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 throwing it out of the library), while family members can watch a movie together on the plane with their headphones on.
The feature is now live as part of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview build, but unfortunately you’ll need a Copilot+ PC for 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 a general audience.
You’ll also need a fairly advanced set of headphones or speakers for devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 3, or Buds 3 Pro or the Sony WH-1000XM6 to work. Many older headphones, such as first-gen AirPods, do not support Bluetooth Le Audio. Go 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 Couplet option, now available directly through the taskbar for the first time. Until now, if you wanted to access Copilot on Windows 11, you needed to do so through a standalone app or a browser window.
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With the latest update, users can use the taskbar-based Ask CoPilot shortcut to interact with the AI assistant. The feature is opt-in only, and you have to enable it by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Couplet.
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 giving Copilot access to your personal data.
(Credit: Microsoft)
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