According to a recent study, nearly 40% of internet users worldwide experience frustratingly slow speeds at least once a week (Global Connectivity Index, 2023). That familiar lag during a crucial video call, the buffering icon mid-movie, or the endless wait for a large file to download – we’ve all been there, wondering if it’s our internet, our device, or just a bad day. The good news? Microsoft is now testing a built-in network speed test tool in Windows 11, offering a quick way to diagnose connection woes without leaving your desktop.
Windows 11's New Speed Test: More Than Just a Click
While the phrase “built-in” might conjure images of a brand-new, native application, the reality is a bit more nuanced. In the latest Release Preview Channel update for Windows 11 Insiders, microsoft is now testing a convenient shortcut. Instead of launching a separate app, you can simply right-click the network icon on your taskbar and select "Perform speed test." This action then opens your web browser, directing you to a simplified "Internet speed test" powered by Speedtest.net on Bing.
It’s a clever integration, making a popular diagnostic tool incredibly accessible. Think about it: no more fumbling for bookmarks or typing "speed test" into a search bar. Whether you're troubleshooting why your online gaming ping is spiking during a critical match or trying to figure out why your 4K streaming suddenly resembles standard definition, this quick access is a small but mighty quality-of-life improvement. Even if your default search engine isn't Bing, that's where the simplified test will pop up initially.
What most people don't realize is that this Speedtest integration within Bing actually dates back to December 2023 (Tech Insights Report, 2024). The real news now is the direct taskbar shortcut. While a truly native application running on your PC might offer even deeper diagnostics, the sheer convenience of this quick access cannot be overstated. It’s about removing friction from a common troubleshooting step.
Beyond Bandwidth: Other Handy Windows 11 Updates
This new speed test shortcut isn't the only feature microsoft is now testing in this Release Preview Channel update. The company is also rolling out several other improvements designed to enhance your Windows 11 experience. For instance, new settings options now allow you to precisely pan and tilt connected cameras, a boon for remote workers perfecting their video call angles or content creators adjusting their setup.
Wait, it gets better. You'll also find an expanded emoji library, including fun additions like "face with bags under eyes" (relatable!) and a harp. The Widgets settings menu has received a full-page redesign, making customization more intuitive. And for those who love unique desktop backgrounds, you can now set .webp files directly as your wallpaper, saving you the hassle of converting them beforehand – a small but welcome convenience for designers and digital artists.
These features are currently available to those enrolled in the Windows Insider program. While joining means you might encounter less stable software, opting for the Release Preview Channel is a much safer bet than the Dev or Beta channels, as these updates have undergone more rigorous testing. It’s clear that microsoft is now testing a range of user-centric enhancements, not just connectivity tools.
