Test Your Internet Speed in Seconds with This Windows 11 Tool
▼ Summary
– Windows 11 is testing a new feature that allows users to run a network speed test directly from the taskbar.
– The feature is currently available to Windows 11 Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, indicating it is nearing a general release.
– The test redirects users to Microsoft’s Bing website, which uses Ookla’s backend to measure download/upload speeds and latency.
– A key criticism is that the tool is not an integrated Windows app but merely a link, requiring a manual test on a website.
– The feature is still considered handy for users unfamiliar with third-party speed test sites, though an integrated solution would be preferable.
Checking your internet connection’s performance just got more convenient for Windows 11 users. Microsoft is currently testing a new feature that allows you to initiate a network speed test directly from your taskbar. This built-in option aims to simplify the process, which typically requires opening a browser and navigating to a third-party website like Ookla’s Speedtest. The tool is now available for Windows 11 Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, indicating it is moving closer to a public release for all users.
The feature works by adding an icon to the system tray on your taskbar. Clicking this icon opens the Bing search website, where the speed test is hosted. After a quick measurement, the results display your download speed, upload speed, and network latency. This provides a clear snapshot of your current connection quality, helping you verify if you’re receiving the bandwidth promised by your internet service provider.
While this integration offers a quick and accessible method, it does have some limitations. The test is not a native Windows application; it simply redirects you to the Bing webpage, where you must manually start the process. Interestingly, Bing’s speed test utilizes Ookla’s backend technology for its measurements. This means the core data is reliable and comparable to other major testing services, but the user experience is less seamless than a fully integrated tool.
For a more direct experience, several applications available in the Microsoft Store can run tests entirely within Windows. For instance, the official Speedtest by Ookla app launches the test and displays results directly in the application interface, often with a system notification. The fact that these third-party apps offer this integrated functionality highlights a missed opportunity for Microsoft to build a more native solution.
Nevertheless, this new taskbar shortcut is a helpful addition, particularly for users who may not be familiar with dedicated speed testing websites or applications. It provides a straightforward, no-fuss way to check connection health. As the feature progresses through testing with Windows Insiders, it is expected to roll out to the broader Windows 11 user base in the near future. The hope among many is that Microsoft will eventually evolve this from a web shortcut into a fully integrated diagnostic tool within the Windows operating system itself.
(Source: ZDNET)
