Windows 11 speed test preview was built with agentic AI and human oversight

Microsoft has revamped the built-in internet speed test in a preview version of Windows 11, saying the work was driven by an agentic AI workflow with a person guiding the process.

Marcus Ash, Microsoft’s vice president of Windows Design and Research, said on X that after feedback called for improvements, Diego Baca had a working prototype within a day. Baca is Microsoft’s vice president of Design for Windows. Ash said the company’s connectivity team then worked with partners to bring the experience into Windows.

Ash presented the work as an example of how AI agents could help move ideas to customers faster. The article says the agent handled much of the implementation, including design, while a software engineer guided it in their spare time. Microsoft has not described the extent of the engineer’s review.

The approach has drawn mixed reactions. Some online commenters say AI-assisted coding is now widespread across software development. Others question whether Microsoft provides enough human oversight and quality assurance, citing recurring Windows 11 bugs. The article also raises concerns about promoting AI’s role in development while Microsoft is making job cuts and encouraging voluntary redundancies.

Microsoft’s public explanation is transparent about using an AI agent, but the article says trust in how the company checks AI-generated work remains a concern for some Windows users.