Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update brings instant internet speed testing to the taskbar, letting users check their connection with a simple right-click on the network icon. The feature, available in Insider Preview builds, redirects to Microsoft Edge and uses Bing’s Speedtest powered by Ookla. Although some may bristle at the forced Edge redirect, this smart shortcut eliminates the hassle of searching for speed test websites. This taskbar upgrade signals Microsoft’s push toward more integrated system diagnostics.
How often have you wished for a quicker way to check your internet speed without juggling multiple browser tabs? Microsoft has finally heard the collective sighs of Windows users by introducing a convenient internet speed test feature, accessible right from the Windows 11 taskbar.
The new functionality, currently available in Windows 11 Insider Preview builds and slated for upcoming stable releases 24H2 and 25H2, lets users initiate a speed test with a simple right-click on the network icon. It’s like having a mini IT department tucked away in your system tray, ready to diagnose connection woes at a moment’s notice. The feature works seamlessly with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. The speed test button is also accessible through the Quick Settings page for added convenience.
Nevertheless, this isn’t quite the fully native solution some might have hoped for. Rather than running the test directly within Windows, clicking the option whisks users away to Microsoft Edge, where Bing’s speed test page (powered by Ookla’s Speedtest technology) handles the heavy lifting. Think of it less as a built-in tool and more as a smart shortcut that saves you from typing “speed test” into your browser.
Microsoft’s new speed test feature is less a Windows integration and more a fancy shortcut to Ookla’s service via Edge.
The implementation reveals Microsoft’s growing tendency to weave web-based services into the operating system’s fabric. Although this approach guarantees reliable speed measurements through Ookla’s trusted infrastructure, it might raise eyebrows among users who prefer Chrome or Firefox as their daily drivers. The forced Edge redirect feels like finding out your new “shortcut” actually involves a slight detour.
For the average user, this addition streamlines the process of diagnosing internet issues, potentially saving precious minutes during those “Is it my connection or the website?” moments. Power users and IT professionals, on the other hand, might find themselves longing for a more sophisticated, locally-running solution or command-line alternative.
When compared to competitors’ offerings, Windows 11’s speed test feature sits somewhere between a genuine innovation and a clever bookmark. Although other operating systems typically rely on third-party applications for speed testing, Microsoft’s hybrid approach of system-level integration with web-based execution offers a unique middle ground.
Looking ahead, this feature could evolve into something more robust. User feedback might prompt Microsoft to develop a truly native speed testing tool that doesn’t require browser intervention. For now, though, the company seems content with this initial step toward making network diagnostics more accessible to the average user.
The addition of this feature speaks to a broader trend in Windows 11’s development: making everyday tasks more intuitive whilst subtly encouraging users to embrace Microsoft’s ecosystem of services.
Whether that’s a fair trade-off depends entirely on your perspective, but one thing’s certain – checking your internet speed just got a little bit easier.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s recent update to the Windows 11 taskbar now allows users to test their internet speed instantly, streamlining the process and removing the need for third-party applications. This enhancement is part of Windows’ ongoing evolution to provide a more user-friendly experience, particularly as reliable internet connectivity is crucial for both work and entertainment.
At Moreton Bay Computer Repairs, our team is ready to assist you with any questions or issues you may have regarding this new feature or any other computer-related services. Don’t hesitate to enhance your online experience—click on our contact us page to get in touch with us today!
