Microsoft is quietly rolling out a handy Windows 11 taskbar button that lets you launch a network speed test in seconds. The tool, now available to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel after earlier testing in Canary, Dev, and Beta builds, opens a Bing-based test that reports download, upload, and latency without hunting for third-party sites.
It’s a small addition with outsized everyday value: quick checks to confirm your ISP is delivering what you pay for, whether your new Wi‑Fi 6 router made a difference, or if that Zoom hiccup was your connection or something else entirely.
- What The New Taskbar Button Actually Does
- How to Try It Now in the Windows 11 Release Preview
- Making Sense of Your Speed Test Results and Metrics
- Why Microsoft Is Surfacing This In The Taskbar
- Pro Tips for Accurate Readings and Reliable Speed Tests
- What Needs to Happen Next for a Deeper Windows Integration
What The New Taskbar Button Actually Does
Clicking the new speed test entry from the taskbar’s network flyout opens a Bing-hosted tester that measures your connection end‑to‑end. The widget displays three key metrics—download throughput, upload throughput, and latency (the round‑trip time for data)—so you can spot bandwidth shortfalls and responsiveness issues at a glance.
Under the hood, the Bing experience uses Ookla’s backend for processing, the same widely trusted platform behind the Speedtest service used by millions. That means you’re getting broadly comparable numbers to what you’d see on popular testing sites, just with fewer clicks.
One caveat: this isn’t a native Windows Settings panel (yet). The taskbar button is essentially a shortcut to the Bing tool, so you still initiate the run in your browser. It’s fast and convenient, but there’s no built‑in history, scheduling, or packet loss/jitter readouts for power users.
How to Try It Now in the Windows 11 Release Preview
If you’re in the Windows Insider Program’s Release Preview Channel, update Windows 11 and look for a speed test option in the taskbar network flyout (the Wi‑Fi or Ethernet icon). Clicking it launches the Bing-based test. If you don’t see the option, check for updates again and enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle in Windows Update.
Not an Insider? You can still run the same test by opening Bing and searching for “speed test”—you’ll get the identical experience the taskbar button triggers. The dedicated button simply removes a few steps and puts the tool where you already manage connections.
To join Release Preview, open Settings, go to Windows Update, select Windows Insider Program, sign in with your Microsoft account, choose Release Preview, and check for updates. This channel is designed for near‑final features and is generally stable compared with Dev or Canary.
Making Sense of Your Speed Test Results and Metrics
Download speed affects streaming and large file transfers; upload matters for cloud backups, content creation, and smooth video calls; latency impacts responsiveness in gaming and conferencing. As a rule of thumb, 25 Mbps download supports a single 4K stream, but busy households benefit from far more. Latency under 30 ms is great for gaming and calls; over 60 ms can feel sluggish.
Ookla’s recent global indices show many countries now report median fixed broadband speeds above 200 Mbps, but performance varies by region and provider. In the US, regulators at the Federal Communications Commission have signaled a shift toward evaluating broadband at 100/20 Mbps, reflecting rising usage demands. If your readings are consistently well below your plan, it’s time to troubleshoot or contact your ISP.
Why Microsoft Is Surfacing This In The Taskbar
Network quality sits at the center of work, school, and entertainment, yet most people only test it when something breaks. By placing a speed test one click from the system tray, Microsoft is reducing friction for everyday diagnostics. It also nudges users toward a consistent methodology—especially helpful when support teams ask for “a quick speed test” before deeper troubleshooting.
Pro Tips for Accurate Readings and Reliable Speed Tests
Test on a wired Ethernet connection for a baseline; Wi‑Fi introduces variables like interference and signal strength. If you must use Wi‑Fi, stay close to the router and prefer 5 GHz or Wi‑Fi 6/6E bands for higher throughput. Pause large downloads, cloud syncs, or streaming on other devices. Run multiple tests at different times of day to account for congestion, then compare the median.
If results fall short, reboot your modem and router, update firmware, and verify your PC’s network drivers. Older gateways that cap at Wi‑Fi 5 or 100 Mbps Ethernet can bottleneck modern plans. If performance improves over Ethernet but not Wi‑Fi, consider mesh networking or relocating your router.
What Needs to Happen Next for a Deeper Windows Integration
The taskbar shortcut is a welcome quality‑of‑life upgrade, but a fully integrated Windows feature would be even better. A native panel in Settings with scheduled tests, a rolling history, jitter and packet loss metrics, and clear guidance against advertised plan speeds would turn quick checks into actionable insights. Given its progression to Release Preview, a broader rollout feels close—and a deeper, built‑in experience should be the logical next step.
