Windows 11 users may find the latest update KB5089573 useful for sharing audio across multiple Bluetooth devices and running more than one app with camera access. However, there’s a catch for devices with limited boot partition space, which could cause update failures.
- Shared Audio streams sound simultaneously to multiple Bluetooth LE devices without extra software.
- Two apps can now use the camera at once, improving video meeting and streaming workflows.
- Task Manager adds visibility for Neural Processing Unit (NPU) usage.
- Known update errors occur on devices with 10MB or less free space in the EFI System Partition (ESP).
Sharing Audio Made More Practical on Windows 11
The headline feature in KB5089573 is Shared Audio, allowing a single audio stream to play through multiple Bluetooth LE audio devices at the same time. This means you can connect two pairs of wireless headphones or combine a headset and a speaker for simultaneous playback without switching manually or relying on third-party apps.
Accessing this feature is straightforward through the Quick Settings menu on the taskbar — select Shared Audio, pick two supported devices, and start sharing. For users who often juggle multiple audio outputs, this offers a practical convenience.
Improved Camera Access for Multitasking Users
Another significant update is multi-app camera support. Previously, running two video applications simultaneously that require camera input, like Teams and OBS, could lead to conflicts. Now, Windows 11 allows two apps to access the same camera feed concurrently, streamlining workflows for content creators and professionals.
Understanding the Boot Partition Limitation
The update also addresses a known issue from May’s security patch where some devices fail to install updates due to insufficient free space on the EFI System Partition (ESP). Devices with 10 MB or less free space on the ESP, common in older machines from around 2012 to 2020, are prone to this error.
For consumer devices, Microsoft provides automatic mitigation via Known Issue Rollback. Enterprise devices require an administrative Group Policy deployment and restart. There’s also a registry workaround to adjust the padding space required during installation, but this should only be applied to confirmed affected machines.
The trade-off is clear: devices with constrained ESP space may face update challenges unless preemptive measures are taken. Administrators managing older hardware should verify available ESP space before applying security updates rather than relying on fixes after failures.
Additional Enhancements Worth Noting
Task Manager now shows Neural Processing Unit (NPU) usage alongside CPU, GPU, and RAM, providing deeper insight into hardware performance. Windows Hello’s sign-in flow restores face or fingerprint biometrics as the default after users fall back to PIN, smoothing the login experience.
Accessibility improvements to Magnifier include clearer screen reader announcements and smoother lens mode. Meanwhile, Secure Boot certificate renewal continues quietly in the background, preparing for the upcoming expiration deadline.
Microsoft is also testing a redesigned docked Copilot sidebar, bringing AI assistance back to the edge of the screen after earlier interface experiments.
Should You Install KB5089573?
Consider this update if you use multiple Bluetooth audio devices or require simultaneous camera access for professional tasks. It adds practical usability improvements without heavy resource demands.
Skip or delay if your device has a very small EFI System Partition free space and you’re unsure about managing the update manually — as installation errors could disrupt your system. Checking ESP space and following Microsoft’s guidance will help avoid problems.
Overall, KB5089573 blends useful new features with important fixes, but users with older hardware should proceed with caution and preparation.
(Via)
