Compaq Presario CQ43 Drivers for Windows 7 & 8 (32-bit & 64-bit) – Official Guide
The Compaq Presario CQ43 still runs well on Windows 7 and Windows 8 when the right drivers are installed. After a clean OS install, missing drivers usually cause no sound, no Wi-Fi, a basic display adapter, or a touchpad with no gestures.
All download buttons below point to HP’s official Softpaq repository (ftp.hp.com). Install only the graphics and wireless packages that match the hardware in your unit.
Compaq Presario CQ43 Hardware Overview
How to Identify Your Exact Hardware
- Read the full product name and serial number on the bottom sticker (for example CQ43-300TU).
- Open Device Manager and check Display adapters, Network adapters, Sound devices, and Mice and other pointing devices.
- Install only the Intel or AMD graphics package, and only the Wi-Fi / Bluetooth package that matches the chip name you see.
Recommended Installation Order
- Intel Chipset Installation Utility
- Graphics (Intel HD or AMD Radeon — not both unless you have switchable graphics)
- Realtek HD Audio
- Realtek LAN
- Wireless LAN (one vendor only)
- Bluetooth (same vendor family as Wi-Fi when possible)
- Synaptics TouchPad
- Realtek Card Reader
Windows 7 (64-bit) Drivers
| Driver | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Chipset Installation Utility | 9.2.0.1015 | Download |
| AMD High-Definition Graphics Driver | 8.982.10.2600 | Download |
| Intel HD Graphics Driver (64-bit) | 8.15.10.2430 | Download |
| Realtek HD Audio Driver | 6.0.1.6461 | Download |
| Synaptics TouchPad Driver | 15.3.21.0 | Download |
| Atheros 2011 Wireless LAN Driver | 9.20 | Download |
| Atheros Bluetooth Driver | 7.4.0.110 | Download |
| Broadcom Bluetooth Software | 6.5 | Download |
| Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver | 5.100.82.82 | Download |
| Ralink 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Adapter | 3.2.5.0 | Download |
| Ralink/Motorola Bluetooth Adapter | 3.0.42.298 | Download |
| Realtek LAN Driver | 7.42.304.2011 | Download |
| Realtek Motorola BC8 Bluetooth 3.0+HS | 3.0.82.298 | Download |
| Realtek RTL8188CE Wireless LAN Driver | 1005.22.615.2011 | Download |
| Realtek Card Reader Driver | 6.1.7600.77 | Download |
Windows 7 (32-bit) Drivers
| Driver | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Chipset Installation Utility | 9.2.0.1015 | Download |
| AMD High-Definition Graphics Driver | 8.982.10.2600 | Download |
| Intel HD Graphics Driver (32-bit) | 8.15.10.2430 | Download |
| Realtek HD Audio Driver | 6.0.1.6461 | Download |
| Synaptics TouchPad Driver | 15.3.21.0 | Download |
| Atheros 2011 Wireless LAN Driver | 9.20 | Download |
| Atheros Bluetooth Driver | 7.4.0.110 | Download |
| Broadcom Bluetooth Software | 6.5 | Download |
| Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver | 5.100.82.82 | Download |
| Ralink 802.11 b/g/n WiFi Adapter | 3.2.5.0 | Download |
| Ralink/Motorola Bluetooth Adapter | 3.0.42.298 | Download |
| Realtek LAN Driver | 7.42.304.2011 | Download |
| Realtek Motorola BC8 Bluetooth 3.0+HS | 3.0.82.298 | Download |
| Realtek RTL8188CE Wireless LAN Driver | 1005.22.615.2011 | Download |
| Realtek Card Reader Driver | 6.1.7600.77 | Download |
Windows 8 (64-bit) Drivers
| Driver | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Chipset Installation Utility | 8.1.0.1263 | Download |
| AMD High-Definition Graphics Driver | 9.0.0.0 | Download |
| Intel HD Graphics Driver (64-bit) | 9.17.10.2828 | Download |
| Realtek HD Audio Driver | 6.0.1.6543 | Download |
| Synaptics TouchPad Driver | 15.3.33.0 | Download |
| Broadcom Bluetooth Software | 12.0.0.2100 | Download |
| Realtek Card Reader Driver | 6.2.9200.28127 | Download |
Windows 8 (32-bit) Drivers
| Driver | Version | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Chipset Installation Utility | 8.1.0.1263 | Download |
| AMD High-Definition Graphics Driver | 9.0.0.0 | Download |
| Intel HD Graphics Driver (32-bit) | 9.17.10.2849 | Download |
| Realtek HD Audio Driver | 6.0.1.6543 | Download |
| Synaptics TouchPad Driver | 15.3.33.0 | Download |
| Broadcom Bluetooth Software | 12.0.0.2100 | Download |
| Realtek Card Reader Driver | 6.2.9200.28127 | Download |
ftp.hp.com. If a link fails, search the same Softpaq ID (for example sp54976) on support.hp.com using your serial number.
How to Download Drivers from Official HP Support
- Go to support.hp.com.
- Enter the serial number or product number from the bottom sticker (CQ43-xxxx).
- Open Drivers and Software, then select Windows 7 or Windows 8 and the correct 32-bit or 64-bit edition.
- Download chipset first, then graphics, audio, network, and peripherals.
Common Problems & Fixes
No Wi-Fi after a clean install
Use a LAN cable if needed. In Device Manager, identify Atheros, Broadcom, Ralink, or Realtek RTL8188CE, then install only that wireless package. Installing every WLAN driver on this page can cause conflicts.
No sound
Install the Realtek HD Audio Softpaq for your Windows version and restart.
Wrong resolution or black screen risk
Install Intel HD Graphics if Device Manager shows Intel, or AMD High-Definition Graphics if it shows Radeon. Do not mix them unless your unit has switchable graphics.
Touchpad gestures not working
Install the Synaptics TouchPad driver and restart. The generic Windows mouse driver does not restore multi-finger gestures.
Card reader not detected
Install the Realtek Card Reader driver listed for your Windows version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these download links official?
Yes. They point to HP’s Softpaq FTP (ftp.hp.com), the same repository HP uses to host Compaq/HP notebook drivers.
Which Windows versions are covered?
Windows 7 32-bit, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows 8 32-bit, and Windows 8 64-bit. Match both the edition and the architecture of your installation.
Can I use these drivers on Windows 10?
The CQ43 is not officially supported on Windows 10. Some Windows 8 packages may work, but Windows 7 remains the most reliable OS for this hardware.
Why are there so many Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers?
HP/Compaq sold the CQ43 with several wireless modules. Install only the vendor that appears in Device Manager (Atheros, Broadcom, Ralink, or Realtek).
Intel or AMD graphics — which one do I install?
Check Display adapters in Device Manager. Intel HD Graphics is common on Pentium/Core models. AMD Radeon HD 63xx appears on discrete or AMD-based SKUs. Installing the wrong GPU driver can fail or cause display problems.
What if a Softpaq link no longer opens?
Search the Softpaq number (sp#####) on support.hp.com, or enter your serial number there and download the replacement package.
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Last updated: October 2025 · Compaq Presario CQ43 · Windows 7 & 8 (32-bit / 64-bit) · Official HP Softpaq links retained
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