Microsoft is getting ready for the next Windows 11 feature drop, and the clearest hint so far is showing up in the newest Release Preview builds. With Windows 11 builds 26100.7918 and 26200.7918 (KB5077241) now rolling out to the Release Preview Channel, Microsoft is testing a fresh collection of refinements that focus heavily on improving the taskbar experience, along with a handful of broader system upgrades.
The standout change is a practical new tool many users have wanted for years: a built-in internet speed test accessible right from the taskbar. Instead of opening a separate app or searching for a speed test site, Windows 11 will let you quickly launch a speed check through the network controls you already use every day.
Once the update is available on your device, you’ll be able to start the speed test in two simple ways:
– Right-click the network icon in the system tray on the taskbar
– Open the Wi-Fi or cellular section in Quick Settings
The test opens in your default web browser and can be used to measure performance on Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular connections. While it may sound like a small quality-of-life addition, it can be genuinely useful when troubleshooting slow downloads, unstable Wi-Fi, or inconsistent cellular tethering. Being able to check speeds in seconds—without hunting for tools—makes diagnosing connection issues much faster.
Beyond the speed test, Microsoft is also fine-tuning taskbar behavior for people who prefer uncombined taskbar buttons (where each window appears separately rather than being grouped). With these new builds, apps that have several windows open won’t automatically shove every instance into the overflow menu at once. Instead, only the windows that truly don’t fit on the taskbar will move into overflow. The result is a cleaner taskbar, a more accurate overflow area, and less frustration when juggling multiple windows.
KB5077241 also includes improvements that go beyond the taskbar. According to the changelog, the update brings:
– Native Sysmon support
– Camera pan and tilt controls
– Refinements to the Start menu layout
– Various fixes for File Explorer and other Windows system components
All together, these changes point to a Windows 11 update aimed less at flashy redesigns and more at everyday convenience—especially for users who spend a lot of time in the taskbar, Quick Settings, and File Explorer. If these Release Preview features land as expected, the next Windows 11 feature drop should feel like a steady polish pass that makes common tasks faster and the interface a little smarter where it counts.
