Windows 11 gets a built-in way to measure your connection speed, and it’ll be placed right where you’re looking anyway if something’s wrong. Instead of jumping to a third-party website or installing another utility, you can launch a Windows 11 speed test from the taskbar area with just a few clicks.
The shortcut appears in Quick Settings under “Wi-Fi” or “Cellular” and is also available by right-clicking the network icon in the taskbar. When you run it, Windows will open your default browser and start the test there. Setup is easy, but still a little different than a fully native panel in Settings.
According to Microsoft, the feature is intended to help you check performance and troubleshoot network issues. It supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections, which should make it useful for everything from a wired desktop to a laptop that can connect over mobile data.
Outside of Insider channels, there is no clear timeline for when the standard version of Windows 11 will arrive, or whether the rollout will happen all at once or in a phased rollout.
It is designed for quick checks
The biggest advantage is convenience. If streaming starts buffering or a video call drops, you can do a quick speed check without interrupting your flow. This makes it easier to answer the first question: Is it my internet or is it the app?
It covers all common connections
Many PCs switch between networks during the day. WiFi at home, Ethernet at work, mobile communications on the go. Having the same built-in test available for these connection types will give you a clearer baseline when comparing performance.
It also helps narrow down the perpetrator. If Wi-Fi looks bad but Ethernet looks good, you have a strong indication that the problem is local and not with your provider. If everything is slow, you can stop chasing your router settings and start searching upstream.
What to do when it arrives?
Once it appears on your PC, you can use it as a quick comparison tool. Run a test on Wi-Fi and then try Ethernet if possible, or compare Wi-Fi versus cellular on a supported device. Large variations between results suggest which type of compound needs attention next.
