Microsoft is rolling out a new "Internet Speed Test" tool to Windows 11 users, accessible directly from the taskbar. However, this feature is not a native, built-in utility within the operating system. Instead, it functions as a shortcut that opens the user's default web browser to Bing.com, where an internet speed test is then performed. This rollout began in late February with an optional update and is now reaching more users with the March 2026 security updates.[windowslatest+1]
New Taskbar Shortcut Redirects to Bing
The new functionality appears as a "Perform speed test" option. Users can find this by right-clicking the Ethernet or Wi-Fi icon in the system tray on the taskbar. Another access point is through the Wi-Fi quick settings panel.Clicking this option immediately launches the user's chosen default web browser, which then navigates to Bing.com with the search query "internet speed test" already entered.[windowsforum+3]
Once on Bing.com, a web-based speed test widget appears, ready for execution. This test measures download and upload speeds, along with latency.Microsoft's Bing speed test is powered by Ookla, the company behind the popular Speedtest.com service.This partnership between Microsoft and Ookla to host the Speedtest widget on Bing dates back to 2023.[zdnet+6]
User Expectations Versus Implementation
Many users and tech observers had expected a fully integrated, native speed test tool, similar to utilities found in other operating systems or even previous Windows versions.The current implementation, which relies on a web browser redirect, has drawn criticism for being a "lazy" approach.Some critics suggest it primarily serves to drive traffic to Microsoft's Bing search engine.[windowsforum+5]
"The audacity of shipping a 'feature' that's literally just a browser shortcut to Bing.com," one Redditor commented, reflecting a common sentiment among some users.This approach contrasts with a native internet speed test tool that was reportedly present in Windows 8.[techradar+1]
Technical Details and User Experience
Despite the criticism regarding its native status, the Bing-powered speed test itself is functional and provides accurate measurements of internet connection performance.It downloads and uploads data chunks to Speedtest servers to determine speeds.Crucially, the shortcut respects the user's default browser settings, meaning it will open in Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser set as default, not exclusively Microsoft Edge.[windowslatest+4]
This means users do not face a "double whammy" of Microsoft products, where clicking the shortcut would force open Edge even if another browser is preferred.The feature aims to provide a quick and easy way for non-technical users to check their internet connection when issues arise, eliminating the need to manually open a browser and search for a third-party speed test website.[techradar+3]
Rollout Timeline and Future Outlook
The "Perform speed test" feature first appeared in Windows 11 Insider preview builds, specifically in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels, before moving to the Release Preview Channel.The general rollout to all Windows 11 users is happening in stages with the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5079473), following its initial appearance in the KB5077241 optional update.[zdnet+4]
While the convenience of a quick-access speed test is noted, the decision to implement it as a web shortcut rather than a fully integrated, native application continues to be a point of discussion among the tech community. Microsoft has not yet commented publicly on the user feedback regarding the non-native nature of the tool. Users currently cannot remove the "Perform speed test" shortcut from the taskbar's right-click menu or redirect it to other applications or websites.[windowslatest]
