I wanted Windows 11 to stop opening Bing for a speed test, and Microsoft is fixing it
Microsoft is introducing a built-in speed test tool to Windows 11, replacing the previous approach of opening Bing Search when users wanted to check their internet connection. The new integrated tool is currently rolling out in preview via the Experimental channel (build 26340.9767) and provides users with direct access to download speeds, upload speeds, and ping measurements without requiring them to open Microsoft Edge or use third-party speed test services.
The feature integrates directly into Windows 11’s Quick Settings menu, offering a more streamlined and convenient experience for network troubleshooting. By eliminating the need to open a browser and navigate to a speed test website, the tool represents a practical improvement in accessibility and user experience.
This change addresses a long-standing point of friction for Windows 11 users who found it unintuitive that checking internet speed—a system-level diagnostic task—redirected them to a web browser. The native speed test tool is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to consolidate more essential Windows utilities and diagnostic features within the operating system itself, reducing dependency on external services for basic system management tasks.