Intel Dual Band Wireless-ac 7260 Driver Windows 11 __exclusive__ May 2026
Fixing Wi-Fi Issues: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 on Windows 11
Download the correct driver
from Intel’s official archive (do not use driver updater tools):
- Open Device Manager → Network adapters → Right-click Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 → Uninstall device.
- Check "Delete the driver software for this device".
- Also uninstall any Bluetooth devices under Bluetooth named "Intel Wireless Bluetooth".
Updating the Driver
- Official Support: The last official drivers released by Intel were designed for Windows 10.
- End of Life (EOL): Intel has discontinued support for this adapter. No new drivers will be released specifically for Windows 11.
- Microsoft In-Box Drivers: Windows 11 often attempts to install a generic driver during installation or via Windows Update. This driver is frequently unstable, leading to connection drops, inability to detect 5GHz networks, or the infamous "Code 10" error in Device Manager.
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates.
- If an update is available, click on Download and install now.
Issue #4: Driver Keeps Rolling Back to 2016 Version After Windows Update
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260
The is not officially supported on Windows 11, but with the right driver package (version 18.33.0), careful installation, and a few tweaks, it can still deliver stable and respectable Wi-Fi performance. The key is to avoid Microsoft’s automatic driver, disable power management, and address Bluetooth coexistence issues. intel dual band wireless-ac 7260 driver windows 11
If you see 15.xx.x or Microsoft dated 2016, you have the wrong driver. Fixing Wi-Fi Issues: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260