Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi Adapter User Manual

Introducció

The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 is Intel's 3rd generation 802.11ac, dual-band, 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.1 adapter. It is engineered to deliver lower power consumption, improved RF coexistence, and complete Microsoft Windows 10 support. Combined with Intel Core Processors and exceptional Intel Wireless Innovations like Intel Dynamic Regulatory Solution, the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 dramatically reshapes your connected experience at home, work, or on the go.

Figure 1: The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi Adapter. This image shows the compact M.2 form factor of the adapter, highlighting its various components and regulatory markings.

Configuració i instal·lació

Proper installation of the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 adapter is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Prepare Drivers: Before beginning the physical installation, visit the official Intel website to download the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth driver packages for the 8260 adapter. Save these to an accessible location on your computer.
2. Uninstall Old Drivers (if applicable): If you are replacing an existing wireless adapter, go to "Programs and Features" in your Control Panel and uninstall any old wireless or Bluetooth applications (e.g., Broadcom WIDCOMM).
3. Disable Old Adapter: Open Device Manager (right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select "Manage" then "Device Manager"). Locate your old Wi-Fi adapter under "Network adapters" and Bluetooth adapter under "Bluetooth". Right-click and select "Disable device" for both, then "Uninstall device" (do not check the box to delete driver software).
4. Apagueu i desconnecteu: Shut down your computer completely and disconnect it from all power sources. For laptops, remove the battery if possible.
5. Caixa d'ordinador oberta: Carefully open your computer's case or laptop's back panel to access the M.2 slot where the Wi-Fi adapter will be installed. Refer to your computer's service manual for specific instructions on opening the case.
6. Traieu l'adaptador antic (si escau): If replacing an old adapter, unscrew the retaining screw, carefully disconnect the antenna wires (usually black and white), and gently pull the old card out of the M.2 slot.
7. Install New Adapter: Insert the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 adapter into the M.2 slot at an angle, then press it down and secure it with the retaining screw.
8. Connect Antenna Wires: Carefully reattach the antenna wires to the corresponding connectors on the new adapter. Typically, the black wire connects to the main (1) connector and the white wire to the auxiliary (2) connector, but verify markings on the card. They should snap into place.
9. Tanca la carcassa de l'ordinador: Reassemble your computer, ensuring all panels are securely closed and screws are tightened.
10. Engegar i instal·lar els controladors: Power on your computer. Windows 10 should recognize the new hardware. Navigate to the downloaded driver packages and install the Wi-Fi drivers first, followed by the Bluetooth drivers.
11. Reinicieu: Reboot your computer to finalize the installation.

Figura 2: Gestor de dispositius view after successful driver installation. This image illustrates how the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components appear under "Network adapters" and "Bluetooth" in Windows Device Manager, indicating proper recognition by the operating system.

Instruccions de funcionament

Once installed and drivers are updated, your Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 adapter will enable high-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Connexió a Wi-Fi:

• Click the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray (usually bottom-right of the screen).
• Seleccioneu la xarxa Wi-Fi desitjada de la llista de xarxes disponibles.
• Introduïu la clau de seguretat de xarxa (contrasenya) si se us demana.
• Click "Connect". Your computer should now be connected to the internet.
• The adapter supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, automatically selecting the optimal frequency for performance and range.

Figure 3: Wi-Fi Status window displaying connection speed. This screenshot shows a successful Wi-Fi connection with a reported speed of 866.7 Mbps, demonstrating the high data transfer capabilities of the 8260 adapter.

Ús de Bluetooth:

• Ensure Bluetooth is enabled in your operating system settings.
• Go to "Bluetooth & other devices" settings.
• Feu clic a "Afegeix Bluetooth o un altre dispositiu" i seleccioneu "Bluetooth".
• Poseu el vostre dispositiu Bluetooth (per exemple, auriculars, ratolí) en mode d'emparellament.
• Select your device from the list and follow on-screen prompts to complete pairing.

Manteniment

The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 adapter is designed for long-term, reliable operation with minimal maintenance. However, consider the following to ensure optimal performance:

• Actualitzacions de controladors: Periodically check the official Intel website for updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers. Keeping drivers current can improve performance, stability, and compatibility.
• Neteja del sistema: Ensure your computer's internal components, including the M.2 slot area, remain free of dust and debris. Dust buildup can lead to overheating and reduced performance.
• Connexió d'antena: If you experience signal degradation, ensure the antenna wires are securely connected to the adapter.

Resolució de problemes

If you encounter issues with your Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 adapter, try the following solutions:

• No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth after Installation:
  • Verify that the adapter is correctly seated in the M.2 slot and the retaining screw is secure.
  • Ensure antenna wires are properly connected to the adapter.
  • Check Device Manager: Look for "Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260" under "Network adapters" and "Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R)" under "Bluetooth". If there are yellow exclamation marks, reinstall the drivers.
  • Ensure no old drivers are conflicting. Completely uninstall any previous wireless or Bluetooth drivers.
• Intermittent Connection or Slow Speeds:
  • Update your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers to the latest version from Intel's weblloc.
  • Assegureu-vos que el firmware del vostre encaminador estigui actualitzat.
  • Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or reducing interference from other electronic devices.
  • Check for physical obstructions or damage to the antenna wires.
• Bluetooth Devices Not Pairing:
  • Assegureu-vos que el dispositiu Bluetooth estigui en mode de vinculació.
  • Remove and re-add the Bluetooth device in your computer's Bluetooth settings.
  • Restart the Bluetooth service in Windows Services (services.msc).
  • Update Bluetooth drivers.
• "Non-broadcast network" connection issues (especially after switching networks):
  • This issue is often resolved by ensuring the latest Intel drivers are installed.
  • Ensure your network profile is correctly configured for non-broadcast SSIDs.

Especificacions

Garantia i Suport

Intel products are manufactured to high quality standards. For specific warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Intel support weblloc web o poseu-vos en contacte amb el punt de compra. Conserveu el comprovant de compra per a reclamacions de garantia.

For the latest drivers, documentation, and support resources, visit: Suport Intel Weblloc