Microsoft Adds Built-in Network Speed Test to Windows 11 Taskbar

Microsoft is testing a new network speed test feature in Windows 11 that lets users check their internet performance directly from the taskbar.

The tool is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview channel as part of Builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918 for versions 24H2 and 25H2. Users can launch the test by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray or opening Wi-Fi or cellular Quick Settings. Once selected, the test opens in the default web browser and measures speeds for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connections.

Despite being described as built-in, the feature does not run locally inside Windows. Instead, it opens a Bing page that hosts a simplified version of Ookla’s Speedtest interface, showing latency, download, and upload speeds.

That means the new option functions more like a shortcut than a standalone diagnostic tool. Still, it removes a step for users who would otherwise open a browser and visit third-party sites such as Speedtest.net or Fast.com.

What else is in this update

The speed test isn’t the only thing landing in this preview build. Microsoft is also rolling out:

• New Emoji 16.0 support: A small set of new emoji, one from each major category, now showing up in the emoji panel.
• Camera pan and tilt controls: For supported cameras, users can now adjust pan and tilt directly from Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras.
• WebP desktop backgrounds: You can finally set a .webp image file as your wallpaper through Settings or by right-clicking in File Explorer.
• Backup and restore improvements: The first sign-in restore experience is now available to more device types, including Microsoft Entra hybrid joined devices, Cloud PCs, and multi-user environments.
• Quick Machine Recovery: Windows Pro devices that aren’t domain-joined or enterprise-managed will now automatically receive the same recovery features previously available only to Windows Home users.
• Native Sysmon functionality: Arguably the most significant addition for IT and security professionals. Windows now brings Sysmon threat-monitoring capabilities natively into the OS, allowing users to capture system events and write them to the Windows event log for use with security tools. It’s disabled by default and must be manually enabled.

More Microsoft news

• Inside Microsoft’s Real-Time War Against Cybersecurity Threats
• Project Ire: Microsoft Tests AI That Autonomously Detects Malware
• Microsoft Targets ‘Critical AI Talent’ from Meta to Dominate Next AI Breakthroughs
• Windows 10 Support Ends Soon, Though Extended Security Updates Offers Are Available

There are also display performance improvements aimed at reducing resume-from-sleep times, better reliability for Nearby Sharing with large files, and a cleaner taskbar overflow behavior for uncombined windows.

As with most modern Windows updates, this is a “gradual rollout.” This means that even if you have the right build number, the speed test button might take a few days to show up on your specific device.

Check out this breakdown of the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, including hidden tweaks and enterprise-focused upgrades.