FAQ
TL;DR: One missing driver can make Windows show “No connections available.” “The card is Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 3160.” Fix it by installing the correct Intel Wi‑Fi driver via USB, then update the rest. [Elektroda, dt1, post #16910158]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Dell Inspiron 15 7560 owners restore Wi‑Fi visibility after a reset without an internet connection.
Quick Facts
- Model in thread: Intel Dual Band Wireless‑AC 3160; Windows 8 x64 driver 17.16.0, Windows 8.1 x64 driver 20.10.2. [Elektroda, dt1, post #16910158]
- Dell support note: Inspiron 15 7560 listings referenced Windows 10 x64 only. Mismatched OS drivers won’t work. [Elektroda, JayRo, post #16910091]
- Offline method: Download the adapter driver on another PC and move it via USB flash drive. [Elektroda, ForeverYoung09, post #16908112]
- After Wi‑Fi works, install all remaining drivers shown under “Other devices” in Device Manager. [Elektroda, dt1, post #16910158]
- Faster path: Use the Dell recovery partition to restore Windows with bundled drivers. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16910124]
Why does my Inspiron 15 7560 say “Not connected — no connections are available” after a reset?
The reset removed your Wi‑Fi driver, so Windows can’t see the adapter or nearby networks. Installing the proper adapter driver restores wireless scans and connections. In this case, the forum identified the Intel Dual Band Wireless‑AC 3160 as the card to target with the right package. [Elektroda, JayRo, post #16909982]
Which Wi‑Fi adapter does the Dell Inspiron 15 7560 use?
The thread’s unit uses an Intel Dual Band Wireless‑AC 3160 card. “The card is Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 3160.” Install the matching Windows 8/8.1 x64 package to bring Wi‑Fi back. [Elektroda, dt1, post #16910158]
Where can I get the correct Windows 8/8.1 x64 driver?
Use the packages referenced in the thread: Windows 8 x64 driver 17.16.0 and Windows 8.1 x64 driver 20.10.2. These versions match the AC 3160 and were provided as working downloads for restoring Wi‑Fi visibility and connectivity. [Elektroda, dt1, post #16910158]
How do I install the Wi‑Fi driver without internet on the laptop?
Three steps: 1. On another PC, download the Wi‑Fi driver. 2. Copy it to a USB flash drive. 3. Run the installer on your Dell and reboot. This offline transfer method bypasses the lack of connectivity and gets you online. [Elektroda, ForeverYoung09, post #16908112]
Does this model only support Windows 10 x64 drivers from Dell?
A responder noted manufacturer listings for Inspiron 15 7560 showed Windows 10 x64 support. Installing a Windows 10‑only package on Windows 8/8.1 fails to enable Wi‑Fi. Match your OS exactly when choosing drivers. [Elektroda, JayRo, post #16910091]
What is a Device ID, and where do I find it?
A Device ID uniquely identifies your hardware so you can fetch the exact driver. In Device Manager, open the unknown Network Controller’s Properties, then Details, then Hardware IDs to copy it for lookup. [Elektroda, miecho18, post #16910047]
Why did helpers ask for a Device Manager screenshot?
A screenshot shows which devices lack drivers and whether the Wi‑Fi card is detected. That visual confirms if you must install chipset, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or LAN packages next. It speeds accurate advice. [Elektroda, Vytautas_YT, post #16909497]
Do I need to install other drivers once Wi‑Fi works?
Yes. Install everything flagged under “Other devices” and update system drivers so power, audio, Bluetooth, and LAN work correctly. Completing these removes residual yellow exclamation marks and avoids hidden issues. [Elektroda, dt1, post #16910158]
Is there a faster, one‑shot way to restore all drivers?
Use the Dell recovery partition if present. Recovery reinstalls Windows along with bundled drivers, saving time versus manual downloads. It’s the cleanest path after a problematic reset. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16910124]
I installed a driver but still see no Wi‑Fi networks. What now?
Validate OS alignment. A Windows 10‑only driver on Windows 8/8.1 won’t initialize the adapter. Reinstall the correct OS‑matched package, then reboot. If needed, recheck with the Device ID to confirm the AC 3160 target. [Elektroda, JayRo, post #16910091]
Can I move drivers using my phone if I don’t have a USB stick?
Yes, but USB mass‑storage or OTG is most reliable. Bluetooth transfer can fail before the Bluetooth driver exists. A flash drive keeps things simple and avoids pairing limits before drivers are installed. [Elektroda, ForeverYoung09, post #16908112]
What is Device Manager, in simple terms?
Device Manager lists your PC’s hardware and their drivers. Unknown or malfunctioning devices show warning icons. Open it to see the Network Controller and other items that need drivers after a reset. [Elektroda, Vytautas_YT, post #16908117]
Which exact versions should I try first for AC 3160 on Windows 8/8.1 x64?
Try Windows 8 x64 version 17.16.0 or Windows 8.1 x64 version 20.10.2. These versions were shared as working references and match the adapter named in the thread. Install, reboot, then test scanning. [Elektroda, dt1, post #16910158]
Do I need to update Windows after restoring Wi‑Fi?
Yes. After installing the baseline driver, update Windows and remaining drivers. This closes stability gaps and can improve wireless performance and roaming. “You need to update everything and the system and drivers now.” [Elektroda, FxJ, post #16908224]
What’s a recovery partition, and why use it here?
A recovery partition is a hidden disk area with the factory image. Launching it reinstalls Windows and drivers in one pass, often fixing missing Wi‑Fi after resets without manual hunting. [Elektroda, sylweksylwina, post #16910940]
How do I verify that Windows is 64‑bit before picking a driver?
Open System settings and check System type for 64‑bit. The thread case used Windows 8 64‑bit, so 64‑bit packages were required. Picking the wrong bitness blocks the driver from loading. [Elektroda, Patkawariatka18, post #16910075]
