Windows 11 Taskbar Introduces New Internet Speed Test Tool, Redirecting to Bing.com Instead of Being a Native Feature

Microsoft, a titan in the tech industry boasting a market cap in the trillions, is expected to integrate comprehensive features into their platforms. However, the reality is somewhat disappointing. The latest rollout for Windows 11 includes an “Internet Speed Test” tool that simply directs users to Bing.com, rather than offering a built-in solution.

As of March 10, 2026, Microsoft is implementing the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update for both Windows 11 and Windows 10. While Windows 10 sees no functional upgrades, Windows 11 users will experience new features, such as support for Emoji 16 in the Emoji panel and the much-discussed “Internet Speed Test” tool, which amounts to little more than a Bing.com shortcut.

This feature has generated significant buzz since its initial rollout in late February as part of the optional Windows 11 KB5077241 update. As of now, it is gradually being made available to users through the March security update (KB5079473).However, the notion that a genuine built-in speed testing tool is being introduced appears misleading.

The update includes a toggle labeled “Perform speed test, ” which redirects users to Bing.com when selected.

Perform speed test shortcut on the taskbar

Upon its rollout, users will observe a new “Perform speed test”option after right-clicking the Ethernet or Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar. Selecting this feature launches the default browser and queries Bing.com for ‘internet speed test.’

There are a couple of positive aspects regarding this approach. Firstly, it respects your default browser settings, ensuring that the shortcut honors user preferences as managed in the Settings app. Secondly, Bing’s Internet speed test effectively conducts measures by downloading a random data segment and uploading it to the SpeedTest servers.

Bing internet speed test tool on Windows 11

It is worth noting that Microsoft maintains a partnership with SpeedTest, which is owned by Ookla, a company recently acquired by Accenture. Microsoft’s move to phase out its proprietary Azure-based speed test in favor of SpeedTest illustrates a shift in strategy.

Time for Microsoft to Focus on Native Features

Some may argue that redirecting users to a web-based speed test could streamline the experience. While there’s merit in this thought, it is critical for Microsoft to cease disseminating half-hearted web solutions, particularly on frequently used interfaces like the taskbar.

What adds to this frustration is the fact that Microsoft previously provided users with the native functionality they would expect.

Windows 8 Internet speed test — Microsoft’s native speed test application for Windows 8 introduced in 2013.

Back in 2013, Microsoft featured a dedicated Network Speed Test app for Windows, developed on XAML—a native framework catering to Windows 8 and later versions—rather than just a referral to a search page. This app was user-friendly and seamlessly integrated into the Metro design style Microsoft emphasized.

The previously available native speed test tool in Windows 8 provided several valuable insights about network conditions, including connection details, network status, and maintained a historical log of performance, rendering a Bing.com shortcut insufficient.

Given Microsoft’s substantial resources and growing valuation—having nearly quadrupled since 2013—the capability to develop and deploy true native features is well within their grasp. Unfortunately, the trend suggests diminishing intent to enhance the Windows operating system effectively.

Users currently cannot remove the “Perform speed test”option from the context menu on the taskbar, nor can they redirect it to alternative applications or websites.

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