Is the New Windows 11 Speed Test Feature Just a Shortcut to Bing?

How Can I Check My Internet Speed on Windows 11 Without Opening a Browser?

Microsoft is adding a simple shortcut to the Windows 11 system tray and Quick Settings panel that allows you to perform an internet speed test. This new feature is not a built-in application, but rather a web link that opens your default browser to Bing’s speed test tool, which is powered by Ookla.

Understanding the New Speed Test Shortcut

A fast and stable internet connection is essential for work, school, and entertainment. When your connection feels slow, the first step is often to test its speed. Microsoft is working on making this process easier for Windows 11 users by integrating a “Perform Speed Test” option directly into the operating system. This feature is currently being tested by participants in the Windows Insider Program, which means it is not yet available to the general public but may be released in a future update.

You can access this new tool in two primary ways:

• By right-clicking on the network icon (which looks like a Wi-Fi symbol or a computer with a cable) in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar. A menu will appear with the new option.
• By clicking on the network icon to open the Quick Settings panel. Inside this panel, you will find a “Test internet speed” button.

Both options are labeled with a speedometer icon and are designed to do the same thing. They provide a quick, one-click method to begin testing your internet’s performance without needing to remember a specific website or search for a tool yourself.

How the Windows 11 Speed Test Works

When you click the “Perform Speed Test” button, it does not launch a dedicated program on your computer. Instead, it acts as a shortcut. Your default web browser, whether it is Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or another browser, will automatically open. It will navigate to a Bing search results page for “internet speed test,” where a speed test widget will be prominently displayed.

This speed test widget is a result of a partnership between Microsoft and Ookla, the company behind the widely used Speedtest.net. Essentially, the test you run through Bing is an Ookla speed test. This is important because Ookla is a trusted and authoritative name in internet performance testing. The test will measure several key aspects of your connection:

Download Speed

This measures how quickly your computer can pull data from the internet. A higher download speed is crucial for activities like streaming movies in high definition, downloading large files, and browsing websites with lots of images. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Upload Speed

This measures how quickly your computer can send data to the internet. Good upload speed is important for video calls, uploading photos and videos to social media, or live streaming. It is also measured in Mbps.

Latency (Ping)

This is the reaction time of your connection, measured in milliseconds (ms). It is the time it takes for a small piece of data to travel from your device to a server and back again. A low ping is critical for online gaming and real-time applications, as it reduces lag.

By using Ookla’s technology, Microsoft ensures the results are reliable and consistent with what you would find on other major speed testing platforms.

Why Microsoft is Adding a Web Shortcut

Microsoft’s decision to implement this feature as a web shortcut rather than a native application is likely driven by several strategic goals. The primary reason is to provide a convenient and accessible tool for all users, especially those who may not be technically savvy. Many people do not know how to check their internet speed, and this shortcut makes the process straightforward.

Another significant motivation is to increase user engagement with Microsoft’s own services, particularly the Bing search engine. By directing users to Bing to perform the test, Microsoft can boost traffic to its search platform. This is a common strategy to create a more interconnected ecosystem of products, similar to how the feature also promotes the use of Microsoft Edge if it is the default browser.

Finally, building it as a web feature is simpler and requires less maintenance than developing and updating a standalone application for Windows. It leverages an existing partnership and technology, allowing for a quick and efficient rollout.

Is a Native App a Better Solution?

While the web shortcut is convenient, there is a debate about whether a native, built-in application would be more effective. A native app would run independently of your web browser, which could offer a more accurate diagnosis of your internet connection’s health.

A web-based test can sometimes be influenced by factors related to the browser itself, such as extensions, a large cache, or other open tabs consuming bandwidth. If you are trying to determine if your browser is the cause of a slowdown, a web-based test is not ideal. A native app would bypass the browser entirely, giving you a purer measurement of the network performance reaching your computer.

Furthermore, a dedicated application could offer more advanced features. These might include a history of your past speed tests to track performance over time, the ability to schedule automatic tests, or more detailed diagnostics for troubleshooting network issues. For users who need to diagnose complex problems or monitor their connection closely, a native app would be a more powerful tool.

Other Methods for Testing Your Internet Speed

The new Windows shortcut is just one of many ways to check your internet connection. If you need an alternative or want a more advanced tool, you have several options available.

Web-Based Testers

These are the easiest to use and require no installation.

• Speedtest by Ookla: You can go directly to the source that powers the Bing test. Navigating to Speedtest.net provides a comprehensive test and allows you to select different servers.
• Fast.com: This simple and ad-free tool is owned by Netflix. It loads and starts the test immediately, focusing primarily on download speed, which is the most important metric for streaming video.
• Google Speed Test: Similar to Bing, simply searching for “internet speed test” on Google will bring up a built-in widget that allows you to run a quick test.

Command-Line Tools for Advanced Users

For those comfortable with a non-graphical interface, command-line tools offer powerful and scriptable options.

• LibreSpeed: This is a free and open-source option. You can install it on Windows using the Windows Package Manager (Winget) by opening the Terminal and running the command: winget install –id=LibreSpeed.librespeed-cli -e. Once installed, you can run a test with librespeed-cli.
• Ookla Speedtest CLI: Ookla also provides its own official command-line tool. You can install it with Winget by running winget install Ookla.SpeedtestCLI. After installation, simply type speedtest in the Terminal to run it. This is useful for IT professionals and developers who want to integrate speed testing into automated scripts.

Dedicated Desktop Apps

For the best of both worlds—ease of use and native performance—you can install a dedicated app.

• Speedtest by Ookla App: You can download the official Ookla app from the Microsoft Store. This application provides the same reliable test in a native format, complete with a history of your test results and a clean interface, without opening a web browser.