Wi‑Fi Not Working? Fix Code 31 on Intel Wireless‑AC 8265 Easily

When your Wi‑Fi stops working and Windows shows a Code 31 error, it can disrupt your entire workflow. This issue is common on systems using the Intel Dual Band Wireless‑AC 8265 adapter. Fortunately, the problem is usually software‑related and can be fixed with a few simple steps. In this guide, you’ll learn what causes the Code 31 error and how to resolve it quickly.

✅ What Is the Code 31 Error?
The Code 31 error appears in Device Manager when Windows cannot load the required driver for your Wi‑Fi adapter. The message usually says:

Although this looks serious, it is almost always a driver or software issue, not a hardware failure.

✅ Why Does Code 31 Happen?
Several factors can trigger this error. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Corrupted or outdated drivers
• Incorrect driver installation
• Windows Update replacing the original Intel driver
• Conflicts with virtual adapters such as VMware
• Registry corruption
• Disabled wireless adapter in BIOS
  Because the causes vary, you need a structured approach to fix the issue.

✅ How to Fix Code 31 on Intel Wireless‑AC 8265
Below are the most effective solutions. Each step builds on the previous one, so follow them in order for the best results.

✅ 1. Uninstall and Reinstall the Wi‑Fi Driver
This is the most reliable fix for Code 31.
Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right‑click Intel(R) Dual Band Wireless‑AC 8265.
4. Select Uninstall device.
5. Check Delete the driver software for this device.
6. Restart your PC.
   After restarting, Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically. If it doesn’t, move to the next step.

✅ 2. Install the Latest Intel Driver Manually
Sometimes Windows installs a generic driver that causes the error. Installing the official Intel driver usually solves the issue.
Steps:

1. Visit Intel’s official driver download page.
2. Search for Intel Wireless‑AC 8265 driver.
3. Download the latest version for Windows 10 or Windows 11.
4. Install the driver.
5. Restart your PC.
   This method resolves most Code 31 errors because it replaces corrupted files with clean ones.

✅ 3. Scan for Hardware Changes
If the adapter disappears after uninstalling, you can bring it back easily.
Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Click Action in the top menu.
3. Select Scan for hardware changes.
   Windows will detect the Wi‑Fi card and reinstall the driver.

✅ 4. Reset the Windows Network Stack
If the error persists, your network configuration may be corrupted. Resetting the network stack often helps.
Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

Restart your PC after running these commands. This step refreshes all network components and removes faulty configurations.

✅ 5. Disable Conflicting Virtual Network Adapters
Virtualization tools like VMware and VirtualBox create virtual adapters. These adapters sometimes conflict with Intel Wi‑Fi drivers.
Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Disable the following if you are not using them:

• VMware VMnet1
• VMware VMnet8
• Any unused virtual adapters
  Disabling them reduces driver conflicts and improves stability.

✅ 6. Perform a Windows Network Reset
If none of the previous steps work, try resetting all network components.
Steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click Advanced network settings.
4. Select Network reset.
5. Restart your PC.
   This option reinstalls all network drivers and resets your network configuration to default.

✅ 7. Check BIOS Settings
Sometimes the wireless adapter is disabled in BIOS. Enabling it can instantly fix the issue.
Steps:

1. Restart your PC.
2. Enter BIOS (usually F2, F10, or Del).
3. Look for Wireless, WLAN, or Internal Network Adapter.
4. Make sure it is Enabled.
5. Save and exit.
   If the adapter is disabled, Windows will not detect it, which can trigger Code 31.

✅ 8. Test with a Linux Live USB
If you want to confirm whether the issue is software or hardware, testing with Linux is a reliable method.
Steps:

1. Create a bootable Linux USB (Ubuntu recommended).
2. Boot your laptop from the USB.
3. Check if Wi‑Fi works.
   Results:

• If Wi‑Fi works → The issue is software‑related.
• If Wi‑Fi does not work → The adapter may be faulty.
  This test helps you avoid unnecessary hardware replacements.

✅ Final Thoughts
The Intel Dual Band Wireless‑AC 8265 is a dependable Wi‑Fi adapter, but driver issues can cause the Code 31 error. Fortunately, the problem is almost always fixable. By reinstalling the correct driver, resetting the network stack, and removing conflicts, you can restore your Wi‑Fi connection quickly.
These steps are simple, effective, and safe for all Windows users. With the right approach, you can solve the Code 31 error without replacing your hardware or reinstalling Windows.