- Resolving Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz Connection Issues on Windows
- Examining the Nature of the Issue
- Updating Drivers to the Latest Version
- Uninstalling and Reinstalling Drivers
- Repairing and Resetting the Network Adapter
- Using The Network Troubleshooter
- Adjusting Wireless Mode Settings
- Refreshing Network Settings
- Conclusion
- References
Resolving Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz Connection Issues on Windows
In today’s connected world, a spotty Wi-Fi connection can severely impact productivity. If you’re experiencing issues with your Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz adapter randomly disconnecting on Windows 10/11, rest assured – you can resolve this pesky problem.
Examining the Nature of the Issue
The first step lies in examining the issue itself. Heading over to Event Viewer, we notice error messages indicating the Intel Wi-Fi device is facing trouble starting up. The error code0xC00000E5points to driver issues.
Runningnetsh wlan show interfacesin an elevated command prompt reveals the Wi-Fi card itself appears in working condition, but keeps losing connectivity. This confirms the problem likely lies with the drivers rather than hardware failure.
Updating Drivers to the Latest Version
Outdated drivers frequently cause conflicts resulting in spotty connections. We can manually download the newest driver from Intel’s website and install it. Alternatively, utilities like Driver Easy can automatically fetch the latest driver and handle the update process seamlessly.
In Windows 10 and 11, navigating to Device Manager allows updating the drivers directly. Right-click the Intel Wi-Fi device, select Update Driver, then Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software. Windows will fetch the newest driver from Windows Update and install it.
A driver update often resolves Wi-Fi connectivity problems. Restart your PC once done and Wi-Fi issues should disappear.
Uninstalling and Reinstalling Drivers
If updating drivers prove ineffective, uninstalling the network adapter drivers and restarting your PC prompts Windows to automatically reinstall the Wi-Fi drivers afresh. This wipes out any corrupted driver files causing conflicts.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. Typedevmgmt.mscand hit Enter to launch Device Manager. Under Network Adapters, right-click the Intel Wi-Fi device and select Uninstall. Check the box to delete drivers and restart your PC. The network adapter drivers will automatically reinstall.
Repairing and Resetting the Network Adapter
Corrupt driver files can also be repaired instead of fully uninstalling. In Device Manager, right-click the Intel Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties. Navigate to the Driver tab and click Repair. This fixes broken drivers and overwrites them with fresh copies.
Alternatively, select the network adapter, click Properties, then the Advanced tab. Choose Reset under Network Address and hit OK. Resetting the adapter often resolves intermittent connection issues.
Using The Network Troubleshooter
Windows includes an automated Network Troubleshooter under Settings > Troubleshoot > Internet Connections. Running this identifies and fixes common network problems, including Wi-Fi connectivity issues. It’s an easy one-click solution worth trying.
Adjusting Wireless Mode Settings
Another potential fix lies in adjusting the wireless mode settings. Open Network Connections and double click the Wi-Fi network. Under Wireless Mode, try tweaking the settings for type of wireless network, band selection and channel width. Changing from Auto to 802.11ac often improves reliability. Reducing channel bandwidth from Auto 20/40/80 MHz to 20 MHz also enhances stability.
Refreshing Network Settings
Resetting your network settings to default factory conditions can eliminate software-related glitches causing connectivity problems. Open an elevated command prompt and run:
netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /flushdnsThis resets the TCP/IP stack, network protocols and DNS cache – wiping out corruption. Reboot once done for changes to take effect.
Conclusion
With the comprehensive troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve temperamental Wi-Fi connections on devices using the Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz adapter on Windows 10 and 11. Driver updates, repairs and resets, tweaking wireless settings, running diagnostics and refreshing network configurations should help banish spotty Wi-Fi to the past.
We hope this guide proves useful in improving connectivity and productivity. Feel free to share any other tips that worked for you in the comments!
