Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues on Windows Laptops (Intel AX211)

We are currently seeing widespread Wi-Fi connectivity issues affecting Windows laptops using Intel wireless cards (especially Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211).

These issues may include:

  • Authentication failures
  • Intermittent disconnections
  • Inability to connect to NYU Wi-Fi networks
  • Spotty or unreliable Wi-Fi
  • Note that this issue is specific to certain Intel wireless cards and Windows behavior

This is a known issue with Intel drivers and WPA3 (used for 6 GHz networks) compatability and is not caused by the NYU wireless infrastructure.

Please note that users who have implemented this fix report significant improvements in Wi-Fi speed and connectivity. 

Recommended Fix (Table of Contents)

Please follow all steps below in order:

  1. Update Intel Wi-Fi Driver
  2. Disable 6 GHz Band
  3. Forget NYU Wi-Fi Network 
  4. Power Cycle Your Laptop 

Step 1 — Update Intel Wi-Fi Driver

  1. Download and install the latest driver from Intel:
  2. Once downloaded, double-click on the driver to launch the Driver Installation Wizard. 
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions from within the Installation Wizard to update the Intel Wi-Fi Driver.

Step 2 — Disable 6 GHz Band

  1. Right-click the Start button --> open Device Manager
  2. Expand Network adapters
  3. Right-click your Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (or similar) --> Properties
  4. Go to the Advanced tab

Within the Advanced tab, look for one of the following settings (note that names may vary):

  • Ultra High Band (6 GHz) or 6 GHz Band --> set to Disabled
  • Wireless Mode / 802.11n/ac/ax Mode --> choose a 5 GHz-only option (e.g., 802.11ac)
  • Preferred Band --> set to Prefer 5 GHz
  1. After modfiying the aforementioned settings, click OK

Step 3 — Forget the NYU Wi-Fi Network

  1. Open Start Menu
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Navigate to Network & Internet --> Wi-Fi
  4. Click Manage known networks
  5. Find "nyu"Click "nyu" --> select Forget

Step 4 — Power Cycle Your Laptop

  1. Shut down your laptop completely
  2. Wait a few seconds
  3. Turn it back on

WARNING: Do NOT just restart your laptop — a full power cycle is required

Still Having Issues?

If the problem still persists after following all of the steps above, then please send an email to helpdesk@cims.nyu.edu