<p>Microsoft is quietly preparing a new quality-of-life feature for Windows 11, a built-in internet speed test shortcut. The option has been spotted in recent Dev and Beta preview builds by the X user @phantomofearth, hinting at a future rollout for all users.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The network icon in the system tray&#39;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.) <a href="https://t.co/ZXcQvs5BP8">pic.twitter.com/ZXcQvs5BP8</a></p>
<p>&mdash; phantomofearth ð³ (@phantomofearth) <a href="https://twitter.com/phantomofearth/status/1966975772033511751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The new button appears in the network flyout menu, which is the panel you open from the taskbar to manage Wi-Fi and other connections. Sitting next to the Wi-Fi refresh button, it offers one-click access to check your connection speed. You’ll also find the same shortcut if you right-click the network icon in the taskbar, alongside options like “Network Troubleshooter” and “Network Settings.”</p>
<p>There’s a catch, though. This isn’t a full Windows-native feature. Instead of running a built-in test, the button simply directs you to Bing’s online speed test tool :). That means your results depend on an internet connection and Bing’s service rather than something deeper integrated into Windows. Still, the placement is convenient, saving users the step of opening a browser and typing in a query.</p>
<p>Because this discovery comes from hidden preview features, Microsoft could change or even remove it before release. But if it stays, it’ll be one of those small touches that make everyday tasks a bit easier. If you don’t want to wait for this update, there are already alternatives. For example, Microsoft’s PowerToys toolkit includes a module that can run speed tests directly through its Run launcher, bypassing the need for Bing or a web browser.</p>
<p>For now, Windows 11’s upcoming shortcut looks like a small but handy improvement; just don’t expect it to replace proper, standalone speed test apps any time soon.</p>

Speed test shortcut coming to Windows 11
