Installing New Network Drivers

[tkd01]

OK, I give up. I download and installed the new AC 8265 Wireless driver 21.80.2.1, dated 4/24/2020.  I uninstall the current driver 20.70.16.4, dated 1/2020, then restart the laptop and the new driver does not replace the old driver. I did this a few times by uninstalling the old driver, and for some reason I had driver 20.70.3.3, dated 9/13/18 show up.  If I uninstall this driver it just reinstalls the 20.70.16.4 driver. I can now roll back this driver to the 20.70.3.3 driver. I cannot get the new 21.80.2.1 driver to show up. It goes the same for the newer Bluetooth driver. These are in the HP software download site.  Anyone know what the problem is?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

You have to read the release notes on the Intel driver page.

It tells you what version of the driver in the package will get installed based on the model wifi adapter it is being installed on.

This is the latest driver file...Version: 21.120.0 (Latest) Date: 9/1/2020

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/29815/Windows-10-Wi-Fi-Drivers-for-Intel-Wireless-Adapters...

The 21.120.0 package installs the Windows® 10 Wi-Fi drivers for the following Intel® Wireless Adapters:

• 21.120.0.9 for AX201/AX200/9560/9260/9462/9461 (Only available in 64-bit version)

• 20.70.18.2 for 8265/8260 (Only available in 64-bit version)

• 19.51.30.1 for 7265(Rev. D)/3165/3168

[tkd01]

Thank you very much. That was really helpful. It did install the 20.70.18.2 as you stated. I'm still kind of confused why the  21.80.2.1 driver that HP has listed on the download site cannot be installed.  Strange.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The version 21.xx is for the newer model wifi adapters.

Your model wifi card will only install a 20.xx version.

[tkd01]

I wish then HP would clarify this on their download page as the HP Support Assistant shows the 21 series drivers for my particular model. Kind of confusing.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

It's very confusing...especially when you try to install the driver multiple times, and have no clue why the version they list isn't getting installed.

Since I don't work for or represent HP, I have no say in how they do what they do.

What they should do on the release notes for the HP-released driver, is to just copy and paste the release notes from Intel, like I did for you.

That way you know which version of the driver your PC's particular wifi card will receive.

 You may want to direct your concerns to the HP executive team at the link below.

https://ssl.www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/connect-with-hp.html