Microsoft has started rolling out its new March 2026 update for Windows 11. While the update mainly focuses on security fixes, Windows 11 users are also getting a few small additions. One of them is a new internet speed test tool directly accessible from the taskbar.

The new feature adds a “Perform speed test” option when you right-click the WiFi or Ethernet icon in the Windows 11 taskbar. At first glance, this makes it look like Microsoft has added a native tool inside Windows that can measure internet speed. In reality, the feature works more like a shortcut than an integrated piece of software.

“Perform speed test” shortcut in the latest Windows 11 update

When users click the Perform speed test option, Windows simply opens the system’s default web browser and redirects to a speed test page on Bing. The page loads with the search query “internet speed test,” where users can run the test through Bing’s interface. This behavior means the feature doesn’t function within Windows itself and is simply a webpage shortcut.

This feature has actually been in testing for a few weeks. It first appeared in late February through the optional KB5077241 update, which introduced it as an early preview feature. Now it is being rolled out more broadly through the March 2026 security update (KB5079473), meaning more Windows 11 users will start seeing the option on their systems.

The good news is that the shortcut respects the system’s default browser setting. That means if a user has Chrome, Firefox, or another browser set as default, the speed test will open there instead of forcing Microsoft Edge. The Bing speed test itself uses technology from Ookla, the company behind the well-known Speedtest service. Microsoft previously used its own Azure-based speed test tool on Bing, but later replaced it after partnering with Ookla.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.