Microsoft adds built-in network speed test to Windows 11 taskbar

Speed tests come to the taskbar

Microsoft is testing a new feature that puts a network speed test directly into the Windows 11 taskbar. The tool allows users to quickly verify their connection quality without manually navigating to third-party websites. This update is currently rolling out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Release Preview Channel.

Users can access the tool by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray. A new "speed test" option appears in the context menu, which launches a test in the system's default web browser. Microsoft first began internal testing for this shortcut last year to streamline network troubleshooting for casual users.

The built-in shortcut supports various connection types to ensure broad compatibility. Whether you use Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular data, the tool provides a direct link to measurement services. This integration marks another step in Microsoft’s effort to move legacy Control Panel features into more accessible areas of the modern UI.

New camera and background options

The latest update includes advanced camera settings that give users more granular control over their hardware. A new toggle in the Settings menu allows for pan and tilt adjustments on supported devices. While Microsoft has not released a list of compatible webcams, the feature targets high-end peripherals often used for professional conferencing.

Windows 11 is also expanding its support for modern image formats on the desktop. Users can now set .webp files as their desktop background, a feature previously restricted to older formats like JPEG and PNG. This change reflects the growing dominance of the .webp format, which offers superior compression and smaller file sizes for high-resolution images.

These visual updates extend to the operating system's communication tools as well. Microsoft is introducing a new set of emoji to the platform, updating the visual style to match the current Fluent Design language. The update also includes a full-page Widget settings menu, replacing the previous pop-up interface with a more comprehensive layout for managing news feeds and productivity tiles.

How to get the update

The new features are available to users enrolled in the Windows Insider Program. Specifically, the update targets Windows 11 version 24H2 (Build 26100) and version 25H2 (Build 26200). Users on these builds can find the changes by checking for updates in the Release Preview Channel.

Microsoft uses the Release Preview Channel as the final testing ground before pushing features to the general public. If these tools perform well and do not cause system instability, they will likely reach all Windows 11 users in a monthly cumulative update. This rollout strategy allows the company to gather data on hardware compatibility, especially for the new camera pan and tilt controls.

The update includes several key technical improvements:

• Direct taskbar integration for network diagnostics
• Support for .webp image files as native wallpaper
• New pan and tilt hardware controls for webcams
• Redesigned full-page widget management interface
• Expanded emoji library using the latest Unicode standards

The shift to web standards

Integrating a speed test that opens in a browser suggests Microsoft is leaning on web-based solutions rather than building a standalone native app. This approach ensures the speed test remains accurate as web standards evolve. It also prevents the Windows system image from growing unnecessarily large with redundant utility software.

The addition of .webp support is a long-overdue nod to web developers and designers. Most images saved from the internet today use the .webp extension to save bandwidth. Previously, Windows users had to convert these files to .jpg before they could use them as wallpaper, adding an annoying extra step to a simple task.

By bringing these small quality-of-life improvements to the taskbar and settings menu, Microsoft is addressing long-standing user requests. The system tray has become a hub for quick actions, and adding network diagnostics there makes sense for users dealing with spotty Wi-Fi. It eliminates the need to remember specific URLs like Fast.com or Speedtest.net when a connection feels sluggish.

Release Preview and final rollout

The Release Preview Channel is typically the most stable tier of the Insider program. It contains features that are nearly finished and ready for the hundreds of millions of Windows 11 users worldwide. While Microsoft has not provided a specific date for the general release, these features usually graduate to the stable version within four to eight weeks.

The Build 26100 release is particularly significant as it forms the base for the 24H2 annual update. This version of Windows focuses heavily on AI integration and performance optimizations for new hardware. Adding the speed test and camera controls now suggests these are considered essential components of the next major OS milestone.

Microsoft's focus on the system tray and taskbar reflects a broader trend in OS design. Efficiency is the priority, and reducing the number of clicks required to perform a task is a primary goal. While a speed test shortcut might seem minor, it represents a shift toward making Windows 11 feel more like a modern, connected platform rather than a collection of disconnected menus.

Users interested in trying these features today can opt-in through the Windows Update section of the Settings app. By selecting the Insider Program and choosing the Release Preview ring, the system will download Build 26100 or higher. As always, users should back up their data before installing preview software, even if it is near the final release stage.