For years, Google Meet users have navigated a frustrating limitation: while you could share your entire screen or a specific application window, the accompanying audio was often trapped. Sound would only transmit if it originated from the specific Google Chrome tab you were presenting, forcing presenters into awkward workarounds. That era is now over. Google has begun rolling out a long-awaited update that allows users to share their computer's full system audio during a video call, fundamentally changing how presentations and collaborative sessions can be conducted.
The End of a Major Limitation
The core of this update addresses a significant pain point in Google Meet's functionality. Previously, if a presenter wanted to play a video from a local media player, demonstrate software with its own sound effects, or even play background music from a streaming app, they were out of luck unless that content was loaded into a Chrome browser tab. This forced a clunky workflow that disrupted the natural flow of presentations. The new "Also share system audio" toggle, available when presenting a window or your entire screen, liberates the audio from the browser. When enabled, it captures all sound output from the presenter's computer, creating a seamless and immersive experience for all meeting participants.
How the New Feature Works and Its Requirements
Activating the feature is straightforward but comes with specific technical prerequisites. When a user clicks "Present now" in a Meet call and selects to share a window or their full screen, a new checkbox labeled "Also share system audio" will appear. It is important to note that, according to reports, this option is disabled by default and must be manually enabled for each presentation session. For the feature to function, users must be on a compatible operating system—macOS 14.02 or newer, or Windows 11—and must use Google Chrome browser version 142 or higher. Google also recommends setting Meet as the default audio output device for the clearest experience, and macOS users will need to grant audio access permissions the first time they use the feature.
System & Software Requirements
| Platform | Minimum OS | Minimum Browser |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | 14.02 or newer | Google Chrome 142+ |
| Windows | 11 or newer | Google Chrome 142+ |
- Note for macOS users: Requires granting audio access permission on first use.
- Recommendation: Set Google Meet as the system's default audio output device for best results.
Rolling Out Now with Some Caveats
The update is currently available for users on Rapid Release domains and those with personal Google accounts, with a broader rollout expected in early 2026. However, the rollout is not without its limitations. Google has stated that users who employ adaptive audio setups, which merge input from multiple microphones and devices, will not be able to use the system audio sharing feature and will remain limited to tab-based audio. This suggests the underlying technology is still being refined for more complex audio configurations. Furthermore, the requirement for very recent operating systems and browser versions may temporarily exclude some users from accessing the new capability.
Feature Availability & Rollout
- Current Availability: Rolling out now for Google Workspace customers on Rapid Release domains and personal Google accounts.
- General Availability: Expected more widely in early 2026.
- Key Limitation: Not available for users with adaptive audio setups.
A Step Toward More Professional and Flexible Collaboration
This update represents more than just a technical checkbox; it's a meaningful step in enhancing Meet's utility for professional and educational environments. By allowing presenters to use any application on their computer without worrying about audio isolation, Google Meet reduces friction and potential for error during important meetings. It enables richer presentations that can incorporate sound from dedicated software, games, design tools, or any other source, moving the platform closer to being a truly all-in-one collaboration hub. While the default-off toggle and specific system requirements are minor hurdles, the newfound ability to share full system audio solves a long-standing headache and makes Google Meet a more powerful and versatile tool for everyone.