Microsoft is rolling out a native network speed test tool for Windows 11, giving users one-click access to connection diagnostics right from the taskbar. The feature, now available to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, lets you right-click the network icon in the system tray to launch a speed test in your default browser. It's a small but practical addition that could eliminate the need for third-party speed test sites for millions of Windows users.
Microsoft just made troubleshooting your internet connection a bit easier. The company is rolling out a native network speed test to Windows 11, tucked right into the taskbar where users interact with network settings daily. According to an update posted to the Windows Insider blog, the feature is now live for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, putting it one step away from reaching the broader Windows 11 user base.
The implementation is straightforward. Right-click the network icon in your system tray, and you'll see a new "Speed test" option. Click it, and Windows opens a speed test in your default browser, measuring download and upload speeds across whatever connection you're using - Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular data. It's not revolutionary, but it's the kind of quality-of-life improvement that makes sense for an operating system used by over 400 million people.
Microsoft has been quietly working on this feature for months. The Verge first reported on early testing last year, when the company began experimenting with ways to surface network diagnostics more prominently. The move reflects a broader strategy to reduce reliance on third-party tools for basic system maintenance. Instead of navigating to Speedtest.net or Fast.com, Windows users can now get the same information without leaving the OS environment.
The timing makes sense. Remote work and hybrid arrangements have made reliable internet connectivity more critical than ever, and users are more aware of their connection speeds than they were a few years ago. Embedding a speed test directly into Windows removes friction from a task that's become increasingly common. It also gives Microsoft more control over the diagnostic experience, potentially allowing the company to surface more detailed troubleshooting suggestions based on test results.
