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Windows 10 on a Dell Optiplex 780

I downloaded Windows 10 to my Optiplex 780 and everything looked good except that I couldn't get on line.  I'm not all that savvy with computers but I can usually fiddle my way through if I keep at it long.  In the internet settings area the Wi-Fi menu choice never appeared and when trying to troubleshoot I'd get the suggestion that the proper driver was not installed.  I looked at the Dell site and they did not test the 780 for compatibility and did not suggest the upgrade.  The Windows 10 program was a bit confusing but I was looking forward to using it until I could not connect to the internet.  I'm not concerned about a home network.  I do complement Microsoft in that it was easy to return to Windows 7 but I'm disappointed that I couldn't get 10 to work completely.  I wasted some time but then I'm much better at that than solving computer problems. Anyone have an idea for a fix?

David Butler

 Did you try installing the Wifi driver from the Dell site?  Try Windows 10, 8.1, 8 or 7, in that order, or if necessary in Compatibility Mode.

Just because Wifi driver wasn't installed during Upgrade doesn't mean there isn't one.  I've never not been able to find a driver.   How to: Install and Update drivers in Windows 10 - Microsoft Community

What is always best during OS install is to plug in by ethernet cable to maximize chances it will start up connected or a driver can be found possibly easier.  Put the latest LAN drivers in your backup from the PC or Device's Support Downloads webpage so you can get online quickly if it doesn't start up ready to connect. 

Then type Update in Start Search box, Check for Updates, install all Updates including Recommended, expediting the reboot when requested.  Then check again until no more are offered. 

Now right click Start button to open Device Manager, import any drivers still missing or in error from the Support Downloads webpage for your PC or the device model.  If no Windows 10 drivers, install 8.1, 8 or 7 in that order.  Some may need to be installed in Compatibility Mode.

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Hi,

You really need to do what you did after there were issues before you try such
an upgrade. Always check with the system/motherboard maker's support and
that of the major devices makers for drivers before taking the plunge. And ask
in their forums about any knows issues. Of course you want to be sure you can
revert back for all, even worst case, possible scenarios.

So stay in contact with Dell's resources to see if you should ever try Windows
10 again.

Dell Support
http://support.dell.com/

Dell Drivers - Product Manuals & Warranty Info (left side) - Tech Support and more
http://support.dell.com/support/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs

Dell Forums
http://en.community.dell.com/forums/

Dell PC Diagnostics
http://www.dell.com/support/Diagnostics/us/en/19/

Hope this helps.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Experience : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.
Rob Brown - past Microsoft MVP - Windows Insider MVP 2016 - 2021
Microsoft MVP Windows and Devices for IT 2009 - 2020

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FWIW and this being an old thread...

I had wifi problems with my Dell Inspiron laptop on upgrade. It was disconnecting every few minutes.

The solution for me was to go to Device Manager and roll back the driver on the wifi device to previous version dated 2009. It's been running without a problem ever since.

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I downloaded Windows 10 to my Optiplex 780 and everything looked good except that I couldn't get on line.  I'm not all that savvy with computers but I can usually fiddle my way through if I keep at it long.  In the internet settings area the Wi-Fi menu choice never appeared and when trying to troubleshoot I'd get the suggestion that the proper driver was not installed.  I looked at the Dell site and they did not test the 780 for compatibility and did not suggest the upgrade.  The Windows 10 program was a bit confusing but I was looking forward to using it until I could not connect to the internet.  I'm not concerned about a home network.  I do complement Microsoft in that it was easy to return to Windows 7 but I'm disappointed that I couldn't get 10 to work completely.  I wasted some time but then I'm much better at that than solving computer problems. Anyone have an idea for a fix?

David Butler

hey i have this pc and windows 10 working fine and better than win 7 but you need to go to device manager and update graphics driver online and don't use third party webs for driver

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Last updated April 17, 2025 Views 15,785 Applies to: