In a move that aims to enhance user experience, Microsoft is currently testing a new feature in Windows 11 that allows users to conduct network speed tests directly from the taskbar. This feature is currently available to Windows 11 insiders participating in the Canary, Dev, and Beta builds.
Streamlined Access to Speed Testing
Traditionally, users have relied on third-party websites such as Ookla’s Speedtest or Testmy.net to gauge their internet speeds. However, with this new integration, users can now access a speed test via an icon on the taskbar, which redirects them to Microsoft’s Bing toolbox site. Once there, users can initiate the test to measure their download and upload speeds, as well as latency, which indicates any delays in data transmission.
While this feature certainly adds convenience, it does come with some limitations. Although the Bing speed test provides results that are generally comparable to other online testing platforms, many users still prefer the comprehensive data offered by Ookla’s Speedtest. The Bing tool, interestingly, utilizes Ookla for its backend processing, raising questions about why Microsoft did not develop a more integrated solution.
Currently, the taskbar icon merely serves as a gateway to the Bing website, requiring users to manually initiate the speed test. In contrast, applications like Speedtest by Ookla allow users to run tests directly within the app, displaying results in real-time notifications. This level of integration could have been a valuable addition to the Windows 11 experience.
Despite these drawbacks, the new feature may prove beneficial for users who are unfamiliar with established speed testing tools. As Microsoft continues to refine this capability, it is expected to roll out to all Windows 11 users in the future. However, many hope that Microsoft will consider developing a more seamless internal tool that eliminates the need to navigate away from the operating system to obtain speed test results.
