Re: Wifi driver stopped working

EliV1 · ‎01-05-2025

My driver, Intel(R) Wi-fi 6 AX201 160MHz, stopped working out of nowhere. There is a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to it in the device manager. It either states code 10 or code 43. It is up to date.

I tried uninstalling and manually reinstalling it but that didn't work and the driver still states the same issues. I also completed a pending windows update. I cannot access wifi whatsoever, there isn't even an option in settings for wifi.

If anyone has any ideas on how to fix this it would be greatly appreciated.

LeonWaksman · ‎01-05-2025

1. Use System Restore to go back to a restore point in Windows 11 where the WiFi was working.

or

2. Repair install of Windows 11 by performing an in-place upgrade without losing anything.

Leon

IncaGene · ‎01-08-2025

Thank you so much for the solution steps you offered! I posted my issue same as EliV1 had the same, and then followed the first step you metnioned and successfully restored my wi-fi. All other restoration methods I tried via web and google searches resulted in nothing but wasted time. This worked on the first try!

I only wish to understand why it stopped in the first place and if it will be a recurring issue? . Thank you again Leon for restoring not only my wi-fi but my sanity.

LeonWaksman · ‎01-09-2025

Hi @IncaGene

I'm glad that the restore was successful. Could be that some incompatible WiFi driver was pushed by the Windows update. Now, once the WiFi works, check the installed driver version (right click on WiFi adapter in Device Manager. Then Properties, Driver tab) . In case that the failure reoccurs, check again and see if this is the real problem.

In addition, check the last Windows update installed (you may see the in Settings>Windows Update>Update history).

Leon

IncaGene · ‎02-12-2025

Hi Leon,

One month later and I am having the exact same issue but I can't seem to get it resolved even when using the mehtod you outlined which worked before unless I'm doing something wrong. I can uninstall it, scan for hardware changes, reboot and it reloads as corrupt.

Any thoughts or fixes appreciated. I was hoping to fix it using the guidance from the past but it's been 24 hrs now and I'm tethered with an ethernet cable.

Thanks in advance!

Gene

LeonWaksman · ‎02-12-2025

Hi Gene,

1. From the image attached to your post, I can see that Windows pushed some old WiFi driver (dated 2019). Please download the latest WiFi Driver.

2. Next, disconnect the Internet connection and perform clean Wifi Driver installation:

Go to Device Manager.
Expand the Network Adapters category.
Right-click your Intel Wireless Adapter and choose to uninstall it.
Make sure to the option to Delete the driver software for this device is selected.
Repeat steps A through D until the the option to Delete the driver software for this device is greyed out.
Restart your computer.

3. Install the previously downloaded WiFi Driver (double click on the .exe file).

4. Reconnect the Internet and restart your computer.

Leon

IncaGene · ‎02-13-2025

Hi Leon, thanks for that procedure. I followed it to the letter (severa times) but still getting the same error/reuslts. I downloaded the recommended (and only) driver from the link (I had tried that before sending the email as well) but the result is the same:

Not sure what else to do. I bought the laptop at BestBuy ~2 yrs ago and not under warranty so I'm guessing any geeksquad would attempt the same thing and get the same results? I do appreciate your help tho!

Gene

IncaGene · ‎01-07-2025

I came to this site seeking the same resolution. My wi-fi disappeared 2 minutes before a business zoom yesterday. I have the exact same issues and have tried the exact same things. I have never experienced such an issue with any computer or laptop and am completely dumbfounded. I am using an HP Pavilion x360. I have no other issues with the laptop, by using an ethernet connection everything is working well but I need Wi-Fi as I have had since I purchased the laptop almost 2 yrs ago.

n_scott_pearson · ‎02-13-2025

I suggest you try doing a clean install. Here is the proper process:

If you haven't already, download - but do not install just yet - the latest Bluetooth and Wireless driver packages for your adapter. Here are the current links for downloading these drivers: Wireless: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/19351 and Bluetooth: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/18649.
Most important! Disable Internet access. Unplug Ethernet cable and/or disable wireless. Keep disabled until told to re-enable. Note: This Wireless disable *must* be of type that will persist (i.e. stay disabled) across reboots.
From the Apps & Features applet, check for instances of Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and Intel Wireless Bluetooth. If none, skip forward to Step 6.
Uninstall each instance of Intel PROSet/Wireless Software and/or Intel Wireless Bluetooth that is present. When prompted, choose to "Discard Settings".
Manually reboot your computer, keeping Internet access disabled throughout.
From the Device Manager applet, check the Network Adapters section for an entry for Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 and check the Bluetooth section for an entry for Intel Wireless Bluetooth that has an Intel driver associated with it. If neither is the case, skip forward to Step 12.
Right click on the entry for Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 and select Uninstall Device. In the dialog that is then presented, choose to (checkmark) Delete the driver software for this device.
Repeat step 7 until the option to Delete the driver software for this device is not offered (i.e., is greyed out).
Right click on the entry for Intel Wireless Bluetooth and open its properties. If it has an Intel driver associated with it, then uninstall it, choosing to (checkmark) Delete the driver software for this device.
Repeat step 9 until the option to Delete the driver software for this device is not offered (i.e., is greyed out).
Go back to Step 5.
Install the downloaded Bluetooth driver package you downloaded earlier (my rule: always install Bluetooth first).
Install the downloaded Wireless driver package you downloaded earlier.
Manually shutdown and reboot your computer.
Reenable Internet access. Restore Ethernet cable and/or reenable wireless.
Test.

Note: It sometimes takes multiple uninstall (and reboot) cycles to clean out the old installations, so don't give up on the process. If you get to, say, 10 cycles, stop there and attempt the installation of the latest drivers.

Hope this helps,

...S

IncaGene · ‎02-13-2025

Thanks for the detailed procedure Scott. I went thru step-by-step and was really hoping this would be the fix but I still have the same issues. After reinstalling and reenabling the internet, WIfi does not show up as an option

and from the device manager reappears with the corrupted yellow triangle:

I thank both you and Leon for your efforts, ready to toss this out the upstairs window. No other issues with the computer and works well with the ehternet. Just don't understand why it won't take a liking to the updated driver installs?

-G

n_scott_pearson · ‎02-13-2025

There is always the chance that the component has failed. If it is the M.2 2230 socketed part, you can purchase a replacement for ~US$20.

Hope this helps,

...S

IncaGene · ‎02-13-2025

Well guess what? I am back online. I was doing some further digging and reading others who have had the same issues and picked up one nugget that made the difference.

One user with the issue reported his wireless mouse was not liked by the Intel adaptor. Turns out that during all these fix attempts I had left my USB mouse connector inserted into laptop. Once I removed it and ran the process step by step, Wi-Fi restored!!!

Wireless keyboard works fine. And now it all makes sense in the timeline of events. When this first occured in January I loaned my previous mouse to my daughter who was going on travels. I then purchased a cheap $7 wireless mouse at Target and shortly thereafter my first issue occured. Spring forward to February and same issue happened when I swapped the USB for the mouse in and out to use the port for other applications.

That's when both issues happened, after inserting/removing the wireless USB from the machine. Upon further inspection this replacement USB is from Vietnam. My original mouse I gave to my daughter never had no issues for years.

So for now, I am back with WiFi and a bit wiser. Thanks for your efforts Scott and also to Leon if you're reading.

-G