Windows 11 Multiple Audio Outputs: How to Play Sound Through Two Devices at Once (2026 Guide)

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Using Windows 11 multiple audio outputs to play sound through two devices at once has historically required workarounds—but that’s finally changing in 2026. Microsoft’s long-awaited Shared Audio feature is now in the Release Preview Channel as of May 14, 2026, and will reach general availability for all Windows 11 users in June 2026 via Patch Tuesday.

In this updated guide, I’ll walk you through every method available right now—whether you’re on a Copilot+ PC that already supports the new native Shared Audio feature or on an older system where Stereo Mix and VoiceMeeter are still your best options.

By the end of this post, you’ll know:

• How to enable Windows 11 Shared Audio via Quick Settings (the new native method)
• How to set up Stereo Mix for two audio outputs (still the most reliable workaround)
• When to use VoiceMeeter Banana for more advanced multi-output setups
• Which Bluetooth accessories and PCs support the new Shared Audio feature in 2026

Fix Windows 11 audio not working

Whether you’re in the US, Europe, or India — if you want to output audio to two devices simultaneously on Windows 11, this guide covers all your options.

Can Windows 11 Play Audio Through Two Outputs at Once?

Yes — and in 2026, for the first time, there’s a native way to do it without any third-party software. Allow me to explain what’s available and which method suits your situation.

The Short Answer (2026 Update)

Windows 11 has historically only supported one audio output at a time natively. Users who wanted multiple simultaneous outputs had to rely on Stereo Mix (unreliable), VoiceMeeter (complex), or physical audio splitters.

That changed in mid-2025 when Microsoft began testing a shared audio feature in Insider preview builds. As of May 14, 2026, Shared Audio is now in the Release Preview Channel via KB5089573 and is expected to reach all Windows 11 users via the June 9, 2026, Patch Tuesday update.

The catch: Shared Audio currently requires a Copilot+ PC with Bluetooth LE Audio support. If your PC doesn’t meet those requirements, the workarounds below remain your best options.

Which Method Is Right for You? (Quick Comparison Table)

Method	Native?	Works on any PC?	Bluetooth only?	Difficulty	Best for
Shared Audio (May 2026)	✅ Yes	❌ Copilot+ PCs only (for now)	✅ Yes (LE Audio)	Easy	Two Bluetooth headphones
Stereo Mix	✅ Built-in	✅ Most PCs	❌ Wired/USB	Medium	Basic dual speaker/headphone
VoiceMeeter Banana	❌ Third-party (free)	✅ All PCs	✅/❌ Both	Medium–Hard	Advanced multi-output setups
Audio Router	❌ Third-party (free)	✅ Most PCs	✅/❌ Both	Easy–Medium	Per-app audio routing
Physical splitter	✅ Hardware	✅ All (3.5mm)	❌ Wired only	Easy	Simple wired dual headphone

Method 1: Windows 11 Shared Audio — The New Native Way (May 2026)

This is the method everyone has been waiting for. Microsoft’s Shared Audio feature lets you stream the same audio to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously from Quick Settings — no software, no workarounds.

Fix Windows 11 no sound Realtek

What Is Windows 11 Shared Audio?

Shared Audio is built on Bluetooth LE Audio technology (specifically the LC3 codec and Isochronous Channels standard). It works like the “Share Audio” feature on iPhone and Android that lets two pairs of AirPods or earbuds connect to one phone—but for Windows 11.

When active, your PC broadcasts one audio stream to two paired Bluetooth LE Audio devices at the same time. It also unlocks Super Wideband voice quality for microphone use when the full hardware chain supports the required profiles.

The feature was discovered hidden in Insider builds in July 2025 by @PhantomOfEarth, formally documented by Microsoft in October 2025, and has been in progressive rollout since then. On May 14, 2026, it entered the Release Preview Channel via KB5089573.

Hardware and Device Requirements

Before you try to enable Shared Audio, confirm your setup meets these requirements:

Your PC must:

• Be a Copilot+ PC (initially Snapdragon X-based Surface laptops and Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge)
• Have a compatible OEM Bluetooth driver installed (delivered via Windows Update)
• Run Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 with KB5089573 or later

Your Bluetooth accessories must:

• Support Bluetooth LE Audio (Bluetooth 5.2 or later—but not all BT 5.2 devices support LE Audio)
• Have up-to-date firmware (install via manufacturer’s app before pairing)

Important: Requiring Bluetooth 5.2 doesn’t guarantee LE Audio support. Check your accessory’s spec sheet specifically for “Bluetooth LE Audio” or “LC3 codec” compatibility.

How to Enable Shared Audio via Quick Settings (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Update your PC to the latest Windows 11 build — ensure KB5089573 is installed via Settings > Windows Update.

Step 2: Update your Bluetooth accessories’ firmware using the manufacturer’s app (Samsung Galaxy Wearable app, Sony Headphones Connect, etc.).

Step 3: Pair and connect both Bluetooth LE Audio devices to your Windows 11 PC (Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add gadget).

Step 4: Click the Quick Settings flyout on the taskbar (click the Wi-Fi/volume/battery area, or press Win + A).

Step 5: Look for the “Shared audio (preview)” tile. If it’s present, click it.

Step 6: Select both paired devices from the list, then click Share.

Step 7: When finished, return to Quick Settings and click Stop sharing.

Compatible Bluetooth Accessories

The following accessories are confirmed compatible with Windows 11 Shared Audio as of May 2026:

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Buds3
• Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
• Sony WH-1000XM6
• ReSound and Beltone LE Audio hearing aids (recent models)
• Other LE Audio-capable earbuds and headphones (verify in spec sheet)

Shared Audio Not Showing? How to Troubleshoot

If the “Shared audio (preview)” tile doesn’t appear in Quick Settings:

1. Check your build: Settings > System > About—confirm you have KB5089573 (build 26100.8514+) or later
2. Update Xbox/OEM drivers: Open Windows Update and install all optional driver updates
3. Re-pair your accessories: Remove both devices from Bluetooth settings and pair them fresh—this resolves the most common “device not showing under Shared audio” issue
4. Update firmware: Use the manufacturer’s app (not just Windows Update) to flash the latest firmware to your accessories
5. Your PC may not be supported yet: More non-Copilot+ PC models are expected to gain support after the June 2026 Patch Tuesday. Check back after June 9, 2026.

Method 2: Stereo Mix — Use Two Audio Outputs at the Same Time (Still Works)

Stereo Mix is Windows 11’s built-in workaround for routing audio to multiple outputs. It’s free and built-in but requires a few steps to configure and can occasionally cause audio feedback if set up incorrectly.

What Is Stereo Mix?

Stereo Mix is a recording device in Windows that captures your current audio output and allows it to be re-routed. By enabling Stereo Mix and setting it to listen through a second audio device, you can create a dual-output chain.

How to Enable Stereo Mix in Windows 11

Step 1: Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and click More sound settings (this opens the classic Sound control panel).

Step 3: Click the Recording tab.

Step 4: Right-click an empty area and enable Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices.

Step 5: Right-click Stereo Mix and select Enable. If Stereo Mix doesn’t appear, your audio driver may not support it—update your Realtek or other audio drivers first.

Step 6: Right-click Stereo Mix and select Properties.

Step 7: Click the Listen tab, check Listen to this device, and select your second audio output from the “Playback through this device” dropdown.

Step 8: Click Apply, then OK.

Both your primary default audio device and the second device selected in Stereo Mix will now play audio simultaneously.

Limitations of Stereo Mix

• Can cause audio feedback loops if configured incorrectly
• Not all audio drivers support Stereo Mix (most Realtek do; some USB and HDMI audio devices do not)
• Volume cannot be independently controlled for each output
• Not ideal for Bluetooth audio—Stereo Mix works best with wired or USB outputs

Method 3: VoiceMeeter Banana — Best Third-Party Option for Multiple Audio Outputs

If Stereo Mix is unreliable on your system and you’re not on a Copilot+ PC yet, VoiceMeeter Banana (free from vb-audio.com) is the most capable third-party solution for Windows 11 multiple audio outputs.

What Is VoiceMeeter?

VoiceMeeter is a virtual audio mixer for Windows that creates virtual audio cables and allows you to route audio from any source to any combination of physical or virtual output devices. VoiceMeeter Banana (the mid-tier version) supports up to two physical hardware outputs simultaneously.

Quick Setup for Multiple Outputs

Step 1: Download and install VoiceMeeter Banana from vb-audio.com (free, donationware).

Step 2: Restart your PC when prompted.

Step 3: Open VoiceMeeter Banana. In the Hardware Out section on the right, set A1 to your primary output device (e.g., your speakers) and A2 to your second output device (e.g., your headphones or Bluetooth speaker).

Step 4: In Windows Sound Settings, set your default playback device to VoiceMeeter Input.

Step 5: VoiceMeeter will now route all Windows audio through both A1 and A2 simultaneously.

Step 6: Adjust individual volume sliders in VoiceMeeter for each output — something Stereo Mix cannot do.

In my experience, VoiceMeeter adds a small amount of audio latency (~10–20 ms). For music and movies, this is imperceptible. For competitive gaming or live monitoring, it may be noticeable.

VoiceMeeter vs Shared Audio vs Stereo Mix

	Shared Audio	Stereo Mix	VoiceMeeter Banana
Setup complexity	Easy	Medium	Medium–Hard
Independent volume control	❌	❌	✅
Works with Bluetooth	✅ (LE Audio only)	❌ Limited	✅
Works with wired/USB	❌ BT only	✅	✅
Per-app routing	❌	❌	✅
Cost	Free (native)	Free (native)	Free (donationware)
Audio latency added	Minimal	Minimal	10–20ms
Requires specific hardware	✅ Copilot+ PC	❌	❌

Method 4: Connect Multiple Bluetooth Speakers Windows 11 (Without Shared Audio)

If you need to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers but don’t have a Copilot+ PC with Shared Audio support, here are your options.

Using Audio Router

Audio Router (free, open-source) lets you route individual app audio to different output devices in Windows 11. While it doesn’t broadcast one stream to two outputs simultaneously like Shared Audio, it lets you send, say, your browser audio to speakers while your game audio goes to headphones.

Step 1: Download Audio Router from GitHub. Step 2: Open it alongside your apps. Step 3: Drag an app’s audio stream to your desired output device.

Note: Audio Router compatibility on Windows 11 25H2 is not fully confirmed; test it on your system before relying on it.

Per-App Audio Routing in Windows 11 Sound Settings

Windows 11 has had per-app audio routing natively since 21H2. This isn’t the same as simultaneous output but lets you send different apps to different audio devices:

Step 1: Open Settings > System > Sound. Step 2: Scroll to Advanced > Volume mixer. Step 3: For each open app, you can assign a specific audio output device.

This is useful when you want your game audio on headphones and your browser audio on speakers — but each app only outputs to one device at a time.

Why Use Multiple Audio Outputs? Common Use Cases

Understanding the use case helps pick the right method.

Gaming + Chat Audio

Send game audio to your headphones and Discord/chat audio to your speakers — or vice versa. Windows 11’s native Volume Mixer handles this on a per-app basis. For simultaneous game audio to both headphones and speakers, use VoiceMeeter.

Movie Watching with Two Headphones

The most common request driving the Shared Audio feature is. Two people want to watch the same movie on one laptop, each using their own headphones. Shared Audio via Bluetooth LE Audio is the ideal solution here once it reaches your PC.

DJ and Sound Engineering Setups

Professionals need to monitor output on headphones while sending the same (or different) signal to room speakers. VoiceMeeter Banana with A1/A2 routing is the standard free solution. Dedicated audio interfaces (Focusrite Scarlett, etc.) are the professional standard.

Accessibility — Hearing Aid + Speaker Combinations

Windows 11 24H2 improved hearing aid integration — users can now adjust hearing aid audio presets and ambient volume from Quick Settings. Shared Audio explicitly supports LE Audio-capable hearing aids from ReSound and Beltone alongside earbuds.

Challenges of Multiple Playbacks in Windows 11

However, there are some caveats to the changed multi-output audio in Windows 11:

• The Stereo Mix tool for duplicating audio is removed in Windows 11
• HDMI audio can only go to one display at a time
• Universal audio apps don’t support multiple endpoints
• Bluetooth audio syncs to only one wireless device

Workarounds exist for some limitations depending on your usage needs. Now let’s walk through configuring dual or multiple playbacks.

Step 1: Identify Your Audio Endpoints

First, identify the audio outputs you wish to use:

• Built-in laptop speakers, headphones or line-out
• External USB speakers, headsets, interfaces
• Wireless Bluetooth accessories
• HDMI/DisplayPort monitors or TVs

You can customize any combination depending on your devices.

Step 2: Access Sound Settings

In Windows 11, the main audio settings have moved to Settings > System > Sound. This is where you will configure audio routing.

Make sure your desired endpoints show under “Audio outputs.” If not, install drivers or connect devices.

Step 3: Enable Multiple Endpoints

In Sound Settings, select an output device and then click Manage sound devices.

For each device you want to use, set spatial sound to Off—this prevents exclusive mode.

Repeat for each endpoint. They should now all output sound simultaneously.

Step 4: Adjust Volume Mixing

You can fine-tune relative volume for each output under Sound Settings > Volume Mixer.

Set levels independently for apps on each device. Adjust to achieve your desired mix.

Step 5: Set Default Output Devices

Under Sound Settings, you can set different apps to default to different audio devices.

For example, set Firefox to use your speakers and Spotify to use Bluetooth headphones. Apps will remember the last used output.

Solutions for Advanced Multi-Output Setups

For power users with more complex needs, like aggregating multiple USB devices, consider advanced solutions:

• Dedicated audio patch bays and routers
• USB hubs with multi-channel output
• Third-party routing apps like VoiceMeeter
• DAW software like Ableton for intricate audio splicing

For most users, Windows 11 provides all the tools you need to direct sound to multiple useful combinations of speakers, headphones, HDMI monitors, and wireless headsets. Follow the steps in this guide to customize a multi-output audio configuration that fits your needs or specific applications.

Which Method Should You Use for Windows 11 Multiple Audio Outputs?

Here’s my verdict: if you have a compatible Copilot+ PC and two Bluetooth LE Audio devices, use Shared Audio — it’s the cleanest experience Microsoft has ever offered for this use case. For everyone else, VoiceMeeter Banana remains the most reliable free option, and Stereo Mix is the quickest workaround if you only need a basic two-output setup.

Play audio to multiple outputs Windows 11

The full native support for Windows 11 multiple audio outputs is coming to all users in June 2026—check Windows Update after June 9 if Shared Audio isn’t visible in your Quick Settings yet.

Drop a comment below with your setup and which method worked best for you—I read every one.