Microsoft is integrating a new internet speed test option into Windows 11 preview builds, accessible directly from the Taskbar’s system tray network icon menu and the Wi-Fi quick settings panel.
The speed test tool appears as a “Test Internet Speed” button in two convenient locations: the context menu of the network icon in the system tray and at the bottom of the Wi-Fi quick settings panel. Upon selection, it launches Bing’s web-based speed test, which has been available since 2016. Initially introduced as a Speed Test widget in Bing’s search results, it was later updated to integrate Speedtest by Ookla’s backend. By 2023, the tool became a permanent part of Bing’s suite of utilities, accessible via direct page visits or search queries. This integration highlights Microsoft’s push to promote its search engine within the Windows ecosystem, though it stops short of a fully native implementation.
The addition was first spotted by Windows Insider user phantomofearth on X (formerly Twitter) on September 13, 2025. As noted by phantomofearth, “The network icon in the system tray’s context menu and the Wi-Fi quick settings page in Windows 11 are getting buttons to let you quickly run a network speed test. (Takes you to Bing to do the speed test.)”
Beyond the speed test shortcut, Microsoft is rolling out several other enhancements in the Windows Insider Preview builds, particularly in the Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. The Mobile Devices page, located under Bluetooth settings, has been streamlined to allow adjustments for all connected devices from a single interface, eliminating the need for separate pages per device. This update aims to simplify management of peripherals like phones and tablets.
Privacy and security sections are undergoing a significant revamp, featuring new subheadings and expanded descriptions to enhance user navigation and comprehension. These changes make it easier to locate and understand settings related to data protection and system safeguards.
Additional tweaks include modifications to keyboard settings, haptic touchpad configurations, and the drag tray functionality. The drag tray, previously focused on file sharing, is expanding to support more actions. As phantomofearth noted, “The Drag Tray is no longer going to be exclusively for file sharing. It’ll be getting more actions, with a basic one hidden in the latest Dev/Beta CU – moving files between folders.” A basic “move files between folders” option has been embedded in the latest Dev and Beta cumulative updates, though it remains hidden for now. Looking ahead, Microsoft is developing a dedicated “background AI tasks” page, signaling continued emphasis on AI-driven features in Windows 11.
These updates reflect Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine the Windows 11 user experience, blending practical tools with subtle integrations of its services. However, as with all preview builds in the Canary, Dev, and Beta rings, there is no assurance that these features will appear in the stable release of Windows 11. Insiders testing these changes contribute valuable feedback that could shape the final product, but stability and compatibility issues may lead to alterations or removals.
The introduction of the Bing speed test shortcut underscores a broader trend in Microsoft’s software strategy: leveraging existing web tools to enhance desktop functionality without heavy native development. While it may not satisfy users seeking an offline or integrated solution, it provides quick access to reliable speed testing powered by established technology from Ookla. As Windows 11 continues to evolve, these previews offer a glimpse into potential improvements in connectivity, device management, and AI integration.
