Outcome: Run an internet speed test straight from your Windows 11 taskbar in one click.

Who this is for: Windows 11 users who want a fast way to check download/upload speed and ping without hunting for speed-test sites.

Time required: About 10 seconds.

Quick Answer

Right-click the network icon in the Windows 11 taskbar and choose Perform speed test. Windows opens the Bing Speed Test experience (powered by Ookla) and runs a full download/upload/latency check automatically.

What You Need

  • A Windows 11 PC (latest updates installed)
  • An active internet connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
  • The taskbar option Perform speed test available on your build

Step-by-Step: Test Internet Speed from the Taskbar

  1. Find the network icon in the taskbar.
    Look at the bottom-right corner (Wi-Fi bars, Ethernet icon, or globe icon).
  2. Right-click the network icon.
    A context menu opens with network actions.
  3. Click Perform speed test.
    Your browser opens the Bing speed test page and starts measuring speed.
  4. Wait for the test to complete.
    You will see three core results: Download (Mbps), Upload (Mbps), and Latency/Ping (ms).
  5. Compare results with your ISP plan.
    If your numbers are far lower than expected, run the same test again after disconnecting VPNs and pausing big downloads.

Expected Result (Quick Checks)

  • The Perform speed test option appears when right-clicking the network icon (on supported builds).
  • Your browser opens and runs a speed test without needing a separate speed-test bookmark.
  • You get usable download/upload/ping numbers you can reference for troubleshooting.

Common Mistakes

  • Testing while cloud backup, game updates, or large downloads are running in the background.
  • Comparing Wi-Fi test results against wired-speed expectations.
  • Leaving a VPN active, which can lower speed and raise latency.
  • Assuming the feature is missing forever when the PC just needs an update/restart.

Troubleshooting

  • “Perform speed test” option is missing: Install the latest Windows updates, then restart the PC. Some features roll out gradually by build/channel.
  • Results look too low: Retest on Ethernet, move closer to the router, pause background traffic, and retest at a different time of day.
  • Test page does not load: Check browser connectivity, DNS settings, or temporarily disable strict extensions/ad blockers.
  • Huge ping spikes: Try 5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet and make sure no one on your network is saturating upload bandwidth.

Reference Links

Next Step

Run this test once on Wi-Fi and once on Ethernet, then keep both screenshots so you have solid evidence if you need to contact your ISP.

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