I installed Manjaro Linux on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M93p Mini with an Intel Wireless 7260 (rev 83) adapter, but the internal Wi‑Fi will not provide a reliable internet connection. The network often appears connected with limited access, drops shortly afterward, or reports a good connection while browsers show "Server Not Found."
The same behavior occurs when testing live systems including EndeavourOS, Linux Mint, Kubuntu, and Fedora. I would prefer to keep using the internal adapter rather than Ethernet or a USB dongle, partly because I want to use the computer as a Wi‑Fi hotspot. Could disabling wireless power management solve this, or would replacing the card with a better-supported model be the more practical option?
2 Answers
Intel adapters are generally well supported, but the Wireless 7260 can be unreliable on some systems. Try disabling Wi‑Fi power saving first. With NetworkManager, you can set the connection profile to avoid power saving using `nmcli connection modify "Your WiFi Name" 802-11-wireless.powersave 2`, then disconnect and reconnect. You can also test the driver setting with `sudo modprobe -r iwlwifi && sudo modprobe iwlwifi power_save=0`. If that improves stability, the setting can be made persistent later.
If power management does not help, replacing the internal card may be easier than troubleshooting an aging Wireless 7260. Intel AX210-based adapters are commonly recommended for Linux, are usually inexpensive, and generally support normal Wi‑Fi operation and hotspot use well. Check that the replacement uses the same compatible M.2 interface and that the computer's firmware does not restrict which cards can be installed.
I don't think I've tried disabling power management yet. I'll test the NetworkManager setting and see whether the connection stops dropping.