speed test Archives

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Releasing Windows 11 Builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918 to the Release Preview Channel

Windows 11 Builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918 (KB5077241) have been released for Insiders in the Release Preview Channel, covering versions 24H2 and 25H2. The update features a gradual rollout method for updates and includes various new features and enhancements: - Emoji 16.0 introduces a selection of new emojis. - Windows Backup for Organizations now includes a first sign-in restore experience. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is activated for non-domain joined Windows Professional devices. - A built-in network speed test is accessible from the taskbar. - Taskbar improvements enhance the visual experience of the overflow area. - A new entry point in the account menu directs users to the Microsoft account benefits page. - Windows supports Microsoft Entra ID group and role SID resolution. - Users can control pan and tilt for supported cameras in the Settings app. - Sysmon functionality is now included natively in Windows for capturing system events. - Widget Settings now opens as a full-page experience in the Widgets app. - Users can set .webp image files as their desktop background. - The search process icon in Task Manager has been updated. - Storage Settings dialogs have been modernized, and performance for scanning temporary files has improved. - Enhancements have been made to Windows Update Settings for better responsiveness. - Reliability improvements have been implemented for the login screen and Nearby Sharing. - The Windows print service has been optimized for smoother performance during high-volume tasks. - File Explorer has received several improvements, including an extract all option for non-ZIP archive folders and enhanced reliability for displaying devices on the Network page. - Performance enhancements have been made to reduce resume-from-sleep time on heavily loaded systems. - Minor visual issues related to the taskbar, Windows Security pop-up credential fields, and the print dialog have been addressed.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

Windows 11 Trails Older OS Versions in ThinkPad X220 Speed Tests

Windows 11 has been tested on a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, revealing it to perform poorly compared to its predecessors, particularly Windows 8.1, which excelled in benchmarks for boot times and application launches. The test involved various Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) on the same aging hardware, highlighting that Windows 11 consistently finished last in most categories. The ThinkPad X220 does not meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, lacking essential components like TPM 2.0 and a compatible processor, which may have skewed the results. Critics argue that using outdated hardware for testing is not representative, suggesting that a fair comparison would involve flagship devices from each generation. Windows 11's architecture is designed for modern multicore CPUs and SSDs, which may struggle on older hardware. Additionally, Windows 11 has heavier overheads due to advanced security features, which consume resources that older operating systems do not. User feedback indicates frustration with Windows 11's performance on legacy hardware compared to leaner alternatives like Linux. Despite Microsoft promoting optimizations in Windows 11, these did not manifest in the ThinkPad test, and the findings raise concerns for businesses considering upgrades as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date in 2025.

Winsage

January 5, 2026

Windows 11 finishes an embarrassing last in speed test of six Windows generations — but there’s a big catch

A YouTuber named TrigrZolt conducted tests comparing six versions of Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, and 11) using six Lenovo ThinkPad X220 notebooks with Intel Core i5-2520M CPUs, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB HDDs, which do not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Windows 11 ranked last in several metrics, including boot-up speed, memory consumption, and battery life. It was slower than all other versions in opening applications, particularly Paint and File Explorer. However, it ranked fourth in storage efficiency and performed reasonably well in one web-page loading test. The testing conditions, including outdated hardware and the choice of benchmarking applications, may have skewed the results against Windows 11. Users expressed concerns about Windows 11 being bloated and criticized its performance issues.

Winsage

January 4, 2026

Speed test pits six generations of Windows against each other — Windows 11 placed dead last across most benchmarks, 8.1 emerges as unexpected winner in this unscientific comparison

Windows 11 has been criticized for its high system requirements, increased overhead, and user interface regressions. A test by TrigrZolt compared six generations of Windows operating systems using six Lenovo ThinkPad X220 laptops, which were not officially supported for Windows 11. In startup time tests, Windows 11 was the slowest, while Windows 8.1 was the fastest. In audio file processing, Windows 11 ranked fifth, and in video rendering, it again placed last. It secured second place in file transfer speeds but was fourth in a malware scan test. Benchmark tests showed Windows 11 in fourth place for both single-threaded and multi-threaded CPU performance. In CrystalDiskMark, it tied for third place, and in Cinebench R10, it was fourth in single-core tests. The outdated hardware used for testing and the absence of an SSD may have skewed the results, which were deemed more historical than practical. A more suitable test would involve contemporary laptops to provide a fairer comparison.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Saved you a click: The latest Windows 11 24H2 Insider preview build offers internet speed check right from the taskbar

Bath is a city in the UK known for its Georgian architecture, but residents often face internet connectivity issues in listed buildings. The latest Windows 11 preview build (26220.6760) introduces an internet speed check feature accessible from the taskbar, currently available to Windows Insiders running version 24H2. Microsoft has partnered with Ookla since 2023 to integrate a speed test widget into Bing, and this new feature serves as a shortcut to that tool. Additionally, Microsoft will automatically install its AI assistant, Copilot, with Microsoft 365 starting in October, with no opt-out option for users. The File Explorer Search Box will receive updates to enhance search capabilities, allowing users to search by content description. The preview build includes several fixes and features but is not considered a groundbreaking update. Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10 in popularity in July, and official support for Windows 10 will end in October.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.6760 (KB5065793) has been released to the Dev Channel for Windows 11, version 25H2. Key updates include: - A built-in network speed test in the taskbar accessible via Quick Settings or the network icon. - A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page in the Get Started experience for managed commercial devices with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. - Updated placeholder text in the File Explorer Search Box for Copilot+ PCs. - New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers in File Explorer Home. - Temporary disabling of Emoji 16.0, to be reintroduced later. - A new ‘Wait time before acting’ setting in voice access for customizable command execution delays. Fixes include resolving issues with screen readers, Click to Do activation, battery icon synchronization, customized folder views, media controls on the lock screen, and Windows Update functionality. Known issues involve Click to Do visual errors, disabled taskbar animations, unexpected search results, camera preview failures with external webcams, and bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth. Updates are delivered through an enablement package and features are rolled out gradually based on user feedback.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Windows 11’s new beta update removes a feature for seemingly no reason

The Windows 11 Beta and Dev builds have removed Emoji 16.0 without explanation. A built-in network speed test has been added to the taskbar, allowing users to assess network performance. A new Microsoft 365 Copilot page has been integrated into the Get Started experience for users with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Improvements to Windows Search are being rolled out, particularly for Copilot+ PCs. New StorageProvider APIs for cloud providers have been introduced in File Explorer. A new setting in voice access allows for customizable delays before executing commands. Various fixes have been implemented, including issues with screen readers, battery icon syncing, and crashes in Settings. Known issues include problems with Click to Do, taskbar animations, search results, camera previews with Windows Studio Effects, and Xbox Controllers experiencing bugchecks.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Windows 11 adds internet speed test and redesigned settings in Insider builds

Microsoft is introducing a built-in internet speed test feature in Windows 11, accessible by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray or through the quick Wi-Fi settings menu. This feature will redirect users to Bing for the speed test, indicating it relies on external services. Additionally, the Bluetooth & devices page will display all connected phones in a single view with direct management options, and the Privacy & security section will feature clearer headings and descriptions. A new AI background tasks page has also been introduced, though it is currently unstable. These updates are found in Insider builds 26220.6682 and 26120.6682 (KB5065782) in the Dev and Beta channels.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Windows 11’s new speed test is basically a Bing ad

Windows 11 will introduce a new feature that allows users to assess their internet performance through shortcuts to Bing’s integrated network speed test tool within a web browser. This feature is not a standalone application and is expected to be refined before its official rollout.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a system tray shortcut to run a network speed test

Microsoft is testing a new feature in the Windows 11 system tray that allows users to conduct a network speed test easily. This feature can be accessed through the Wi-Fi icon by right-clicking to reveal a "Perform Speed Test" option, and there is also a "Test internet speed" button in the quick settings panel. When selected, these options direct users to Bing in their web browser to initiate the speed test. Currently, this feature is available to testers in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program. There is a desire for a more integrated application for speed tests that does not require opening a browser.