Intel 7260AC Drivers (18.30 and 18.32) Won't Install

[MMcCa3]

I have been trying to update my drivers for an Intel 7260-AC Wifi Adapter. Version 18.21 installs just fine but neither 18.30 and 18.32 will install. I have even uninstalled drivers completely before attempting to install and nothing works. Running the setup(s) seems to start (animation) but never completes. Likewise, I have tried to install the full ProSet Wireless software and that fails to update drivers too.

[ASouz7]

MikeMc,

Do you get any specific error message during installation besides the animation? Could you describe the animation?

Is this wireless adapter the one that came installed by factory?

[JScha7]

Aleki,

I have the same problem as MikeMc. I had an Intel 4965AGN Wifi module in my laptop, which worked perfectly until I upgraded to Windows 10. Then the Wifi driver would constantly blue screen my computer. Since there was no Windows 10 driver for that Wifi module, I purchased an AC 7260 Wifi module and installed it. Windows 10 recognized the new hardware and installed driver version 17.15.0.5 for it. But, that driver does not work properly. When the laptop comes out of hibernation, the Wifi module is disabled and cannot be re-enabled. I have to reboot to get Wifi connectivity again. I used the Intel Driver Update Utility. The utility detected the current driver and indicated that there was a newer version 18.32. The utility downloaded the new version, installed it and indicated that the installation was successful. But it wasn't. I can go into control panel and see that the original driver version is still persistent.

After that, I went to the Intel support website and downloaded both the installers for the version 18.32 driver only and the complete ProSet Wireless Software with driver. Neither installer succeeds in installing the version 18.32 driver. When I run the installer for the driver only, I see the same thing MikeMc does. A small window pops up with a circular annimated progress indicator. After a few seconds, the progress indicator disappears and nothing more happens.

My configuration is as follows:

Dell Latitude D830, Core2 Duo, 8GB ram

Windows 10 version 1511, x64

[ASouz7]

Schauk and MikeMc

Our first recommendation is fo you to check with your computer manufacturer for the latest drivers in case that the adapter is native to your system. As a second option you can do the following:

Download and save: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/ Drivers & Software ( on the search donwloads bar, just type the model of your adapter like this: 7265 or 7260

1. Go to Control Panel, Programs and Features and Uninstall "Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software", if it is installed. When prompted, choose the option to "Discard settings".

2. In Control Panel, Device Manager, Network Adapters, right click on the Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 or Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 and Uninstall it. Make sure you mark the option to "Delete the driver software for this device".

3. Reboot the PC or scan for hardware changes, check device manager and if an older driver is detected and installed, repeat the actions to uninstall and delete it as well. Repeat this process until the OS does not allow deleting the driver, or until the controller shows as Unknown Device.

4. Reboot or scan for hardware changes, then uninstall and delete any older driver versions as you did for the Wireless adapter.

5. Install the Intel® Wireless driver. During the first steps of PROSet/Wireless installation, make sure to customize the installation and install all the 3 driver components.

[MMcCa3]

Schauk's response is similar to mine. When I try to install the driver only, there is the little circular animation as if it is installing. There are no error messages. LIkewise, when trying to install the full PROSET software with drivers, it indicates "Success" at the end yet the driver version has not changed. I have tried doing a complete uninstall, including discarding settings, and nothing works. As mentioned earlier, an older update 18.21 works and installs, but nothing after works. I'm not sure if it is my machine or if there is a bug in the current installers. Also, to answer a previous question, this adapter came with the machine. I have not had any past issues in Windows 8.1 or a few driver updates under Windows 10. Issue started with 18.30 and continues with 18.32.

[ASouz7]

MikeMc,

Since this wireless adapter is an OEM's we recommend that youo contact them first and see what other options they have in order to assist you. Remember that our drivers are generic and my not be fully compatible with the OEM's system. Contact them and let us know the results: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/topics/OEMs.html Computer Manufacturer Support Websites

[KDoga]

Hello aleki,

I have same issue. I cannot install latest version of driver to my ASUS-N550JK (7260 N Wireless card)

I got this error. I tried both driver only and proset

[ASouz7]

mkaand,

This error code 00000524 may be related to Windows. Please try this solution provided by Microsoft*: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/mats/program_install_and_uninstall Fix problems that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled

[LRems]

I'm having the same exact issue with the version 33 x64 Windows 10 drivers.

I launch the driver install, get a the spinning animation, then it just goes away without updating the drivers, or giving an error.

I've tried fully disabling antivirus.

[BGee2]

I am also having the same issue as everyone else and I am running Windows 10 x64. It shows my driver version as 18.20.0.9 in the device manager which is dated August of last year. Upon clicking "update" it claims my driver is up to date when it's clearly not. I have tried downloading the latest driver manually from the support page but the installer says it's not signed, shows a quick animation, then nothing else happens.

I have tried disabling my virus/spyware protection programs before installing but still nothing. The reason for trying to update my driver stemmed from the fact that my connection seems to drop out randomly and the only way to get it back is by restarting.

[ASouz7]

coolbradg,

Is your wireless adapter the one installed by factory?

Where did you get the drivers from?

[BGee2]

No, I replaced the factory N card with this one. The drivers for it were installed automatically by Windows but are outdated.

Upon trying to manually install the most current drivers from Intel's site nothing happens.

[ASouz7]

coolbradg,

Before we go any further, it is important that you know that Intel does not support integration which is when the original wireless adapter is replaced by another one.

Please check this link for further information on this matter: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/network-and-i-o/wireless-networking/000005687.html?wapkw=regulatory+information+regarding+hardware+installation Regulatory Information Regarding Hardware Installation or Upgrade - We also recommend that you contact your computer manufacturer in order to obtain further assistance as they are the only one that can provide a list of wireless adapter that are fully compatible with your system. Here is the link locate their contact information: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/topics/OEMs.html Computer Manufacturer Support Websites

On our best way to assist you with this issue, we have some steps that might help you as well.

1. Download and save the https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25798/Intel-PROSet-Wireless-Software-for-Windows-10 Download Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software for Windows® 10 - File name: Wireless_18.33.0_PROSet64_Win10.exe

2. Go to Control Panel, Programs and Features and Uninstall "Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software", if it is installed. When prompted, choose the option to "Discard settings".

3. In Control Panel, Device Manager, Network Adapters, right click on the Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 and Uninstall it. Make sure you mark the option to "Delete the driver software for this device".

4. Reboot the PC or scan for hardware changes, check device manager and if an older driver is detected and installed, repeat the actions to uninstall and delete it as well. Repeat this process until the OS does not allow deleting the driver, or until the controller shows as Unknown Device.

5. Reboot or scan for hardware changes, then uninstall and delete any older driver versions as you did for the Wireless adapter.

6. Install the Intel® Wireless driver. During the first steps of PROSet/Wireless installation, make sure to customize the installation and install all the 3 driver components.

[BR10]

I have repeatedly posted that the updates provided for the 7260 do not actually contain 7260 drivers. This has been an issue for the last 3 updates, I think.

This has been confirmed repeatedly (and by many others posting here now).

The only workaround for Win10 users is to use the Win8.1 driver. This is only a workaround, though, so I would appreciate if a support specialist here could either pass the word on and help to get this issue corrected or let me know (by email) an address to contact within Intel about this issue. I have a friend in Intel executive management (not related to wireless development) but would rather not have to bother him about this.

Thanks

[ASouz7]

beltway,

We are more than glad to help you with this. In your particular case, you can contact your nearest Intel Contact Center for live assistance. One of our technicians will be more than glad to discuss your inquiries with you and, if necessary, engage a higher level of support. Through this link: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/contact-support.html Contact Support the most used by customers around the world for live assistance would be chat or phone call.