Intel WiFi driver causing Windows 10 to crash (netwtw04.sys 19.1.0.4)

[idata]

This is more of a bug report than a question, in the hope that someone at Intel reads this and takes action on it.

I recently installed a Gigabyte PCIe WiFi and Bluetooth card into my PC. It's based on the Intel AC 8260. Shortly after I installed and configured the new card the Intel Driver Update Utility told me there was updated software, and I downloaded and installed it. The new version was PROSet Wireless Software to 19.1.0.

I almost immediately started seeing my Windows 10 system (anniversary edition) crash (Blue Screen) on a regular basis - like every few minutes, and on every occasion the module causing the crash was the Intel WiFi driver (netwtw04.sys V19.1.0.4 from 7/24/16). The stop code reported in the blue screen data is ATTEMPTED_WRITE_TO_READONLY_MEMORY. I have attached a photo of the blue screen.

I have since manually removed the newer driver and reverted back to an older version (18.50.4.2 built 6/5/2016) which so far (it's been a few hours now) seems to be stable. I am posting this in the hope that Intel can do something about it, and incase others run into the same issue.

[JMcCa10]

Hi

thanks for checking back in with me. Unfortunately after a few days off the computer I have come back to it and found I am still having this problem. I am not getting BSOD lately but still the wifi will drop out and the only way to get it going again I have found is to restart the computer. Once the wifi has dropped out, restarrting the computer will take much longer than usual - over 5 mins. I have been in touch with Gigabyte. They said:

Is this a fresh install of Windows 10 operating system for this motherboard? Are all drivers installed from installation CD or the latest drivers provided from GIGABYTE website?http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5812# dl http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5812# dl

There should be no such problem for Intel WIFI AC8260 driver based on our validation test. Does the problem still exist if Intel WIFI AC8260 driver is uninstalled temporarily? ... We also suggest that you ask the purchase dealer for further help on your whole system examination to rule out whether it's a single motherboard issue.

I have checked the BIOS version and it is F2 - which is not the most recent - there has been an update F3 that improves memory performance but F2 is still available on their website and is not flagged for any known issues. I am reluctant to flash the BIOS as it sounds risky.

I have also turned off the computer's ability to turn itself off to save power. With regard to the 3rd party software - its a new build running Windows 10 with no network monitoring apps or virtualisation software. It has Avast antivirus and Malwarebytes but this was not installed the first time I encountered the problem.

I haven't contacted the purchase dealer as suggested by Gigabyte as I don't see what they could do to help - they just sell the hardware on. I'd be grateful for any other ideas you might have.

Cheers,

John

[JAgui4]

John, I highly recommend updating the BIOS. It's not actually very risky at all, and even though the F2 version was not flagged as having any problems, I can guarantee that it did. Maybe not this specific bug, but it will have bug fixes.

As someone who has worked in the industry, I can tell you without a doubt that the manufacturer wouldn't put out an update just for increased performance. It's not cost-effective to pay a team of people to re-work code, test it, and deploy it just for a little performance gain. Many times it mostly just bug fixes and to avoid the embarrassment of admitting it was buggy, a manufacturer is more likely to call it a "feature upgrade" than a "big fix" update, even if it is just fixing bugs. They'll find some feature to add or improve, and tout that as the reason for the update. They don't open-source the code, so there's no way for us to see exactly whats in it - and they take full advantage of that.

Unfortunately, most companies don't want to take responsibility for any issues they have, especially in the PC world. It's always the fault of a different OEM... much like we're experiencing here, where it's obviously the driver causing our issues (rolling back the driver fixes the problem, and it's across multiple mothrboards, so that must be it) but Intel will do anything but admit it's them. No one wants to admit they wrote "bad code."

Update your BIOS, load the 18.4 or some other 18.X driver, and enjoy a working computer. Or do what I did, which was all that, and running an Ethernet cable to the PC so I can just avoid the problem completely.

Don't count on Intel fixing the problem with any haste, as fixing it will cost them money, not make them any. And why would they want to hurt their bottom line? We're in the minority here. Just accept it, and don't buy Intel next time.

[idata]

Hello JohnKMcCarthy,

Intel has recently released a new driver package version: 19.20.0 here is the link to it:https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/26346/Intel-PROSet-Wireless-Software-and-Drivers-for-Windows-10?product=86068 Intel® PROSet/Wireless Software and Drivers for Windows® 10 the driver version for the Intel® Dual Band Wireless Adapter in this package is the 19.20.0.6. Could you please try and let us know if the issue still persists,Best regards,Aleki

[idata]

Hello,

We have not seen any response to the last posts. Please let us know if the issue persists after the BIOS and driver updates.Regards,Jonathan.