The imminent release of Windows 11 24H2 has prompted major hardware manufacturers to update their drivers in anticipation of new capabilities. Most notably, Intel has rolled out its WLAN 23.70.2 driver, which aims to enhance Wi-Fi performance for the upcoming Windows update.
What’s new in Intel’s WLAN driver 23.70.2
The WLAN 23.70.2 driver expands support for Wi-Fi 7 features, paving the way for enhanced connectivity in future devices. However, Intel has indicated that these features will be inaccessible following the update, unless users have already installed a preview version of the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2). Users can still expect that after the installation, the Intel Wi-Fi 7 products will revert to Wi-Fi 6E capabilities on devices running standard Windows 11.Key Improvements
According to the official release notes, some of the critical upgrades included in the WLAN 23.70.2 driver are:- Wi-Fi Support: Inclusion of support for specific product lines, notably BE201.
- Regulatory Detection: Enhanced Wi-Fi driver capabilities for regulatory compliance.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Management Offload: A revision of how QoS management operates in Windows 10 and Windows 11. This aims to allow for improved handling of wireless internet traffic. Intel's commentary underlines that for optimal performance users should keep their drivers up to date, and the new 23.70.2 version is now available for Windows 11 and Windows 10 in a 64-bit format. — “For optimal performance, users are advised to update to the latest version,” states Intel.
The Context of Windows 11 24H2 Release
Although the official rollout of Windows 11 24H2 isn’t yet confirmed, speculation suggests that it could happen as soon as late September. Microsoft is collaborating closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to finalize the operating system’s features and functionality. The anticipation surrounding this update is heightened by the promising performance seen in Copilot PCs running Windows 11, although users in the Insider Preview channels have reported mixed experiences. Some reports indicate performance issues, including increased CPU usage and reduced frame rates in games such as Elder Scrolls Online, forcing some users to revert back to previous versions of Windows.Feedback from Users
Insights from the community reveal that some Insiders have experienced a surge in CPU engagement and compromised graphical performance—narratives which have led to decisions to rollback updates. Here’s an example from a user's feedback:
Such reports highlight the transitional pains often observed with major software updates, indicating that users may need to exercise caution before embracing new features on essential devices.“Second attempt at using Windows 11 24H2, and again I must roll back to 23G2. With 24H2, I initially noticed high CPU usage (15% vs 3%) for the Rainmeter App compared to 23h2.”Looking Ahead
This release marks a critical step in the evolution of Windows 11, particularly concerning wireless connectivity. The advancements made by Intel in WLAN drivers demonstrate the increasing emphasis on robust Wi-Fi performance, especially with the anticipated rollout of Wi-Fi 7 capable devices. However, it is essential for users to understand that until the complete Windows 11 24H2 experience is optimized, sticking with stable releases may offer preferred performance. Additionally, Microsoft's ongoing work on release stability suggests that forthcoming weeks may lead to necessary patches, adapting and refining the user experience based on community feedback.Conclusion
Intel’s WLAN 23.70.2 driver is making strides to enhance Wi-Fi performance in preparation for the pending release of Windows 11 24H2. However, users must be aware of potential issues and should perhaps opt to wait before making the leap to 24H2. Enhancements in driver and operating system integrations could ultimately yield better overall performance as updates are iterated over time. Windows 11’s future looks promising with Wi-Fi advancements supporting more powerful hardware, but the journey toward that future will likely involve several adjustments and user experiences that may challenge early adopters. Readers may stay informed on Windows updates and driver optimizations through various tech news outlets and community forums, ensuring they have up-to-date information for their Windows operating environment. For more detailed insights, you can read the original article from Windows Latest here .