Microsoft is giving these Windows 11 PCs a useful Bluetooth upgrade for free - but there's a catch

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Microsoft is adopting Bluetooth LE Audio in some of its Windows 11 PCs.
• Bluetooth LE Audio brings audio sharing and super wideband to Windows 11.
• Your laptop and hearing device must be compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio.

Microsoft is rolling out shared‑audio support to compatible Windows 11 PCs, allowing users to broadcast audio from the PC to two compatible audio accessories. Some models received the feature in October–November 2025, while others got it as recently as late January 2026.

In a blog post, Microsoft explains that users can share music with a friend or watch a movie together while traveling. To try the feature, enable a 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 is not yet compatible, look for driver updates via Windows Update. Once compatible, a “Shared audio (preview)” tile appears in Quick Settings.

Microsoft’s implementation builds on the Bluetooth LE Audio standard, which enables audio sharing between Bluetooth‑enabled devices. Bluetooth LE is the architecture that supports Auracast, a feature that allows a single source to broadcast to an unlimited number of nearby receivers.

Is it Auracast?

Microsoft omits the word Auracast from its blog post. While the Auracast protocol supports broadcasting to an unlimited number of receivers, Microsoft’s hardware limits the broadcast to two receivers. (The limit is at Microsoft’s discretion, as noted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group earlier this year.)

Also: What is Bluetooth 6.0? Why the newest audio connectivity standard is worth getting excited about

Consumers should look for compatible Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, or hearing aids that advertise LE Audio support. Auracast‑supported devices can still work with the new Windows Bluetooth LE feature, even if Microsoft does not explicitly name the protocol.

What else comes with LE Audio on Windows 11?

Last year, Microsoft announced that certain Windows 11 PCs will support Super Wideband (SWB), a Bluetooth LE Audio feature that enhances voice clarity. SWB replaces older hands‑free profiles within the Classic Bluetooth radio and uses a 32 kHz sample rate, ideal for voice chat and video calls.

Also: I spoke with Bluetooth reps about the future of connected audio, and it’s cooler than I expected

In addition to SWB, select Windows 11 PCs support SWB stereo, which uses two audio channels for a more immersive soundstage in gaming and movies. Both the laptop and the headphones/earbuds/hearing aids must be LE Audio‑compatible to benefit.

Which Windows PCs support LE Audio?

As of February 2026, the following Windows 11 PCs support Bluetooth LE Audio:

• Surface Laptop, 13.8‑inch and 15‑inch* – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8‑inch and 15‑inch* – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 13‑inch – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 13‑inch – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop, 13‑inch – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Laptop for Business, 13‑inch – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro, 12‑inch – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Surface Pro for Business, 12‑inch – Qualcomm Snapdragon X
• Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge – Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Also: After setting up Windows 11, these 9 steps are non‑negotiable for me

Upcoming LE Audio support

Microsoft indicates the following laptops will receive LE Audio support next:

• 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