Fix: Intel(R) Wi-fi 6 AX201 160MHz Adapter is experiencing hardware-related problems

The AX201 is Intel’s WiFi 6 AX201 (Gig+) Adapter, which supports the new IEEE 802.11ax standard (WiFi 6 technology). Some users have recently reported encountering an ‘Intel WiFi 6 AX201 driver not working’ issue while trying to connect to WiFi in Windows 10 computers.

We had a look into the issue and discovered that it is typically caused due to network and connectivity issues within your operating system. In some cases, a corrupted or outdated Intel WiFi 6 AX201 driver might also cause the issue. Below, we have compiled several effective troubleshooting methods that helped users resolve this error. Proceed with the one that suits your situation the best.

Run the Internet Connection Troubleshooter

The first thing that you need to do when facing any issue regarding your WiFi on Windows is run the Internet Connection troubleshooter. This utility is present in Windows Settings and is specifically designed to identify the problems that might be preventing your internet connection from working properly. 

It works by scanning the operating system for issues. If any corruption errors or bugs are identified, it will suggest relevant fixes. All that you need to do is apply the fix to get back on track. However, if it fails to identify the issues, you can move towards slightly complex troubleshooting methods.

Here is how you can run the Internet Connection troubleshooter to resolve the issue with AX201:

1. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open Windows Settings. Alternatively, you can also type ‘Settings’ in the search area of your taskbar and click Open.
2. In the Settings window, click on Update & Security. 

   

3. Head over to the Troubleshoot tab in the left panel and then select Additional troubleshooters.

   

4. In the Additional troubleshooters window, click on Internet Connections and hit the Run the troubleshooter button.

   

5. Once the troubleshooter completes its scan, it will recommend fixes if any issues are found. In this case, apply the fixes and then try installing the update again.

Reset the Network Settings

Alternatively, you can choose to Reset Network Settings to fix internet connection issues that might be causing problems with AX201. Choosing to reset network settings, however, will not only remove the login information for that Wi-Fi network, but your saved Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth pairings, mobile network preferences, and VPN information. will also be erased.

This is quite different from factory reset since resetting the network will not delete any web browser data. Follow the steps mentioned below to reset your network:

1. Press Windows + I keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open Windows Settings.
2. In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.

   

3. Now scroll down and select Network reset.

   

4. Hit the Reset now button and wait for the process to complete. Once done, check if you can download the update successfully.

Update Your Driver

There is also a chance that the relevant driver installed on the operating system has become corrupt or outdated, causing issues like the one at hand. The solution to this is simple, as all that you need to do is update the driver via Device Manager. 

Here is how you can do that:

1. Type Device Manager in the search area of your taskbar and hit Open.
2. Inside the Device Manager window, expand Network Adapters.
3. Now right-click on your wireless driver and select Update driver.

   

4. In the next window, choose Browse my computer for drivers.
   
   
5. Then, select Let me pick available drivers.
   

   

6. Now choose an old driver that is already installed on your PC and use it. Check if that fixes that issue with AX201.

Use Command Prompt

This method was discussed by an independent advisor on the Microsoft forum, and it worked like a charm for several users. In this method, we will execute some commands via Command Prompt to reset and renew relevant Windows operations. Follow the steps mentioned below to do so:

1. Type cmd in the search area of your taskbar and click on Run as administrator to launch elevated Command Prompt.
2. Inside the Command Prompt window, type the commands mentioned below and hit Enter.
   

   netsh int ip reset
   
   netsh advfirewall reset
   
   netsh winsock reset
   
   ipconfig /flushdns
   
   ipconfig /release
   
   ipconfig /renew

    

   

3. Once the commands are executed, restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

Reinstall the Driver

You can also try uninstalling the problematic driver and then reinstalling it by following the steps listed below:

1. Head over to this link and download the driver. Once downloaded don’t install it yet. Just save the installer on your desktop.
2. Type Device Manager in the search area of your taskbar and hit Open.
3. Inside the Device Manager window, expand Network Adapters.
4. Now right-click on your wireless driver and select Uninstall device.

   

5. Once uninstalled, go to your desktop and install the driver.
6. Finally, restart your PC and check if the issue with AX201 is resolved.