Microsoft outlines Bluetooth LE Audio Requirements and Support for Windows 11 and Windows 10

Microsoft outlines Bluetooth LE Audio Requirements and Support for Windows 11 and Windows 10

Introduction of Bluetooth LE Audio Support in Windows 11

In May 2023, Microsoft rolled out support for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) audio with the release of Windows 11 22H2 KB5026446, also known as Moment 3 (Build 22621.1778).This significant update focused on enhancing audio quality and improving battery efficiency for devices that utilize Bluetooth LE Audio peripherals.

Key Features of the Update

This update adds Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) Audio. Your computer must support Bluetooth LE Audio to use this feature. This update improves audio fidelity and battery life when you pair your computer with Bluetooth LE Audio earbuds and headphones.

Technical Insights from Microsoft Learn

Alongside the update, Microsoft also released a detailed documentation piece on the Microsoft Learn website. This document explored the technical aspects of Bluetooth LE Audio, elucidating how the Windows Bluetooth vendor-specific audio path (VSAP) facilitates audio streaming over this innovative technology.

Audio Format Requirements for IHVs

The documentation outlined critical audio format specifications that independent hardware vendors (IHVs) must adhere to for successful Bluetooth LE Audio implementation. Key requirements included:

  • Audio frame durations of either 7.5 ms or 10 ms.
  • Support for Basic Audio Profile (BAP).
  • Compliance with Telephony and Media Audio Profile (TMAP).

Clarification on User Requirements

Although initial updates did not specify user requirements, Microsoft has recently published a support article that clarifies the criteria for devices to support Bluetooth LE Audio. Notably, the company confirmed that this feature will not function on Windows 10 or Windows 11 21H2 versions. The requirements are as follows:

Not all Windows 11 devices support LE Audio, even if the Windows device is marketed as supporting Bluetooth LE. To use LE Audio, the Windows device must:

  • Be running Windows 11, version 22H2 or newer.
  • Have compatible Bluetooth LE support and a compatible audio codec.
  • Have LE Audio capable drivers from the manufacturer for both the Bluetooth LE radio and the audio codec.

Some Windows 11 devices that currently don’t support LE Audio might gain support for it in the future through driver updates from the manufacturer.

Supporting Hearing Devices

Furthermore, Bluetooth LE Audio on Windows 11 also provides support for hearing devices, such as hearing aids. Microsoft began testing this capability in October 2023 within the Canary channel. The related support documentation states that adjustments to acoustic features, including audio presets and ambient sound levels on hearing aids, will only be supported on Windows 11 version 24H2 and later:

Further Resources

For more detailed information, you can refer to the support article on using hearing devices with Windows 11 here.

For a comprehensive overview, check out the source article.

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