Stop Using Ookla: Windows 11’s Hidden Right-Click Trick Changes Everything

Image: Windows

For years, checking internet speed on Windows has required a boring routine: open a browser, navigate to a third-party site like Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com, and wait for the ads to load before running the test.

If you are still doing it in the same way to test your network speed on Windows, then you don't know about the new hidden feature in Windows 11.

According to recent updates in the Windows 11 Insider Preview channels (specifically targeting Builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918), a new network diagnostic capability is being integrated directly into the desktop environment. This new feature now lets you easily test your internet speed without even trying to leave and move to a third-party app.

The important thing you need to know is that you don’t need to go deep inside the Windows settings to do an internet speed test; it is designed to be accessible right from the System Tray.

The "Hidden" Feature: What Has Changed?

The new "Perform speed test" option in the Windows 11 system tray. Image: PhantomofEarth

Most users, including me, have a habit of ignoring the network icon (the WiFi or Ethernet symbol) in the bottom right corner unless they lose connectivity.

Previously, right-clicking this icon offered only two generic options: "Diagnose network problems" and "Network and Internet settings." The new update expands this context menu to include direct access to performance monitoring.

How the Feature is Accessed

1. Navigate to the Taskbar (bottom right corner of the screen).
2. Locate the Network/WiFi Icon.
3. Right-Click the icon (avoiding the Left-Click, which opens the Quick Settings panel).
4. Select the new option labeled "Perform speed test".

Comparative Analysis: Native Tool vs. Browser Shortcut

When the option is selected, Windows 11 does not necessarily launch a floating widget. Instead, it triggers a system-level check that creates a direct bridge to network diagnostics.

The Old Way (Browser): You load a webpage, load tracking scripts, load ads, and then ping a server. It eats RAM and takes time.

The New Way (Native): It cuts out the "middleman."

• Link Speed vs. Internet Speed: It is important to distinguish between the two. Windows has always been able to show Link Speed (the connection between the PC and the Router, e.g., 1200 Mbps).
• The New Capability: The new tool goes a step further by pinging external servers to measure actual Internet Throughput (the speed between the Router and the ISP).

Note: In some early Windows Insider builds, this feature may act as a deep link, instantly opening the default browser to a specific Microsoft-hosted speed test page rather than a native window.

Target Audience: Who Needs This?

• Bad news for Speedtest Websites: You might lose significant traffic.
• Great for Gamers: Instantly verify if that lag spike is your ISP or the game server without Alt-Tab crashing your game.
• Remote Workers: Verify your upload speed seconds before joining a Teams call.

Why This Matters for Windows Users

Why is Microsoft adding this now? Although user feedback  is a main reason, like user constantly moving from their work to Microsoft Edge or Chrome to run the network test is generally annoying. But this move also seems to align with a broader strategy to make Windows 11 a "self-healing" OS.

By integrating the speed test inside the System Tray context menu, Microsoft is reducing friction.

• Gamers and remote workers can instantly verify if lag is due to their PC or their ISP without leaving their current window context.
• This reduces the need for users to install background apps that eat up RAM just to monitor ping.

Availability: Who Has It?

If you right-click your network icon and do not see the new option, your system is likely not "bugged."

This feature is currently rolling out via the Windows Insider Program (typically starting with the Canary and Dev channels) before moving to the Beta and Release Preview channels.

How to Check for the Update:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Toggle "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" to ON.
• Check for updates and look for KB (Knowledge Base) patches related to "Network" or "System Tray" improvements.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

While it may seem like a minor addition, the native speed test shortcut represents a quality-of-life improvement that power users have wanted for a decade. It streamlines a daily task and integrates it logically into the UI, also appearing in the available network lists with a speed test symbol. Recently, Microsoft also testing the top Menu bar for Windows 11.

My Take: As this update is currently in the rollout phase, once available to all users, there is a huge chance of user priority shifting here rather than third-party apps. Although it is not clear yet if Windows integrated a third-party testing tool or built their own, this is a definite "Wait for Update" recommendation, it’s worth the wait.