Microsoft has begun rolling out its latest monthly updates for Windows, but one of the new features for Windows 11 has drawn criticism from some technology observers. A newly introduced “Internet Speed Test” option in the taskbar does not run within Windows itself, but instead redirects users to a Bing webpage.
The change forms part of the March 2026 Patch Tuesday update, which Microsoft is distributing to Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices worldwide.
March 2026 Windows Update Introduces Small Changes
On 10 March 2026, Microsoft began releasing the latest Patch Tuesday update. While Windows 10 receives security updates with no significant new features, Windows 11 gains a handful of additions.
Among them are:
- Emoji 16 support in the system’s Emoji panel
- A new “Perform speed test” option accessible from the taskbar
However, despite early reports suggesting Windows 11 was gaining a built-in internet speed testing feature, the implementation is considerably simpler.
Taskbar Button Redirects Users to Bing
The new function appears when users right-click the Wi-Fi or Ethernet icon in the Windows 11 taskbar. Selecting the “Perform speed test” option does not launch a native Windows tool.
Instead, the action opens the user’s default web browser and directs them to Bing.com, where the search query “internet speed test” is automatically executed.
In other words, the feature acts as a shortcut to a web-based speed test rather than an integrated operating system utility.
The rollout initially began in late February 2026 with the optional Windows 11 KB5077241 update, before being included in the wider March security update (KB5079473). Microsoft is distributing the change gradually to devices over time.
How the Bing Speed Test Works
Although the tool itself is web-based, it relies on established infrastructure to measure connection performance.
Microsoft’s Bing speed test operates using technology from Speedtest, a widely used network testing service owned by Ookla. The company was recently acquired by global consulting firm Accenture.
The test works by:
- Downloading a small random data sample from Speedtest servers
- Uploading a similar sample back to those servers
- Calculating download speed, upload speed and latency
One positive aspect of the feature is that it respects the user’s default browser settings. The shortcut opens via the standard HTML link protocol, meaning it launches whichever browser the user has chosen in Windows settings.
Partnership With Speedtest Replaced Microsoft’s Own Tool
Microsoft previously operated its own internet speed testing system on Bing, powered by its Azure cloud platform. That system was later replaced when the company partnered with Ookla to integrate Speedtest technology instead.
The partnership means Microsoft can offer reliable testing infrastructure without maintaining a dedicated service itself.
Nevertheless, the decision to rely on a web redirect rather than a built-in Windows feature has prompted some criticism among technology commentators.
A Contrast With Earlier Windows Tools
The situation is notable because Microsoft once offered a fully native solution.
In 2013, during the Windows 8 era, the company released a Network Speed Test app built using the XAML framework, which was designed specifically for the operating system’s Metro interface.
That earlier application included:
- A touch-friendly user interface
- Detailed network information
- Connection type and network name
- Internet connectivity status
- Historical records of previous speed tests
For many users, this made the app more useful than simply launching a web page.
Limited Control Over the New Feature
Currently, the Windows 11 shortcut has some limitations.
Users cannot:
- Remove the “Perform speed test” option from the taskbar’s context menu
- Redirect the shortcut to a different website or speed-testing application
As a result, the feature remains tied directly to Bing’s web-based test.
Conclusion
The new Windows 11 internet speed test option illustrates Microsoft’s growing reliance on web services integrated into the operating system. While the Bing-based test works reliably thanks to its Speedtest partnership, it is not a native Windows feature. For users expecting a built-in tool similar to earlier versions of Windows, the taskbar shortcut may feel more like a convenience link than a genuine system capability.
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