‘Windows 11’ will be getting a built-in network speed test

icrosoft is indeed rolling out a built-in network speed test for Windows 11. The feature is currently in the Release Preview Channel (Builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918) and is expected to reach all users in a general update within the next few weeks.

While Microsoft describes it as “built-in,” it currently functions as a high-level shortcut rather than a fully native, local diagnostic tool.

How to Use the New Speed Test

Once the update hits your system, you can trigger a test in two primary ways:

1. System Tray: Right-click the Network/Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar and select “Perform speed test.”
2. Quick Settings: Open the Quick Settings panel (Win + A), click the arrow next to the Wi-Fi or Cellular icon, and you will find a new “Test Internet Speed” button.

The Technical Details: “Shortcut” vs. “Native”

There has been some minor debate among tech enthusiasts regarding the “native” status of this tool:

• Web-Based Backend: When you trigger the test, Windows 11 opens a lightweight browser window (powered by Bing) that runs an Ookla-hosted speed test interface.
• Metrics Tracked: It measures Ping (Latency), Download Speed, and Upload Speed.
• Compatibility: It works across all active connections, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and 5G/Cellular data.

Why This Matters

The addition is part of a broader “Quality of Life” update for Windows 11 that aims to reduce reliance on third-party websites for basic troubleshooting. Other features arriving in this same 2026 update include:

• Camera Pan/Tilt: Manual controls for supported webcams directly in the Settings menu.
• WebP Wallpapers: Native support to set .webp images as desktop backgrounds without conversion.
• Emoji 16.0: A new set of emojis, including a “face with bags under eyes.”
• Faster Resume: Performance optimizations to help PCs wake from “Sleep” mode more quickly.

Tip: If you are an IT professional or power user, you can also trigger this new test via PowerShell using the command: Start-Process "ms-settings:network-status" -ArgumentList "/speedtest".