This new Windows 11 taskbar tool lets you test your internet speed in seconds - how to try it

Source: ZDNet

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Windows 11 is testing a network speed test that you run from the taskbar.
• The speed test icon takes you to the Bing website.
• For now, you need a Windows 11 Insider build to use the feature.

Running a network speed test is a helpful way to determine if you’re getting the speed promised by your internet provider. Normally, you have to trigger such a test by opening your browser and heading to a third‑party web page like Ookla’s Speedtest or Testmy.net. Microsoft is adding an option to Windows 11 that lets you launch a speed test directly from the taskbar.

Now available in Release Preview

The tool is now available for Windows 11 Insiders in the Release Preview channel. Previously, it was limited to the Canary, Dev, and Beta builds, so it’s one step closer to general release.

The new speed test takes you to Microsoft’s Bing search site to trigger the test. After measuring your connection, the results show download and upload speeds, as well as latency.

Also: How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 – for free

It’s not quite all it could be

First, Bing isn’t a bad speed tester. Its results are generally similar to other online test sites, though many users still prefer Ookla’s Speedtest, which provides a broader range of network data.

Second, the taskbar icon simply opens the Bing website, where you must manually run the test. The Bing speed test even uses Ookla for backend processing. A more useful approach would be an internal Windows feature or app that measures speed and displays results directly within the OS.

Also: Slow Wi‑Fi? 10 proven ways to fix your internet this weekend (most are free)

Several Microsoft Store speed‑test apps run within Windows, including Speedtest by Ookla. These apps launch the test and show results in the app and via a notification. If third‑party developers can provide this level of integration, Microsoft could do the same.

The option should still be handy for users who aren’t aware of third‑party testing sites. As it’s being tested with Windows Insiders, it should reach all Windows 11 users relatively soon. Ideally, Microsoft will turn this into a fully integrated tool rather than one that redirects users to Bing.