It appears that checking your internet speed is about to become a little easier for Windows 11 users. A new, hidden feature has been discovered in the latest Insider Preview builds that adds a network speed test option directly into the Taskbar’s system tray, eliminating the need for third-party websites or apps for a quick diagnosis.
Spotted by user @phantomofearth (via Tom’s Hardware), the new feature adds a “Speed Test” option to the right-click context menu of the network icon, as well as in the Wi-Fi quick settings panel. When clicked, it launches Bing’s built-in network speed test tool in your default web browser. While it’s not a fully native, integrated application, it’s a very convenient shortcut that saves you from having to navigate to a third-party website to check if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for.
Image credit: @phantomofearth
This is one of several new quality-of-life features that Microsoft is currently testing for future Windows 11 updates, alongside a more customisable Start menu and a dedicated handheld gaming mode for devices like the ROG Ally. Interestingly, these features are being developed independently of the major biannual updates, like the upcoming version 25H2, and will likely be rolled out to users when they are ready.
The new speed test functionality is currently hidden in the latest builds available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels and has not yet been officially announced by Microsoft. We’ll likely see it roll out to all Windows 11 users in a cumulative update in the coming months.
KitGuru says: What other features would you like to see being implemented on Windows 11?