User of Windows Insider finds hidden 'Shared Audio' functionality in recent build, enabling simultaneous audio playback across various sound devices through quick settings.
Windows 11 Testing 'Shared Audio' Feature for Multi-Device Audio Output
As of late August 2025, the latest stable version of Windows 11 (24H2) does not offer a built-in "Shared audio" feature for playing output across multiple devices or speakers [1][3][5]. However, Windows 11 is currently testing this feature in Insider builds, with per-app audio routing capabilities [4].
In the absence of an official feature, many Windows 11 users rely on third-party applications to achieve multi-device audio output. Notable apps include Voicemeeter, EarTrumpet, and SoundSwitch [2].
Voicemeeter, a popular virtual audio mixer, allows users to route audio to multiple outputs and manage device mixing, making it a viable workaround for those seeking shared audio output [2].
Microsoft has recently added the 'Shared audio' feature to the latest Windows Insider build [6]. This feature could be beneficial for laptops and gaming handhelds, enabling users to watch a movie with someone else in a public place without sharing a single pair of earbuds [7].
However, it remains unclear if the feature works with multiple Bluetooth devices or only with physically connected speakers [7]. Microsoft has yet to officially document this feature [8].
Users should be aware that the 'Shared audio' feature might not work with multiple Bluetooth devices, only with physically connected speakers (if it works with Bluetooth at all) [9]. Additionally, users should be cautious about the potential instability of the Canary Channel builds and the risk of encountering issues [10].
For those seeking multi-speaker audio today on Windows 11, Voicemeeter is the recommended third-party app alternative until Microsoft introduces an official feature in stable builds [2].
References: [1] https://www.pcworld.com/article/3618844/windows-11-bluetooth-audio-improvements-super-wideband-stereo.html [2] https://www.howtogeek.com/689946/how-to-use-voicemeeter-to-route-audio-to-multiple-outputs-on-windows/ [3] https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-improved-bluetooth-audio-streaming [4] https://www.windowscentral.com/per-app-audio-routing-windows-11-could-be-coming-soon [5] https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-improved-bluetooth-audio-streaming [6] https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-insider-build-25236-brings-shared-audio-feature [7] https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-insider-build-25236-brings-shared-audio-feature [8] https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-insider-build-25236-brings-shared-audio-feature [9] https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-insider-build-25236-brings-shared-audio-feature [10] https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-insider-build-25236-brings-shared-audio-feature
