Intel Dual Band Wireless-ac 7260 Driver Windows 11

pnputil /delete-driver oem*.inf /uninstall /force (caution: use only if expert)

Report generated for: Windows 11 (21H2, 22H2, 23H2, 24H2)
Driver status: Working (unsupported legacy)
Confidence level: High (tested across multiple builds)

Note: Intel officially ended support for the 7260 series on October 31, 2018. No security updates or Windows 11-specific fixes will be released.

The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

has reached its End-of-Life (EOL) status, meaning Intel no longer provides official driver updates specifically for Windows 11. However, the card can still function on Windows 11 using the final released Windows 10 drivers. Essential Driver Guide

Final Official Driver Version: The last official driver released by Intel is v18.33.17.1.

Compatibility: While not natively supported, this version is generally stable on Windows 11 64-bit systems.

Official Downloads: Intel has removed these from its primary download center, but they may still be found via: Microsoft Update Catalog: Search for " Wireless-AC 7260 " to find the most recent certified drivers.

OEM Support: If you have a pre-built system, check manufacturer sites like the Dell Support Page for their tested version of the 7260 driver. How to Install on Windows 11 intel dual band wireless-ac 7260 driver windows 11

Download the Driver: Get the .exe or .zip file for version 18.33.17.1 (ensure it's for 64-bit). Clean Uninstall (Optional but Recommended): Open Device Manager. Find your adapter under Network adapters.

Right-click and select Uninstall device, checking the box for "Attempt to remove the driver for this device".

Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the prompts to install. Restart: Reboot your computer to apply the changes.

Verify: Return to Device Manager and ensure the card appears without a yellow warning triangle. Troubleshooting Tips

Blue Screen (BSOD): If you experience frequent crashes, some users find better stability using the Intel Driver & Support Assistant to scan for compatible generic alternatives, though mileage varies for legacy cards.

Power Settings: If Wi-Fi drops frequently, go to Device Manager > Properties > Power Management and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".

Are you experiencing connection drops or a specific error code with your wireless card? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

Solved: Dual Band Wireless AC 7260 driver. - Intel Community pnputil /delete-driver oem*

Fixing Wi-Fi Issues: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 on Windows 11

If you have upgraded your older laptop to Windows 11 only to find your Wi-Fi is dropping or completely gone, you aren't alone. The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 is a classic adapter, but because it reached End-of-Life (EOL) status in 2022, finding a dedicated Windows 11 driver can be tricky.

While Intel no longer provides official Windows 11 updates for this card, you can still get it working reliably by using the last available Windows 10 drivers. Why Is the Driver Missing?

Discontinued Status: Intel officially stopped manufacturing the 7260 family in 2016 and ended self-service support in December 2022.

Compatibility: There is no "official" Windows 11 driver, but because Windows 11 shares the same core architecture as Windows 10, the 64-bit Windows 10 drivers typically work perfectly. How to Install the Driver on Windows 11 Method 1: Use the Last Official Intel Package

Even though it’s listed for Windows 10, this is the most reliable file to use. Visit the Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Drivers page.

Download the WiFi-24.30.1-Driver64-Win10-Win11.exe (or the latest version available). Run the installer and restart your PC once finished. Method 2: Manual Update via Device Manager

If the automated installer fails, try a manual "point-and-shoot" update: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Report generated for: Windows 11 (21H2, 22H2, 23H2,

Expand Network adapters, right-click Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260, and select Update driver.

Choose Search automatically for drivers. If Windows finds nothing, select Browse my computer for drivers and point it to the folder where you extracted the Intel files. Method 3: Manufacturer Support Pages

If you have a pre-built laptop, your manufacturer might have a customized "last-stable" driver:

Dell Users: Check the Dell Support site for specific 7260 DUP (Dell Update Packages).

Lenovo Users: Some users find success using the specific Lenovo AC 7260 drivers even on non-Lenovo machines. PC Tips: How to Update All Drivers at Once

This adapter is a classic piece of Wi-Fi hardware from the Haswell/Broadwell era (2013–2015). While it supports the critical 802.11ac standard (Wi-Fi 5), it is now considered a legacy device by Intel.

Can you run the Intel 7260 on Windows 11? Yes, technically. Should you? Only if you have no other choice. The drivers work, but the experience is often plagued by latency spikes, random disconnects, and the infamous "limited connectivity" issue.

Since Windows Update fails to provide a stable driver, you must manually install the last supported Windows 10 driver.