio accessories to your Windows 11 PC, then click the “Shared audio (preview)” tile in Quick Settings to start sharing. You can then use the “Stop sharing” button to end an active sharing session.
(Credit: Microsoft )Microsoft is also introducing a new Ask Copilot option, now available directly via the taskbar for the first time. Until now, if you wanted to access Copilot on Windows 11, you needed to do so through the standalone app or a browser window.
With the latest update, users can instead use the taskbar-based Ask Copilot shortcut to interact with the AI assistant. The feature is opt-in only, and you’ll need to enable it by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot.
According to Microsoft, the new taskbar-based Copilot can handle traditional Windows search functions, such as retrieving photos and videos buried deep in your laptop’s storage, without granting Copilot access to your personal data.
(Credit: Microsoft)