Compaq Presario CQ40 Drivers – Windows 7 (32/64-bit)
Looking for official Compaq Presario CQ40 drivers? This page lists the HP SoftPaq downloads published for the Compaq Presario CQ40 on Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), with the version, file size, SoftPaq number and a plain-English note on what each one does, so you can tell which files your laptop actually needs.
Every Download button links straight to HP's own SoftPaq download server (ftp.hp.com). Nothing is re-hosted here. Below the table you will find a recommended install order, tips for identifying your hardware, troubleshooting steps and answers to common questions. Working on another machine? Browse more Compaq Presario drivers on Cloud Drivers.
Before you start
- Check your Windows edition. Open Control Panel → System and note the System type (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Install only what matches your laptop. The CQ40 was sold in several configurations with different processors, graphics, Wi-Fi, touchpads and optional fingerprint readers, so not every package below applies to you. The BIOS update and the AMD video driver are only for models with AMD hardware. The notes under each driver say who needs it.
- Starting from a clean install? Download the Ethernet or Wi-Fi driver on another computer and copy it over on a USB drive, so you can get online first.
Heads-up: Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7, so it no longer receives security updates. If this laptop goes online, keep your antivirus current and avoid untrusted sites and downloads.
Compaq Presario CQ40 drivers for Windows 7 (32-bit & 64-bit)
12 packages are listed for Windows 7. Only the fingerprint software has separate 32-bit and 64-bit files; HP lists a single package for each of the other drivers. This list has no separate chipset package, and the BIOS update is for AMD-processor models only.
| Category | Driver / software | Version | Size | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | IDT High-Definition Audio CODEC DriverSound driver for the built-in IDT high-definition audio: speakers, headphone and microphone jacks. HP SoftPaq SP45073. | 6.10.6225.0 | 26.1 MB | Download |
| Graphics | AMD Video DriverGraphics driver for models with AMD (ATI) graphics. It is not for CQ40 models with Intel graphics. HP SoftPaq SP45074. | 8.635.0.0 | 112.4 MB | Download |
| Input Devices | ALPS Touchpad DriverDriver for the ALPS touchpad. Skip it if Device Manager shows a different touchpad brand. HP SoftPaq SP45035. | 7.202.1702.406 | 9.0 MB | Download |
| Input Devices | HP Quick Launch ButtonsSoftware that makes the Quick Launch (hotkey) buttons work. HP SoftPaq SP46731. | 6.50.12.1 | 24.6 MB | Download |
| Security | Validity Fingerprint Sensor DriverDriver for the fingerprint sensor. Needed only if your laptop has a fingerprint reader. Install it before the fingerprint software. HP SoftPaq SP45182. | 2.1.0.2 | 28.8 MB | Download |
| Network | Broadcom Wireless LAN DriverWi-Fi driver for Broadcom wireless cards. HP lists no other Wi-Fi driver for this model. HP SoftPaq SP45524. | 5.60.18.8 | 20.6 MB | Download |
| Network | Realtek Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC DriverWired Ethernet (LAN) driver for the Realtek PCI-E Fast Ethernet controller. HP SoftPaq SP45181. | 7.3.522.2009 | 5.4 MB | Download |
| Network | HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth Wireless TechnologyBluetooth software and driver for models with the integrated Bluetooth module. Skip it if your laptop has no Bluetooth. HP SoftPaq SP46063. | 7 | 57.8 MB | Download |
| Card Reader | JMB38X Card Reader Host Controller DriverDriver for the JMicron JMB38X memory card reader controller. HP SoftPaq SP45180. | 1.0.31.3 | 1.3 MB | Download |
| BIOS | WinFlash for HP Notebook System BIOS (for AMD Processors)System BIOS update (version F.55) for models with AMD processors only. Do not use it on an Intel-based CQ40. Run it on its own with the AC adapter connected and do not interrupt it. HP SoftPaq SP49569. | F.55 | 3.7 MB | Download |
| Security | Digital Persona Fingerprint Reader Software32-bitFingerprint software for 32-bit Windows 7. Needed only if your laptop has a fingerprint reader. HP SoftPaq SP43882. | 4.0.1.3749_32 | 22.2 MB | Download |
| Security | Digital Persona Fingerprint Reader Software64-bitFingerprint software for 64-bit Windows 7. Needed only if your laptop has a fingerprint reader. HP SoftPaq SP43883. | 4.0.1.3749_64 | 26.9 MB | Download |
Recommended installation order
Installing in a sensible order avoids missing-device warnings and repeat reboots. Restart when an installer asks you to.
- Graphics: the AMD video driver, if your laptop has AMD graphics: AMD video driver.
- Audio: IDT audio driver.
- Network: Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: network drivers.
- Input devices: the touchpad driver and the Quick Launch buttons: input drivers.
- Card reader: JMB38X card reader driver.
- Fingerprint reader: the sensor driver first, then the software for your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows: fingerprint packages.
- BIOS update: only if your laptop has an AMD processor and you need it, as a separate step with the AC adapter connected and no other installer running: BIOS update.
How to identify the right drivers for your hardware
Open Device Manager (right-click Computer, choose Manage, then Device Manager). Then use these checks:
- Processor and graphics: Control Panel → System shows the processor name. Expand Display adapters in Device Manager to see the graphics chip. The AMD video driver and the BIOS update in this list are for AMD models.
- Touchpad: expand Mice and other pointing devices and look for an ALPS device before installing the ALPS driver.
- Wi-Fi: expand Network adapters and check that the wireless adapter is a Broadcom model.
- Ethernet: look for a Realtek PCI-E Fast Ethernet adapter.
- Bluetooth: look for a Bluetooth radio entry. If your laptop has none, skip the Bluetooth package.
- Fingerprint reader: look for a biometric device. If there is none, skip the fingerprint packages.
Tip: Anything marked with a yellow warning icon in Device Manager is a missing driver. Right-click it, open Properties → Details → Hardware Ids, and use those IDs to work out which package above it belongs to.
Troubleshooting common driver problems
No internet connection after a clean install
Download the Realtek Ethernet driver (or the Broadcom Wi-Fi driver if your card is a Broadcom) on another computer, copy it to a USB drive and install it first. Then continue with the rest of the list.
Yellow warning icons remain in Device Manager
Restart after installing the graphics and audio drivers, and check again. If an item is still unknown, read its Hardware Ids and compare them with the hardware described in the notes above (card reader, fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth module).
Wi-Fi is missing after installing the Broadcom driver
The package probably does not match your wireless card. Check the adapter name in Device Manager. If it is not a Broadcom model, look up your exact CQ40 model on HP Support for the right Wi-Fi driver.
Low screen resolution or sluggish graphics
Install the graphics driver that matches your graphics chip and restart. The AMD video driver in this list will not install on a laptop with Intel graphics.
The installer says the system does not meet the requirements
This usually means a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit system (or the reverse), or a package for hardware that is not in your configuration, such as the fingerprint software on a laptop without a fingerprint reader.
Frequently asked questions
Which Windows versions does this Compaq Presario CQ40 driver list cover?
It covers the packages HP published for Windows 7, 32-bit and 64-bit. If you run a newer version of Windows, start with Windows Update and use these files only as a fallback, because compatibility with newer versions is not guaranteed.
How do I know if I need the 32-bit or 64-bit driver?
Open Control Panel, choose System, and read the System type line. Only the DigitalPersona fingerprint software is listed as separate 32-bit and 64-bit files. HP lists a single package for each of the other drivers.
Can I use the BIOS update on my laptop?
Only if your CQ40 has an AMD processor. The BIOS update in HP's list is for AMD models, and flashing it on an Intel-based laptop is not safe. Open Control Panel, choose System and read the Processor line before you decide. If you do update, connect the AC adapter, close other programs and do not turn the laptop off.
Which graphics driver should I install?
HP's list has one graphics driver for this model, the AMD video driver, so it applies only to laptops with AMD (ATI) graphics. Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters to see which graphics chip you have. If it is an Intel chip, search HP Support for your exact model's Intel graphics driver.
Which Wi-Fi driver do I need?
The list includes a Broadcom wireless LAN driver. Expand Network adapters in Device Manager and check that your wireless adapter is a Broadcom model. If it is from another maker, look up your exact model on HP Support for the matching driver.
Do I need both fingerprint packages?
Only if your laptop has a fingerprint reader. HP lists a Validity sensor driver and DigitalPersona fingerprint software. Install the sensor driver first, then the software that matches your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows.
Are these download links safe?
Every Download button points to HP's own SoftPaq server at ftp.hp.com, and nothing is re-hosted on this site. After downloading, right-click the file, choose Properties and look for a Digital Signatures tab to confirm it is signed.
A download link does not work. What should I do?
HP occasionally moves or retires older files. Every driver note on this page includes its HP SoftPaq number (for example SP45073). Search that number on HP Support, or leave a comment below so this page can be updated.
More driver guides on Cloud Drivers
- Compaq Presario CQ20 Drivers
- Compaq Presario CQ42 Drivers
- Compaq Presario CQ43 Drivers
- Cloud Drivers home page
For other HP and Compaq models or the newest releases, you can also visit HP Support.
Cloud Drivers is an independent website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by HP Inc. HP, Compaq and Presario are trademarks of HP Inc. or its affiliates; Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Download buttons point to files hosted by HP. We do not host, modify or repackage them, and availability is controlled by HP. Last updated October 11, 2026.
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