Intel has rolled out fresh driver updates for its wireless hardware, shipping new Intel Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers at version 24.70.0 for both Windows 11 and Windows 10. The release, first reported by Neowin, lets users update the networking and short-range connectivity stacks on their Intel wireless cards in a single package.
Here’s what you need to know about the new drivers, who they’re for, and how to install them.
#1 Wi-Fi driver 24.70.0
Intel’s headline update is the Wi-Fi driver, now at version 24.70.0. It supports the company’s range of Intel Wi-Fi cards, from the older 802.11ac chips found in budget machines up through the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E models that power most current laptops.
Intel did not publish a detailed changelog alongside the release, so the exact fixes aren’t spelled out in the announcement. In practice, these numbered driver bumps typically bundle stability improvements, compatibility fixes for recent Windows updates, and occasional performance tweaks rather than flashy new features.
The 24.70.0 numbering places this driver in Intel’s ongoing 24.x driver family, which has served as the standard release track for its wireless products over the past couple of years. Each increment generally reflects incremental refinement rather than a major redesign.
#2 Bluetooth driver 24.70.0
Alongside Wi-Fi, Intel shipped a matching Bluetooth driver at version 24.70.0. This update targets the Bluetooth radios built into Intel wireless cards, which combine both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth onto a single module in most laptops and desktop mini-PCs.
Like the Wi-Fi package, Intel didn’t break out a feature list. Bluetooth driver updates of this kind usually address connection drops, pairing quirks with peripherals like headphones and game controllers, and interoperability with newer Windows builds.
Shipping both drivers at the same version number is a common Intel practice, signaling that both packages were built and tested together for the same release window rather than staggered across separate cycles.
Intel Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers: what changed
The honest answer is that Intel kept the release notes minimal. Rather than advertising a specific fix list, the company pushed the updated driver binaries and let users benefit from whatever refinements landed in this build.
That’s typical for Intel’s routine driver cadence, which tends to favor quiet, incremental updates over big feature announcements. The value shows up over time as these builds accumulate compatibility with fresh Windows releases and older hardware quirks get smoothed out.
Because the changelog is sparse, treat this as a maintenance update rather than a must-have. It’s the kind of thing worth installing when you’re chasing reliability, not when your connection is already working perfectly.
What this means for you
For most users, these updates are a “when you need them” situation rather than a “right now” one. If your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are working without issues, there’s no urgent reason to jump on the new drivers.
However, if you’ve been experiencing dropped connections, devices that won’t pair, or intermittent wireless drops after a Windows update, installing the latest version could be worth a try. Driver updates are one of the more reliable fixes for connectivity problems that appear after a fresh Windows install.
Intel’s own drivers are often more up to date than the ones bundled with OEMs like Dell, HP, or Lenovo, which is why many enthusiasts prefer installing Intel’s packages directly instead of waiting for the laptop maker to push them.
How to get it
You can grab the new drivers straight from Intel’s support site rather than waiting for your laptop maker. Head to Intel’s Driver & Support Assistant, or search for your specific card model on Intel’s download center.
Make a note of your exact Intel Wi-Fi model number first. You can find it in Device Manager under Network adapters, or by running ipconfig /all in Command Prompt. Installing the wrong driver version can cause more problems than it solves, so matching the model matters.
Before updating, create a restore point so you can roll back if the new driver behaves badly. You can also uninstall the previous driver cleanly through Device Manager if connectivity issues persist after the switch.
Should you install them now?
The short answer depends on your current experience. Stable wireless? You can safely wait. Troubling connectivity issues? This is a reasonable next step before you dig into deeper system fixes.
Driver updates are low-risk when you match the model correctly and keep a restore point handy, so there’s little downside to giving them a shot if you’re chasing wireless reliability.
Source: Neowin
Over to you: Are you installing Intel’s new 24.70.0 drivers, or leaving your wireless stack alone if it’s working fine?
