Article · AI translation
IT Home reported on November 3 that Marcus Ash, head of design and research for Microsoft's Windows and Devices division, posted on X on October 31 that a built-in speed test feature is being tested in preview updates including Windows 11 Build 26340.9767.
IT Home reported on October 24 that, in this preview build, Microsoft changed the system's built-in speed test so that it no longer redirects to Bing and instead uses a native system interface.
In earlier versions of Windows 11, clicking the “Speed test” option on the taskbar or in the network menu would take users to the default browser and open Bing's speed test page.
In the latest Windows 11 preview build, Microsoft has changed it to a native pop-up window in Quick Settings, allowing users to complete the test without leaving the desktop.
The new feature can be launched from the “Speed test” tile in Quick Settings or from the Wi‑Fi or cellular network panels. Users can also right-click the network icon on the taskbar and select “Test network speed.”
Ash said in his post that the new speed test tool was built using a human-guided AI agent workflow combined with WinUI 3 to create a feature that feels more native to the system. He emphasized that the goal of introducing this workflow is to turn ideas into value for users more quickly, absolutely not to produce low-quality AI output.
Ash said: “AI holds enormous potential in development workflows. Using agent workflows and WinUI 3 to build more integrated Windows experiences and turn ideas into customer value more quickly—that is the right path.”