How to Install Intel Network Drivers on Windows

Jul 21, 2023

If you use Intel network adapters, you'll want the latest drivers for them. Here's how to grab them on Windows.

If you're facing connectivity issues with your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on your Windows laptop, it could be due to outdated drivers. Your Windows laptop might be using an Intel network adapter, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got the correct Intel drivers installed on your system.

But don't worry if you're unsure about installing the necessary drivers. In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps to update your Intel network drivers easily.

Computer drivers are essential software that allows the computer hardware to communicate with your PC's operating system. Speakers, display devices, USB controllers, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi require the relevant driver software to function correctly.

Network drivers are like messengers between your computer and the network hardware that helps you connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. They work closely with the physical Network Interface Card (NIC) or wireless adapter inside your PC or laptop to ensure smooth communication and internet connectivity.

If you’re having trouble connecting to the internet using an Intel network adapter, you will need to make sure you have the appropriate drivers installed. These drivers are necessary to help you get online and establish a stable internet connection.

Additionally, if you’re unable to connect a Bluetooth device to your Windows laptop, it’s possible you’re using an outdated driver. In that case, you'll need to install the latest driver to ensure compatibility and enable a successful Bluetooth connection.

Before we get into installing and upgrading the network drivers of your Windows PC, we need to make sure the network and Bluetooth adapters installed are manufactured by Intel.

You’ll have to view the device details through the Device Manager on Windows 10 and 11 to verify if your PC is fitted with an Intel network adapter. It’s a straightforward process that should not take too long.

Here’s how you can ensure your PC is using an Intel-manufactured network and Bluetooth adapter:

If you didn’t find an Intel(R) network adapter in the list, you can use either Windows Update or Device Manager to update or install your network drivers and fix your internet connection.

The easiest way to update or install an Intel network driver on Windows is through Windows Update. When you choose to enable optional updates on your Windows system, Windows Update will automatically find the relevant driver updates if available.

To update a network driver via Windows Update:

If installing drivers via optional updates didn't resolve your connectivity problem, consider reinstalling the drivers using the Device Manager. There's a chance that you've installed a faulty Intel driver, which in turn causes bugs.

Here's how to reinstall your Intel Wi-Fi drivers:

Occasionally, Windows Update fails to install the correct driver, which has happened to me multiple times with my AMD display. It's a common occurrence and nothing to worry about.

The most effective solution to permanently resolve driver issues is directly downloading the official driver from the manufacturer's website.

Suppose you cannot access the internet from your primary device. In that case, you can download the installation setup on another laptop and then copy it onto your primary device with a USB.

To download Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers from the Intel website:

If you cannot perform a manual driver update as detailed above, consider using the automatic Intel Driver & Support Assistant tool.

If you don’t want to worry about updating drivers manually, you can download the official Intel Driver & Support Assistant tool. Once you set up the device, it will automatically detect the installed Intel hardware and suggest relevant drivers if needed.

Updating Wi-Fi or Bluetooth drivers can be a bit troublesome, but installing the correct software is crucial to ensure your PC functions smoothly. If your computer is experiencing issues or fails to recognize peripherals like your mouse and keyboard, it might be due to outdated drivers that need updating.

Fahad holds a Bachelors in Computer Science and his passion for all things Windows is reflected in his writing. Having worked in the tech space for over four years, he deftly blends his technical knowledge with his skills as an author, making his work both informative and accessible to his audience.