typically work on Windows 11 systems. This adapter is considered End-of-Life (EOL)
Common issues on Windows 11 include frequent connection drops or "no internet" errors. Experts often recommend:
Open > Network & internet > Advanced network settings . Select Network reset and restart your computer. Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260
Coexistence problem between Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth (also 2.4 GHz). Fix: intel dual band wireless-ac 7260 driver windows 11
Open and find the 7260 under Network adapters . Right-click the adapter and select Properties . Go to the Power Management tab.
18.33.17.1 (or latest available 18.33.x package)
Running the standard .exe installer sometimes fails due to Windows 11 compatibility blocks. Installing the driver manually through Device Manager bypasses these restrictions. typically work on Windows 11 systems
Because of this, there is no official Windows 11 driver available on the Intel website. If you upgrade to Windows 11, your 7260 card might suffer from random disconnections, slow speeds, or failing to start entirely (showing Error Code 10 or 43 in Device Manager).
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Older drivers lack support for modern security protocols (WPA3 transition mode) and may cause blue screens (BSOD) referencing netwbw02.sys .
Getting the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Driver to Work on Windows 11 The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Select Network reset and restart your computer
: Since the 7260 was widely used in branded laptops, your computer's original manufacturer (OEM) may still host the drivers on its support page for your specific model. This is often the safest approach. Search the support site using your laptop's serial number to find the "network" or "wireless" drivers for Windows 10, which are fully compatible with Windows 11.
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Product Brief - Mouser Electronics
: Bluetooth is often lost after Windows updates. You should install the Bluetooth driver from the same package (21.10.1) alongside the WiFi driver. Intel Community Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues Intel Dual Band AC-7260 Slow WiFi After Windows 10 Upgrade
If you are still experiencing issues after following this guide, consider replacing the card. For most laptops with an M.2 2230 slot (non-soldered), you can upgrade to:
Use the "Roll Back Driver" button in Device Manager if your Wi-Fi suddenly stops working after a Windows Update. When to Consider a Hardware Upgrade