Windows 11 removes Bing redirection from built-in internet speed test

What’s changing in Windows 11

Windows 11’s internet speed test previously required users to click a link that opened a Bing search page in their default browser. According to TechRadar, the new version removes this redirection entirely, embedding the feature directly in the Quick Settings panel.

The change is live in Windows Insider preview build 26340.9767. Users can access the speed test from Quick Settings or by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray.

This update is part of Microsoft’s Experimental channel and will eventually reach all Windows 11 users. The removal of Bing redirection aligns with a reported effort to reduce promotional prompts for Microsoft’s search engine across its software.

Why Microsoft is moving away from Bing redirection

The original implementation of the speed test was seen as a tactic to drive traffic to Bing, similar to other Microsoft products like the Bing Wallpaper app. However, the company appears to be shifting toward a more seamless user experience by integrating core utilities natively.

TechRadar notes that this change may reflect broader efforts to improve Windows 11’s perception by reducing what some users viewed as unnecessary promotions for Bing.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Microsoft’s decision to remove Bing redirection from the Windows 11 speed test reflects a growing emphasis on native integration over cross-promotional tactics. For founders and operators, this shift underscores the importance of prioritizing user experience over forced ecosystem lock-ins, especially in utility features where seamless functionality is critical. Developers building on Windows 11 should also take note of how Microsoft is consolidating tools into Quick Settings, which could influence how users interact with third-party applications in future updates.

Key takeaways

• Founders building tools or utilities for Windows 11 can observe Microsoft’s shift toward native integration, reducing reliance on browser-based redirects for core features.
• The removal of Bing redirection may signal a broader trend of streamlining user experience, which could impact third-party developers who rely on Bing’s ecosystem for traffic or partnerships.
• Operators should test their applications in Windows Insider builds to anticipate how such changes might affect compatibility or user workflows.

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