Tag: Microsoft

  • Windows Secure Boot Security Deadline Arrives

    Windows Secure Boot Security Deadline Arrives

    Key Takeaway

    – The 2011 Secure Boot key expired on June 24, 2026, but PCs will not crash immediately.
    – Without the migration to the 2023 keys, devices will stop receiving boot-level security patches and become vulnerable to firmware threats like BlackLotus.
    – Most users will get the update automatically via Windows Update, but older motherboards may require a manual BIOS flash.
    – The Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 certificate expires on June 27, 2026, adding urgency to this transition.
    – Windows 11 machines that bypassed CPU or TPM requirements face higher failure rates during the update process.

    Secure Boot Key Expiration Triggers Major Transition

    The clock just ran out on a 15-year era of PC startup security. Today, June 24, 2026, Microsoft’s original 2011 Secure Boot key officially expired inside billions of motherboards. This expiration forces a massive, multi-stage firmware transition to a newer 2023 certificate chain, a move that will change how PCs validate trusted software before the operating system even loads. The new chain uses a stronger cryptographic root and larger key sizes for better protection.

    No Immediate Crashes But Delayed Danger

    Your computer will not crash today. PCs relying on the legacy 2011 keys still boot normally, and apps run without hitting major issues. Microsoft designed this deadline as a background infrastructure swap rather than an immediate kill-switch. This approach gives vendors and users a window to transition without disruption, but delays could lead to serious consequences later.

    The danger builds later. If a machine misses the migration to the new 2023 keys, it loses the ability to process future boot-level security patches. Windows will stop updating the Windows Boot Manager, the Secure Boot databases, and the DBX revocation blacklists on these unpatched devices. That leaves the hardware defenseless against specialized, firmware-level threats like the BlackLotus bootkit, which infects systems long before any traditional antivirus software wakes up. Such attacks can bypass all standard protections once they embed themselves in the boot chain.

    Automatic Fixes for Most Users

    For most users, the fix lands silently through the monthly Windows Update pipeline. Windows simply replaces the old key with the updated Microsoft Corporation KEK 2K CA 2023 certificate. The clock is ticking on the next milestone too, since the Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 certificate expires in three days on June 27. Modern PCs built from 2024 onward already carry these newer keys from the factory, so they face no immediate changes.

    Older Devices and Custom Rigs Face Issues

    Older devices and custom rigs face issues. Certain aging motherboard architectures require a manual BIOS flash before they can support the larger cryptographic key sizes of the 2023 certificates. Technicians also report higher failure rates on Windows 11 machines that used workarounds to bypass CPU or TPM hardware checks. These systems may show errors during boot or fail to apply the new keys if not updated properly.

    Users should check there system firmware settings to confirm Secure Boot is active, and if any warnings appear about certificate expiry, consult the motherboards support page for BIOS updates. For more information on how to check if your device is Secure Boot ready, there are guides available online covering the steps for different motherboards and BIOS versions.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Microsoft launches 13-inch laptop globally at lower price

    Microsoft launches 13-inch laptop globally at lower price

    Key Takeaway

    – Intel Panther Lake processors in the new Surface Laptop 13-inch
    – 25% brighter display than the Snapdragon model
    – Intel version offers 24 GB or 32 GB RAM; Snapdragon refresh has 8 GB as cheapest option
    – Snapdragon variant starts at $949.99 with a 50 Wh battery that outlasts most competitors

    A New Surface Laptop from Microsoft

    The technology giant Microsoft has just released a new Surface Laptop 13-inch which is featuring Intel Panther Lake processors. Presented in mid-May, the new Surface Laptop also contains a 25% brighter display than the Snapdragon-based model we reviewed in June 2025 (curr. $1,009 on Amazon). On top of that, Microsoft’s Intel-based variant can be configured with 24 GB or 32 GB of RAM, unlike its ARM-based counterpart.

    Changes in Configuration and Memory

    Now, the company has gone completely the other way with its latest Surface Laptop 13-inch refresh. This time, the compact laptop has been updated to include 8 GB of RAM as its cheapest configuration. In May, it seemed that Microsoft would be bringing this cheaper configuration to its Intel-backed options. However, we cannot see a corresponding SKU on Microsoft’s website just yet.

    Specifications of the New Model

    As a result, this refresh features a Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 chipset and a 400-nit IPS display that resolves at 1,920 x 1,200 pixels with a 60 Hz refresh rate. Moreover, Microsoft equips the laptop with a 50 Wh battery that outlasted almost all before it during our tests. While the Surface Laptop 13-inch now comes with 8 GB of RAM, it starts at $949.99.

    Final Details on Pricing

    Please see Microsoft’s website and our review for more details about the company’s 13-inch laptop. The device pricing and specification details are key for potential buyers whom might be looking for a more affordable entry point into the Surface lineup, even though the RAM is limited to 8 gigabytes.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Obsidian’s Avowed 2 Safe Despite Xbox Layoffs, Leaker Says

    Obsidian’s Avowed 2 Safe Despite Xbox Layoffs, Leaker Says

    Key Takeaway

    – Obsidian Entertainment’s *Avowed 2* is in production and likely safe from Microsoft’s studio closures.
    – Multiple Xbox Game Studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, face closure risks under CEO Asha Sharma’s cost-cutting reset.
    – A leaker’s “joke” about *Avowed 2* being canceled caused panic, but was quickly denied.
    – Microsoft has a history of canceling high-profile Xbox games amid poor profitability.
    – Despite positive reviews, *Avowed*’s Game Pass debut and disappointing sequel sales may delay *The Outer Worlds 3*.

    As CEO Asha Sharma “resets” Microsoft’s gaming business, several Xbox Game Studios are in danger. However, Obsidian Entertainment will likely avoid closure. Co-founder of the company, Chris Avellone, recently reiterated that Avowed 2 was in the works. While a rumor of a sudden cancellation emerged, a leaker has now denied the report.

    Leakers Joke Causes Confusion

    Shpeshal_Nick, aka XboxEra’s Nick Baker, has an uneven track record but correctly predicted Game Pass additions like Persona 5. A social media post caused confusion before he corrected readers. Shpeshal_Nick shared an article about the Avowed sequel, with a South Park “And It’s gone” meme above it.

    Fan Panic Was Understandable

    After supporters of the Obsidian RPG began to panic, the leaker put their fears to rest. His initial post was a “joke”, but the reaction of these fans is understandable. With Sharma contending with meager profits, Xbox Game Studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, may be at risk. Microsoft also has a history of axing high-profile Xbox games.

    In the case of Ninja Theory, the Hellblade maker had just announced Senua at the June 7th Games Showcase. Regardless, Bloomberg is one of several sources reporting that the company now faces closure. The scenario shows how volatile the situation at Microsoft’s gaming division is.

    Obsidian’s Eora Universe Expands

    Obsidian Entertainment hasn’t officially unveiled Avowed 2, but it previously hinted at its existence. In February 2026, it teased that more titles would take place in the RPG’s fantasy world of Eora.

    Avellone Speaks Out

    Outspoken game designer and writer Chris Avellone is also confident in the sequel. When discussing the potential closures and layoffs on social media, he said, “There most certainly is an Avowed 2 in production.” It’s believed that Fallout: New Vegas writer George Ziets is leading development.

    Avellone admitted he was a “little surprised” that the Xbox game is getting a follow-up. Although its predecessor enjoyed positive reviews, a day-one Game Pass debut may have cannibalized sales. Yet, after the second entry posted disappointing numbers, Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds 3 is not expected anytime soon.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Microsoft considers Xbox spin-off as gaming costs skyrocket

    Microsoft considers Xbox spin-off as gaming costs skyrocket

    Key Takeaway

    – Microsoft is pushing Xbox to accelerate flagship franchises (e.g., *The Elder Scrolls VI*, *Fallout 3 Remastered*, *Halo* titles).
    – Xbox may be restructured as a standalone subsidiary, with discussions of a potential future sale or joint venture.
    – Budgets for high-profile IPs have been approved for increase starting July to release games more quickly.
    – Major IPs have stagnated for over a decade (e.g., *Fallout 4* nearly 11 years ago, *Skyrim* 15 years ago).
    – Simply increasing budgets may not fix quality issues; developers need adequate time to avoid crunch.

    Microsofts Xbox gaming division and its studios like Bethesda Game Studios, Saber Interactive and 343 Industries is being pushed to focus more on its biggest franchises while also keeping other structural options open.

    Accelerated Development and Restructuring Possibilities

    Based on new reports, Microsoft is trying to accelerate the development of games such as The Elder Scrolls VI, a rumored Fallout 3 Remastered, a Fallout: New Vegas remake, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and a rumored Halo multiplayer live-service title. According to The Information, three people with direct knowledge told the outlet that Microsoft might be thinking about making Xbox a standalone company, restructuring it as a separate subsidiary, similar to how it owns GitHub and LinkedIn.

    Joint Ventures and Budget Increases

    The company is also brainstorming a joint venture with external partners to help with a possible future sale, but there is no indication that a restructuring is happening soon, and Microsoft is just looking at its options. Meanwhile, Xbox’s new boss, Asha Sharma, proposed higher budgets for high-profile IPs, which Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood approved for the fiscal year starting in July, though no specific figures have been released. The reason for the extra budget is clear: Xbox wants to release more games faster, as many major IPs have been stagnant for over a decade.

    Historical Context and Quality Concerns

    To put things in perspective, Fallout 4 came out nearly 11 years ago, Skyrim is 15 years old, and the last trailer for The Elder Scrolls VI was an announcement teaser shown eight years ago. Asha Sharma is currently focused on Fallout and The Elder Scrolls VI. Halo has had lots of ups and downs, especially after slowing down Halo Infinite’s live-service support in 2025. Meanwhile, Square Enix released its Final Fantasy VII Remake Trilogy in under ten years, showing the formula is simple: make games under blockbuster franchise banners.

    However, simply throwing money at the problem might not fix Microsoft’s quality issues; developers still need time to breathe and avoid crunch to create valuable, worthwhile games.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch with higher resolution and faster processors

    Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch with higher resolution and faster processors

    Key Takeaway

    – Standard Surface Laptop 8 uses Snapdragon X2 processors, not Intel Panther Lake.
    – Features a higher-resolution 15-inch IPS display (3270×2180, 120Hz, 600 nits).
    – Comes with 16–64 GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 2 TB removable PCIe Gen 4 storage.
    – Battery life is up to 19 hours, 1 hour less than the 13.8-inch model.
    – Pricing starts at $1,699 and tops out at $3,649.

    Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop 8 15-inch comes in two variants, one for business and one for consumers. The business version uses Intel’s Panther Lake platform, while the standard model takes a different path entirely.

    Snapdragon chips and memory options

    So, the standard Surface Laptop 8 15-inch is actually powered by a Snapdragon X2 Plus or a 12-core Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset, wich is a big change from the previous generation. You can also choose from 16 GB, 24 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Storage is removable and uses PCIe Gen 4, coming in 512 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB sizes. Battery life is estimated at up to 19 hours, just a little less than the 13.8-inch version that gets 20 hours.

    Display upgrades over the last model

    This new 15-inch laptop clearly beats its predecessor with a much sharper screen. While the old Surface Laptop 7 had a 2,496 x 1,664 pixel display at 200 PPI, the new one offers 3,270 x 2,180 pixels with a 262 PPI density. It remains IPS-based but can reach 600 nits peak brightness and support a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it smoother and brighter for everyday use.

    Pricing and configurations in the US

    If you want to buy one, the Surface Laptop 8 15-inch starts at $1,699 in the US. That base model comes with a Snapdragon X2 Plus, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. For an extra $100, Microsoft will swap in the Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset with the same memory and storage. The most expensive configuration costs $3,649, which includes 64 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. You can choose between Black and Platinum shell finishes for any memory option.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Microsoft launches 13-inch laptop with Snapdragon X2 Elite, 64GB RAM

    Microsoft launches 13-inch laptop with Snapdragon X2 Elite, 64GB RAM

    Key Takeaway

    – Surface Laptop 8 for Business returns with ARM-based Snapdragon X2 chips.
    – Display remains an unchanged 13.8-inch 120Hz IPS panel (no OLED).
    – Supports removable SSD and up to 64GB LPDDR5X RAM.
    – Battery life rated up to 20 hours.
    – Starts at $1,599; black finish exclusive for 64GB RAM configuration.

    New Surface Laptop 8 keeps same display

    A little more than a month after Microsoft updated its Surface Laptop lineup with the Surface Laptop 8 for Business, the company is back with a fresh model for consumers. The preivous Surface Laptop 7 for Business relied on Intel processors to keep full x86 compability, but now Microsoft has launched a sucessor to the ARM-based Surface Laptop 7 13.8 inch, which we first reviewed about two years ago on this site.

    Same screen and new chipsets

    It looks like the PixelSense Flow display is returning unchanged. This panel outputs at 2,304 by 1,536 pixels with a pixel density of 201 PPI, a fast 120 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. This is an IPS panel, so earlier rumors about an OLED version turned out to be wrong. That aside, the 120 Hz screen now works with either a Snapdragon X2 Plus chipset, which has 10 cores, or a Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset with 12 cores. You can also configure it with 16 GB, 24 GB, 32 GB, or even 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

    Design and storage details

    This 13.8-inch laptop also continues to support a removable SSD, which is a nice feature for users who want to upgrade storage later. The entire device fits inside a chassis that measures 301 by 220 by 17.5 millimeters and weighs about 1.36 kilograms. Color options include Black, Dune, Jade, and Platinum. Acording to Microsoft, this new model should last up to 20 hours on a single charge, which is a significant improvement over older versions.

    Pricing and configuration limits

    The base price for the Surface Laptop 8 13.8 starts at $1,599 for the version powered by the Snapdragon X2 Plus chipset. If you want the more powerfull Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset, the price goes up by $100. One important detail is that you can only order the laptop with 64 GB of RAM if you choose the Black finish. Microsoft also released a 15-inch version of the Surface Laptop 8 today, so you can check our launch article for more info about that larger model.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,

  • The Elder Scrolls VI Playable at Bethesda, Says Xbox Exec

    Key Takeaway

    – The Elder Scrolls VI development is taking significantly longer than previous entries (15+ years since Skyrim).
    – Bethesda is waiting for the “right moment” to reveal the game to ensure it’s the best possible version with a “coming soon” promise.
    – Xbox executive Matt Booty has seen the game in action and says it looks “amazing” and development is progressing well.
    – No official release date or trailer window has been given; fans speculate a reveal could happen on Bethesda’s 40th anniversary (November 15, 2026).

    A Long Wait for The Elder Scrolls VI

    Alongside GTA 6, The Elder Scrolls VI is arguably one of the most anticipated open-world games right now, but Bethesda and Microsoft have been testing the patience of the series’ fans for 15 years now. While only four years passed between the third and fourth installments of the series and only five years between Oblivion and Skyrim, the development of the sixth installment appears to be taking significantly longer.

    Matt Booty Visits Bethesda

    The Elder Scrolls VI was announced at E3 in 2018, but aside from a logo, Bethesda didn’t reveal any details about the game at the time. Eight years and a Microsoft acquisition later, Matt Booty, the Chief Content Officer at Xbox, spoke in an interview with Variety on the game’s current status. According to him, Bethesda wants to wait for the “right moment” to present the game to the public. That’s because when the game is shown, they want to demonstrate the best possible version of the game, along with a promise that it will be released “soon.”

    What We Know So Far

    Matt Booty says he visited Bethesda and saw The Elder Scrolls VI in action. The game is said to look “great,” and development is reportedly making good progress. However, Matt Booty gives no indication in the interview as to when the first trailer or even the game’s launch might be expected. Fans are speculating on Reddit that an announcement on Bethesda’s 40th anniversary on November 15, 2026, is a possibility. Matt Booty’s full statement reads as follows:

    A Statement from the Boss

    I would say one of the more challenging balancing acts of someone in a job like mine is balancing that you want to go show the world all the cool stuff you’re working on, and you want to get them excited early, but we also know that we want to wait till the right moment. And when you decide to show it, you want it to be the best you’ve got. And also that when you show the game, you’re also giving them a promise of, hey, it’s coming soon. So I can tell you, having visited Bethesda and sat with Todd and seen “Elder Scrolls” playing, it looks amazing, and it’s coming along well. And we’ll make sure to announce it and really reveal it at the right time.

    • Game was announced at E3 2018 with only a logo
    • Microsoft acquired Bethesda in 2021
    • Matt Booty confirms development is progressing well
    • No release date or trailer date has been given yet
    • Fans speculate a 2026 announcement for Bethesda’s 40th anniversary
    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Spyro Devs Let Go: Microsoft’s Strategic Publishing Win

    Spyro Devs Let Go: Microsoft’s Strategic Publishing Win

    Key Takeaway

    – Toys for Bob became independent in May 2024 by “buying back” itself from Xbox and Activision.
    – The studio was previously forced to support live-service titles like *Overwatch 2* and *Call of Duty*, losing its core identity.
    – Microsoft and Activision supported the split on the condition that Toys for Bob’s next game be published by Xbox.
    – The resulting game is *Spyro: A Realm Beyond*, the first mainline *Spyro* entry in over 20 years.
    – *Spyro: A Realm Beyond* is multiplatform (Xbox, PS5, Switch 2, PC) and introduces true dragon-flying mechanics.

    Toys for Bobs Journey Back to Independence

    Toys for Bob was acquired in its entirety by Activision in 2005 and later brought under Microsoft’s umbrella through the Microsoft–Activision Blizzard deal. The studio was then relegated to supporting live-service titles like Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty. Eventually, Toys for Bob became independent by “buying back” its independence from Xbox and is now gleefully working on what the studio does best, i.e., platforming games. Still published by Xbox, Toys for Bob is now working on Spyro: A Realm Beyond.

    The Split and Corporate Changes

    Toys for Bob became independent from Activision Blizzard via a deliberate split in May 2024. The head of the studio, Paul Yan, sat down for an interview with GamesRadar+ and explained that once COVID hit, corporate priorities changed, and Toys for Bob had to support other titles. This shift was a massive turning point for the studio’s culture and its core focuss on platforming games.

    Yan stated: “During this timeline, COVID hit, and the world turned upside down. There were many, many changes that happened. One of the changes at the company was a corporate mandate to support large blockbuster IPs, such as Warzone, Modern Warfare, and Overwatch 2. So, Toys for Bob actually shifted into a support structure in order to support those teams, those initiatives, those games, those updates, those features, and we learned a ton. We spread out into territories that we weren’t familiar with. We learned a lot.”

    Loss of Identity and the Bold Plan

    However, Toys for Bob felt like it was losing its core identity. Yan and other studio members thought hard about the Microsoft–Activision Blizzard acquisition as they considered their future. They ultimately approached leadership at both Activision and Xbox with a “really bold plan.” This plan was risky but the studio believed strongly in their own vision for the future.

    In a separate interview with GamesIndustry.biz, the studio said it wanted to “buy back our independence and take back creative control, organizational control, and financial control of our team, and spin off as a completely separate company so that we can focus on the types of games that are near and dear to our hearts, and also preserve the team and all the tenure that’s been built up over the years.” Basically, Toys for Bob said it “placed a big bet” on itself.

    Microsofts Condition and The New Game

    To the studio’s surprise, Microsoft and Activision supported its decision, but on one condition: the studio would have to make a game for Xbox to publish. The result was Spyro: A Realm Beyond, which is the first mainline entry in the Spyro franchise in over two decades. This new title is a huge milestone for the studio and the franchise.

    • Spyro: A Realm Beyond will arrive as a multiplatform release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, and will feature the first true dragon-flying mechanics for Spyro the Dragon.
    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Xbox Exclusives Risk: New Strategy That Could Work

    Xbox Exclusives Risk: New Strategy That Could Work

    Key Takeaway

    – Xbox plans to release at least one major exclusive title per year, starting with Gears of War: E-Day (2026) and Clockwork Revolution (2027).
    – Exclusives are seen as essential for driving console sales and making the investment in an Xbox worthwhile.
    – The strategy is contentious: some value exclusives for building a strong game library, while others criticize them for forcing players to buy multiple consoles.
    – Xbox leadership has internalized that exclusivity is a necessary business move, similar to Sony’s approach.

    Exclusives Are a Pain But They Do Help Move Consoles

    As unfortunate as it is, having exclusives will help Microsoft sell Xbox consoles. While the leadership is still finalising the details of how exclusivity will work, there are already two upcoming titles that will release for Xbox consoles only. But having a new exclusive title every year could make investing in a dedicated console worth it.

    What the Xbox Bosses Said in Their Secret Message

    At least that’s what Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty are hoping for. In the recent internal memo that was publicly shared, one of the statements that stood out was, “We reintroduced exclusives with Gears of War: E-Day in 2026 and Clockwork Revolution in 2027. Players can continue to expect signature exclusives from us every year.”

    Why Some Gamers Hate This Strategy While Others Love It

    Console exclusivity in general is a contentious subject, be it first-party or third-party exclusives. Some see the appeal, while others label it as a bad move. Those who do see some value in it will surely appreciate getting new exclusive titles every year, depending on the games, of course. In fact, having a healthy library of exclusives is what drove people towards consoles in the first place. That, among other benefits, like couch gaming and ease of use.

    The Problem With Forcing People to Buy Multiple Machines

    The other side of the conversation is that exclusivity forces people who want to enjoy all kinds of games to invest in multiple consoles, which goes against the equally valid argument that all games should be accessible to everyone. That, however, would be tricky for Xbox and Microsoft as a business. Sony seems to have realized it as well.

    And Heres What We Know About the Release Dates So Far

    For now, Gears of War: E-Day will be a 2026 exclusive for Xbox, while Clockwork Revolution will be the 2027 exclusive. Xbox leadership has already stated that there will be more exclusives in the future, but having one every year is an interesting proposition.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • How to Use Windows 11 Shared Audio Feature

    How to Use Windows 11 Shared Audio Feature

    Key Takeaway

    – Windows 11 now natively supports simultaneous audio streaming to two Bluetooth devices.
    – Shared Audio uses Bluetooth LE Audio and requires specific hardware (e.g., Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon or Intel Core Ultra 200 chips).
    – Microphone input is disabled on connected Bluetooth headsets, forcing use of the laptop’s built-in mic.
    – The feature is rolling out via Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR), so it may not be visible even on compatible devices.
    – Compatible headphones include Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds3/Pro, and Sony LinkBuds S.

    New Audio Sharing Feature Rolls Out

    Microsoft resolved a persistent multi-user playback limitation by baking a native audio broadcaster directly into Windows 11. Instead of forcing users to wrestle with physical splitters or finicky third-party mirroring applications, the operating system splits the audio output stream at the system level, pushing synchronized sound to two separate Bluetooth devices at the same time.

    Taskbar Icon and Volume Controls

    A new status icon will appear on the taskbar to confirm the stream is live and to provide a direct shortcut back to the configuration overlay. Each listener can dial in a distinct volume profile using independent software sliders within the menu, or by pressing the physical volume buttons on their respective headsets. Note that this routing pipeline temporarily locks out standard Bluetooth headset microphone inputs, meaning Windows will automatically default to your laptop’s built-in microphone array for any voice calls what so ever.

    Hardware and Build Requirements

    Because this tool bypasses legacy Bluetooth Classic standards in favor of modern Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio protocols, it requires Windows 11 build 26100.8522 or newer alongside specific internal hardware components. Compatible PCs include modern Copilot+ laptops driven by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus processors—such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, Surface Pro 11, Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, and Dell XPS 13 9345—as well as newer systems built on Intel Core Ultra Series 200 silicon.

    Supported Audio Devices

    For audio playback, users must connect broadcast-ready endpoints, which include the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds3, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Sony LinkBuds S, and modern LE Audio-equipped hearing aids from manufacturers like ReSound and Beltone. Even if a machine satisfies the required hardware criteria and runs the correct build number, the Shared Audio option might still be missing from the interface entirely.

    Controlled Feature Rollout Process

    Microsoft is deploying this utility via a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR). This server-side staging means the software architecture remains gated behind a configuration flag until Microsoft remotely activates the tile for your specific device pool. Windows 11 users should monitor there settings app for the appearance of this option rather than expecting instant availablity after a manual update.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,