The D-Link DWA-160 Xtreme N Dual Band USB Adapter (rev.B2) adds wireless networking to a desktop or laptop through a USB port. Its driver lets Windows recognize the adapter and communicate with it, enabling connections to compatible Wi-Fi networks. Before downloading, confirm that the package matches hardware revision B2 and your Windows version.

Key Features

• USB wireless adapter support: Provides the software interface Windows needs to detect and operate the DWA-160 rev.B2.
• Dual-band connectivity: Enables use of compatible 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks, giving you a choice based on coverage and local interference.
• Wireless N networking: Supports the adapter’s 802.11n capabilities when paired with a compatible router; actual performance depends on signal strength, network settings, and USB connectivity.
• Windows network integration: Allows the adapter to work with Windows networking controls for selecting available networks and managing wireless connections.

How to Install

1. Check the hardware revision and operating system. Look for “B2” on the adapter’s label. Confirm whether your computer runs Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, and check its system architecture where relevant. Drivers for other DWA-160 revisions may not be interchangeable.

1. Choose a compatible driver package. Read the package’s supported operating systems before downloading. Do not assume that a driver intended for an older Windows release supports Windows 10 or Windows 11; compatibility must be confirmed for the specific package.

1. Extract and run the installer. If the download is compressed, extract it first. Open the setup program with administrator privileges and follow its instructions, including any directions about when to plug in the USB adapter.

1. Use Device Manager if no installer is included. Connect the adapter, open Device Manager, and locate it under Network adapters or Other devices. Select Update driver, choose Browse my computer for drivers, and point Windows to the extracted driver folder.

1. Restart if prompted and test Wi-Fi. Open Windows network settings, select your wireless network, and enter its password. If the adapter is not detected, try another USB port and recheck the hardware revision and driver compatibility.

For the D-Link DWA-160 rev.B2, matching the driver to the exact hardware is more important than choosing a package based on the product name alone. Keep another internet connection available until wireless access is working.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Installer fails or won’t run: The DWA-160 rev.B2 package may fail on newer Windows. Run the installer as administrator in Windows 7 compatibility mode, and connect the adapter only when prompted. If setup still fails, extract the driver and update it manually in Device Manager via “Have Disk,” using the rev.B2 INF.
• Adapter not detected: Plug it directly into a rear USB 2.0 port, not a hub or front-panel port. In Device Manager, look for an unknown device, uninstall it, then scan for hardware changes. Reboot before reinstalling the D-Link driver.
• Driver/version conflicts: Remove any old D-Link utility and previous Ralink/D-Link drivers first, reboot, then install the package matching rev.B2 and your Windows bitness. Don’t force generic RT2870/RT5572 drivers unless the USB hardware ID matches.