Dell Inspiron 15 N5040 Drivers for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
The Dell Inspiron 15 N5040 is a 15.6-inch laptop from Dell’s 2011 Inspiron 5000 series. After a clean install of Windows 7 the symptoms are easy to recognise: the screen is stuck at a low resolution, there is no sound, no Wi-Fi networks show up, the SD card slot is silent or the touchpad cannot scroll. This page lists the essential driver packages Dell publishes for the N5040, explains which wireless driver your particular laptop needs (Dell fitted several different Wi-Fi modules to this model family) and gives an installation order that avoids most problems.
Dell Inspiron N5040 at a glance
Knowing what is inside the laptop explains why the driver list below looks the way it does.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 2011, Inspiron 5000 series |
| Display | 15.6-inch, 1366 x 768 (HD), LED backlight |
| Processor and chipset | Spec sheets describe a Core i3-380M (2.53 GHz) on the Intel HM57 chipset. Dell’s chipset package covers both HM57 and HM67, so the model shipped in more than one hardware version |
| Graphics | Intel integrated graphics (Dell’s listed driver is Intel HD Graphics 3000) |
| Memory and storage | DDR3-1333; typically 3 to 4 GB, one 2.5-inch SATA hard drive (320 to 500 GB, 5400 rpm) |
| Ports | Three USB Type-A, HDMI, VGA, RJ-45 Ethernet, 3-in-1 media card reader, headphone and microphone jacks |
| Audio | IDT 92HD87B1 codec (from Dell’s audio package) |
| Wired network | Realtek RTL8111E-VB Gigabit or RTL8105E-VB 10/100 (from Dell’s Ethernet package) |
| Wireless | Dell Wireless 802.11n card; the model varies (1501, 1502, 1503, 1701, 1702, 1703 or 1704). Bluetooth is not present on every configuration |
| Operating system | Shipped with Windows 7 (for example Home Premium 64-bit); Dell lists drivers for Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit |
Before you start
- Know your Windows type. Press the Windows key + Pause (or open Start → right-click Computer → Properties) and read “System type”: 32-bit or 64-bit. Only the graphics driver is different between the two; the other drivers below are listed by Dell for both.
- Get the network drivers first, offline. After a clean install you may have no internet. On another computer, download the Ethernet and Wi-Fi packages, copy them to a USB drive and install them first on the Inspiron. A network cable is the easiest way to get online once the Ethernet driver is in.
- Create a restore point (Start → type “Create a restore point”). If a graphics driver misbehaves you can roll back.
- Run installers as administrator (right-click the file → Run as administrator) and let each one finish before starting the next.
Identify your hardware
Service Tag and model
The label on the bottom of the laptop shows the model and the Dell Service Tag. Entering the Service Tag at dell.com/support shows the exact configuration Dell shipped, including the wireless module, and is the most reliable way to settle any doubt.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module
This is the choice that confuses most people, because Dell used different modules in the same laptop. Open Device Manager (press Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc) and expand Network adapters. If a driver is already present, the adapter name shows the module, for example “Dell Wireless 1702”. If you only see “Network Controller” under Other devices, right-click it → Properties → Details → Hardware Ids, or read the Service Tag configuration as above. Then pick the matching row in the wireless table below. Install only that one.
Bluetooth is optional on this model. If the Dell Wireless 1502 is fitted, the laptop has Wi-Fi only, so a missing Bluetooth device in Device Manager is normal and not a missing driver.
Graphics
In Device Manager, expand Display adapters. If you see “Standard VGA Graphics Adapter” (or nothing under Display adapters, with a yellow entry under Other devices), the Intel graphics driver is not installed yet. Install the one that matches your Windows type (32-bit or 64-bit).
Driver downloads
All buttons link to Dell’s download server (downloads.dell.com). This blog does not host or modify any files. The code on each button is Dell’s package ID (or file code), useful if you ever need to search for the file on Dell’s support site.
Drivers for Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Dell lists the same package for both Windows 7 versions, except for graphics.
| Driver | What it is for | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Intel HM57 / HM67 Express Chipset Family Driver | Installs the Intel chipset INF files so Windows recognises the motherboard. Install this first. Dell’s one package covers both chipset versions used in this model. | Download R302527 |
| IDT 92HD87B1 Audio Driver (v6.10.0.6341) | Speakers, headphone jack and built-in microphone. | Download R308434 |
| Realtek RTL8111E-VB Gigabit / RTL8105E-VB 10/100 Ethernet Driver | Wired Ethernet (RJ-45) port. One package covers both Realtek controllers Dell used. | Download R307625 |
| Realtek RTS5138 Card Reader Driver | Built-in 3-in-1 media card slot. | Download R302427 |
| Dell (ALPS) Touchpad Driver | Smooth pointer movement, scrolling and gestures. | Download TDKX6 |
Graphics driver (choose your Windows type)
| Driver | What it is for | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Intel HD Graphics 3000 Driver – Windows 7 32-bit | Intel integrated graphics: native 1366 x 768 resolution, brightness control, video playback. | Download R302548 |
| Intel HD Graphics 3000 Driver – Windows 7 64-bit | The same driver for 64-bit Windows 7. | Download R302552 |
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth driver (choose your module)
| Driver | Use it if your module is | Notes | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Wireless WLAN 1502 Half Mini Card Driver | Dell Wireless 1502 | Wi-Fi only (802.11n). This is the module named in one common retail configuration. | Download R302518 |
| Dell Wireless 1501 / 1503 / 1701 Half Mini Card Driver | Dell Wireless 1501, 1503 or 1701 | Wi-Fi driver for the three Half Mini Card modules listed together by Dell. | Download R302627 |
| Dell Wireless 1701 WiFi + Bluetooth Driver | Dell Wireless 1701 with Bluetooth | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for laptops fitted with the 1701 combo module. | Download R302514 |
| Dell Wireless 1702 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth 3.0 HS Driver | Dell Wireless 1702 | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 for laptops fitted with the 1702 module. | Download R302726 |
| Dell Wireless 1703 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.0 HS Driver | Dell Wireless 1703 | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for laptops fitted with the 1703 module. | Download W1GV9 |
| Dell Wireless 1704 WiFi + Bluetooth Driver | Dell Wireless 1704 | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for laptops fitted with the 1704 module. | Download F042R |
Installation order and steps
The order matters because later drivers depend on earlier ones.
- Chipset. It teaches Windows about the motherboard. Restart if asked.
- Graphics. Intel HD Graphics for your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows. The screen may flicker or go black for a few seconds; this is normal.
- Network. Ethernet, then the one Wi-Fi/Bluetooth package that matches your module (if you did these first from a USB drive, skip ahead).
- Audio (IDT).
- Card reader (Realtek).
- Touchpad. The pointer works without it, but scrolling and gestures need it.
For each package: download the file, right-click and choose Run as administrator, click Install (or Extract and then Next, if the package asks) and wait for setup to finish. Restart after the chipset, graphics and network drivers even if Windows does not ask. Afterwards open Device Manager and confirm that no yellow warning icons remain.
Troubleshooting
No Wi-Fi networks appear
Check that the wireless radio has not been switched off by the Fn key combination or a hardware switch. Then confirm in Device Manager that the module name matches the package you installed. If you installed several wireless packages by mistake, uninstall the extras from Control Panel → Programs and reinstall only the matching one.
Screen is stretched or limited to a low resolution
The native resolution is 1366 x 768. If Windows offers only 1024 x 768 or lower, the Intel graphics driver is missing or did not install. Install the Intel HD Graphics package for your Windows type and restart. If the installer says the hardware is not compatible, check your configuration with the Service Tag, because the model shipped in more than one hardware version.
No sound
Install the IDT audio driver, then right-click the speaker icon → Playback devices and make sure Speakers is the default device and is enabled. Try the headphone jack to rule out a speaker fault.
Touchpad does not scroll or respond to gestures
Install the Dell touchpad driver, restart, then open Control Panel → Mouse and check the device settings to enable scrolling. If the installer does not run on your system, Windows’ built-in pointer driver still provides basic movement and clicking.
Card reader is not detected
Install the Realtek RTS5138 card reader driver and restart. Test with a second card to rule out a faulty card.
Wired network is not detected
Install the Realtek Ethernet package. If the port still shows no link light, try another cable or router port before suspecting the driver.
Black screen or error after the graphics driver
Restart in Safe Mode (press F8 repeatedly during boot), uninstall the graphics driver or use the restore point you created, then reinstall the driver for the correct 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.
FAQ
Do I need every driver in the tables?
No. Chipset, graphics, audio, Ethernet, card reader and touchpad apply to everyone. Install only the one Wi-Fi/Bluetooth package that matches your module and the one graphics package that matches your Windows type.
Which Windows versions are covered?
Windows 7, in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, which is what Dell lists for this model. This page does not cover Windows 8 or Windows 10.
How do I know which wireless driver to install?
Look at the adapter name under Network adapters in Device Manager (for example Dell Wireless 1703), or check the Service Tag on Dell’s support site, then use the matching row in the wireless table.
Why is there no Bluetooth device on my laptop?
Not every N5040 has Bluetooth. Laptops with the Dell Wireless 1502 card are Wi-Fi only, so there is nothing to install.
Can I use the 32-bit graphics driver on 64-bit Windows 7, or the other way around?
No. Use the graphics download that matches your system type. A mismatched package normally refuses to install.
Is this the same as other Inspiron 15 models?
No. Dell sells many Inspiron 15 models with different hardware, so use only the packages listed for the model on your laptop’s label. Dell’s model name is Inspiron 15 N5040.
A download link does not work. What can I do?
Dell occasionally reorganises its download server. Search Dell’s support site for the package ID shown on the button (for example R302527), or enter your Service Tag at dell.com/support. You are also welcome to leave a comment below and we will update the link.
Is it safe to download from this page?
The buttons link directly to Dell’s server and nothing is hosted here. Check the publisher as described under “Stay safe” before running any installer.
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