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Windows 11 is Getting Shared Audio to Use Multiple Outputs at Once

Microsoft introduces a new Shared Audio feature in the latest Windows 11 Insider builds on the Beta and Dev channels. It allows users to direct sound output to multiple devices simultaneously. It is possible to use it with two sets of headphones, or use with speakers and headphones at the same time, and so on. The option is available in the Quick Settings panel, featuring a newly added "Shared audio" button next to the existing "Project" option.

Shared Audio Banner

As said, a new button "Shared audio" will appear in the Quick Actions menu on the taskbar. When you click on it, it opens a list of all connected audio devices. The user needs to place a check mark next to the desired devices and click the "Share" button. So that the sound starts playing simultaneously on all selected devices.

Windows 11 Shared Audio 1
Image by @phantomofearth
Windows 11 Shared Audio 2
Image by @phantomofearth

This development addresses a long-standing limitation in Windows, which previously lacked a native solution for multi-device audio output. Third-party apps that provide such an option often hard to configure, and simpler inbox Stereo Mix feature doesn't work reliable.

The Shared audio feature is a work in progress, and is not mentioned in the changelog. It is yet to be officially announced by Microsoft. It is currently unknown whether the feature will support Bluetooth devices.

Credits for this finding go to @phantomofearth. Special thanks to thecommunity.

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Author: Sergey Tkachenko

Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer who started Winaero back in 2011. On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Telegram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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