Windows 11 Insider Gets Taskbar Internet Speed Test Feature
Windows 11 Insider Gets Taskbar Internet Speed Test Feature
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Windows 11 Insider Gets Taskbar Internet Speed Test Feature.
Internet speed testing serves as an essential tool for users to verify whether their internet service provider delivers the promised connection speeds.
Traditionally, such tests require visiting external websites like Ookla’s Speedtest or Testmy.net.
However, Microsoft is now introducing a new feature to Windows 11 that allows users to launch speed tests directly from the taskbar.
Current Availability and Implementation
This new functionality is currently available to participants in the Windows 11 Insider program running the Canary, Dev, and Beta versions. The feature works by directing users to Microsoft’s “Bing Toolbox” website, where the actual speed test is performed. Upon completion, the test displays download speeds, upload speeds, and latency measurements.
Convenience with Limitations
While the direct taskbar access certainly offers convenience and time savings, the current implementation leaves room for improvement. The Bing speed test itself performs adequately—comparative testing shows results that generally align with other online testing platforms. However, many users have already established preferences for tools like Ookla’s Speedtest, which is widely recognized as a reliable and comprehensive network testing solution.
Technical Shortcomings
The current implementation presents several limitations. The taskbar icon merely redirects users to the Bing website, requiring manual test execution rather than automated testing. Additionally, Bing’s speed test actually uses Ookla’s technology on the backend, raising questions about the need for this intermediate step.
A more practical implementation might have integrated speed testing directly into Windows’ internal systems, displaying results natively within the operating system. This approach would have provided a truly seamless user experience.
Alternative Solutions Already Exist
The Microsoft Store already hosts multiple speed testing applications that run natively on Windows, including Ookla’s own Speedtest app. These applications can display results both within the app interface and as system notifications. If third-party developers can achieve this level of integration, Microsoft certainly has the capability to implement similar functionality.
Future Potential
Despite its current limitations, this new feature will likely benefit users who are unfamiliar with existing speed testing tools like Speedtest or other external options. While currently limited to Insider program participants, the feature will likely roll out to all Windows 11 users in the future.
Looking Forward
Rather than settling for a simple redirect to Bing, there’s hope that Microsoft will evolve this feature into a more deeply integrated Windows tool. A native implementation would better serve users’ needs and provide a more streamlined experience that matches the convenience promised by taskbar integration.
The addition represents a step in the right direction for built-in network diagnostics, but its full potential remains untapped in the current implementation.
