intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz regularly gives fatal error

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Connectivity Issues on ASUS TUF F15: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Many gamers and professionals rely on stable Wi-Fi connections for seamless online experiences. However, encountering persistent network adapter errors can be frustrating. This article addresses common issues with the Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz adapter, specifically on the ASUS TUF F15 (FX506H) series, and provides actionable solutions to resolve them effectively.

Understanding the Issue

Users have reported experiencing frequent “Fatal Error” notifications and “Code 10” errors related to the Wi-Fi 6 AX201 adapter. These issues often manifest after periods of use, particularly during online gaming sessions such as Tekken or Valorant, leading to sudden disconnections or adapter crashes.

Initial Diagnoses and Suspected Causes

One initial hypothesis links the problem to hardware interference, especially with SSDs located near the Wi-Fi module. For instance, some users have observed that heat from the SSD might affect the Wi-Fi adapter’s performance. To mitigate this, relocating the SSD to a secondary slot was attempted, but this did not resolve the underlying Wi-Fi issues.

Troubleshooting Steps and Solutions

Update Network Drivers
Download the Latest Drivers: Visit the Intel or ASUS support website to obtain the most recent drivers for the Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module.
Use Device Manager: Navigate to Device Manager, locate the Wi-Fi adapter, right-click, and select “Update Driver” to automatically search for updates.
Adjust Power Management Settings
Disable Power Saving Mode:
Open Device Manager.
Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter > Properties.
Go to the Power Management tab.
Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
Update Registry Settings:
Open the Registry Editor (regedit).
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002BE10318}.
Find the relevant subkey (usually ending with a series of numbers).
Create or modify the PnPCapabilities DWORD value to disable selectively power management features that cause instability.
Modify BIOS Settings
Update BIOS Firmware: Ensure the BIOS is updated to the latest version from ASUS support.
Toggle Wi-Fi or Power Options in BIOS: Sometimes enabling or disabling certain integrated