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Operating System version. Images provided herein are for reference only and may contain information or features that do not apply to your computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained in this manual.
Acer ProShield Plus Basic care and tips for using your Overview..........44 computer..........6 Setting up Acer ProShield Plus....44 Turning your computer off......6 File Encryption / Decryption ...... 45 Taking care of your computer ..... 7 File Shredder ..........46 Taking care of your AC adapter ....
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4 - Table of contents Troubleshooting tips........76 Protecting your computer......78 Error messages......... 76 Choose an Internet Service Provider ..78 Network connections......... 80 Internet and online security Surf the Net!..........81 First steps on the net ......78 Internet security software......
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• Where to find the power button, ports and connectors • Windows 11 interface overview • Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • How to create recovery backups • Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth • Information on using Acer’s bundled software...
6 - First things first I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides...
Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. • Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acer- approved adapter to power your device. • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.
1. Turn off the computer. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center.
• The charging port must be clean and free from debris and should only be used with Acer charging equipment. Use of a non-Acer battery or charging equipment can cause damage to the product and will void the warranty.
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• Device with removable battery: The battery should only be replaced with parts approved by Acer. Do not replace the battery with any parts other than approved ones. This notebook uses a Lithium-based battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or corrosive environment.
Please refer to www.acer.com for battery shipping documents. Internal battery • Do not attempt to replace a built-in rechargeable battery, battery replacement must be done by an Acer- authorized repair facility. Recharge the battery by following the instruction included in the product documentation.
C E R N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Note Illustrations are for reference only. Actual products specifications may vary.
Your Acer notebook tour - 13 Keyboard view Icon Item Description Speakers Deliver stereo audio output. For entering data into your computer. Keyboard See "Using the keyboard" on page Fingerprint reader for Windows Hello Fingerprint reader and security. (optional) Touch-sensitive pointing device.
14 - Your Acer notebook tour Left view P215-52 / P215-52G / P215-41 / P215-41-G2 / P215-41-G3 P215-53 / P215-53G Icon Item Description DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. Connects to an Ethernet Ethernet 10/100/1000-based network. (RJ-45) port Pull the lip down to open the port fully.
• Delivers up to 3 A at 5 V DC for USB charging. • DC-in: requires power adapter or power source providing 65 W at 19/20 V. For optimal performance, please use a certified Acer power adapter or USB Power Delivery device.
16 - Your Acer notebook tour Right view Icon Item Description Indicates the computer’s power Power indicator status. Indicates the computer’s battery status. Charging: The light shows amber Battery indicator when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.
Your Acer notebook tour - 17 Front view Icon Item Description Accepts one smart card. Smart Card Only one smart card can be read at a reader (optional) time. Base view Icon Item Description Allows the computer to stay cool.
18 - Using the keyboard S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys, a numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows keys and hotkeys. Lock keys The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn keyboard functions on and off.
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Using the keyboard - 19 Hotkey Icon Function Description Switches display output between the display screen, Fn + F5 Display toggle external monitor (if connected) and both. Turns the display screen Fn + F6 Display off backlight off to save power. Press any key to return.
20 - The Windows OS Desktop O S D I N D O W S E S K T O P 2 3 4 5 Item Description Changes the apps settings for your Settings computer. Launches apps, through Pinned, Start Recommended, or All apps.
Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button > Settings > Windows Update. Select Advanced options to configure the settings. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 11 information: support.microsoft.com/Windows • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...
22 - Using the Precision Touchpad S I N G T H E R E C I S I O N O U C H P A D The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.
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Using the Precision Touchpad - 23 Three-finger press Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open the Search Windows. Three-finger swipe Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers. • Swipe up to open Task View. Move the cursor over a window and tap the touchpad to select that window, or swipe downwards to exit Task View.
24 - Using the Precision Touchpad Changing touchpad settings To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal requirements, please do the following. 1. In the icon tray in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, select the Network, Sound and Battery icon to open the Quick settings pane.
This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer ControlCenter, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, backup files/data or create a factory default backup. If you cannot access Acer ControlCenter, click Settings in the Start menu, select System and then click Recovery.
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26 - Recovery 3. Click Set up syncing for OneDrive folder syncing to continue. 4. Make sure the folders that you want to back up are selected and click Start back up to continue.
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Recovery - 27 5. You can select View sync progress to watch files sync until it completes. 6. To open the OneDrive folder, double click OneDrive icon in the notification area.
28 - Recovery Backing up your wireless and LAN drivers Back up your wireless and LAN drivers. You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select Control Center in all apps list then Recovery Management.
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Recovery - 29 3. Click Reset PC to Choose an option. 4. Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files.
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30 - Recovery 5. Choose from the two options - Cloud download or Local reinstall to reinstall Windows. (Ensure you are connected to the internet when using Cloud download.) 6. Click Change settings to open the Choose settings options.
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Recovery - 31 7. Choose your settings options and follow the instructions on screen. Click Confirm then Next to continue. Important If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed. 8. Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files.
32 - Recovery 12.When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will have been reset back to its factory default settings without removing your personal files. Reset this PC and remove everything 1. From Start, select Control Center in all apps list then Recovery Management.
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Recovery - 33 4. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. 5. Choose from the two options - Cloud download or Local reinstall to reinstall Windows. (Ensure you are connected to the internet when using Cloud download.) 6.
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34 - Recovery 7. Choose your settings options and follow the instructions on screen. Click Confirm then Next to continue. 8. Click Reset to continue. 9. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process. 10.The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows.
Using a Bluetooth connection - 35 S I N G A L U E T O O T H C O N N E C T I O N Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices.
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36 - Using a Bluetooth connection 4. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices. 5. After pairing, if there is a code displaying on the screen, enter that code on the device to proceed the connection. Note Some devices using older versions of the Bluetooth technology require both devices to enter a PIN.
Acer computers feature a Flight mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network.
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38 - Connecting to the Internet To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below. 1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice. Make a note of the wireless network’s name and password (if necessary).
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Connecting to the Internet - 39 4. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use. 5. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect.
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40 - Connecting to the Internet 6. If required, enter the network’s password.
Connecting to the Internet - 41 Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature If your computer has a network port, plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router (refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online.
42 - Bluelight Shield L U E L I G H T H I E L D The Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce blue-light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure the Bluelight Shield, search for ’Quick Access’ in the Start Menu.
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Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • Setting passwords • What you need to prepare when you’re traveling • How to get the most out of your battery...
• USB Device Filter • Alert and Security Report Setting up Acer ProShield Plus The first time you run Acer ProShield Plus, you will be required to set up Windows Hello that allows you to set up the parameters for Acer ProShield Plus.
It is advisable to use a combination of letters and numbers. Once the configuration is complete, you can use either of the following authentications to access the Acer ProShield Plus and decrypt encrypted files. • Face •...
46 - Acer ProShield Plus File Shredder Here you can select files to be completely removed from the hard disk. The File Shredder overwrites the data to make recovering the data impossible. Warning Make sure you select only the information you want to shred. Once you have shredded a file or folder, it is impossible to recover the data.
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Acer ProShield Plus - 47 In the PSD window, select the edit button to open the Create a Personal Secure Drive (PSD) page, then set the Location and Capacity. Click Create to exit. Click the toggle button to Open or Close the PSD.
48 - Acer ProShield Plus Application Guard Here you can set applications you want to protect. After setting, it will require Windows Hello authentication to access the application. Note If the Windows Hello authentication fails, the user is locked from the application.
Acer ProShield Plus - 49 USB Device Filter Here you can set specific USB devices to deny access or read-only. Alert Here you can set the alert for each module On or Off to record invalid access. This feature can also send email notification while events...
The module detects an intruder by sending an email alert, capturing an intruder via the camera, and saving the record in the Security Report. Scan this QR Code to watch our video tutorial for Acer Proshield Plus.
Securing your computer - 51 E C U R I N G Y O U R C O MP U TE R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks —...
52 - Securing your computer Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility. • Type the Supervisor Password and press Enter to access the BIOS utility.
In addition to using an account password or PIN to sign in to Windows apps and services, you can also use the fingerprint reader to sign-in and unlock your Acer notebook. In order to use the fingerprint reader, you must first configure the fingerprint reader to recognize your fingerprint to confirm your identity.
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54 - Fingerprint Reader 2. In the Windows Hello setup window, select Get started to begin the fingerprint configuration. 3. Enter your PIN to confirm your identity.
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Fingerprint Reader - 55 4. When the Windows Hello setup window appears, follow the onscreen directions. Press and hold your finger on the fingerprint sensor and then lift. Repeat this step until the fingerprint configuration is complete.
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56 - Fingerprint Reader 5. Once the fingerprint configuration is complete, you will be able to sign in or unlock your computer by placing your fingerprint on the fingerprint reader. You may select Add another finger to add another fingerprint to unlock the computer. Note If the notebook has multiple accounts, you can set up access separately and automatically switch between accounts.
BIOS utility - 57 B I O S U T I L I T Y The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.
58 - Power management O W E R M A N A G E M E N T This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
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Power management - 59 3. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 4. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 5. Select Save changes.
60 - Battery pack A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.
Battery pack - 61 Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack.
62 - Battery pack Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears.
Traveling with your computer - 63 R A V E L I N G W I T H Y O U R C O M P U T E R This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.
64 - Traveling with your computer What to bring When you are just moving within short distances, you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than your computer. If your battery is not fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your computer.
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Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...
(High-speed USB) and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.2 Gen 1 devices should always be plugged into USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
The Type-C port is reversable; connectors may be inserted with either side up. Note On Acer computers USB Type-C ports support up to USB 3.2 (SuperSpeed USB, 10 Gbps). Other USB devices with a USB Type-C connector are supported, but transfer speed may be reduced and certain functions will be disabled (such as Thunderbolt video support).
68 - Thunderbolt 4 port H U N D E R B O L T P O R T A Thunderbolt 4 port allows you to easily connect devices with a Type-C connector to your computer, such as additional storage (e.g.
microSD card reader - 69 M I C R O C A R D R E A D E R microSD (Secure Digital) cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, tablets, media players and cellular phones. Inserting an microSD card 1.
70 - Video and audio connectors I D E O A N D A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Add an external monitor to your computer via a video port. The type of port available depends on your computer’s configuration.
HDMI - 71 H D M I HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable.
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Got a question? In this section you will find: • Frequently asked questions • Troubleshooting information • How to protect yourself while online • Where to find Acer service center contact information...
Frequently asked questions - 73 R E Q U E N TL Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer.
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74 - Frequently asked questions icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and drag the slider to the right to increase the volume. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar.
Frequently asked questions - 75 Note To access the BIOS utility, press F2 when you see the Acer logo during boot For more information, see Restoring your computer on page Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Travelers Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling.
Fr eq u en tl y as ked qu es t io ns 76 - Frequently asked questions Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer.
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Frequently asked questions - 77 Error messages Corrective action Contact your dealer or an authorized service I/O parity error center. Keyboard error or no Contact your dealer or an authorized service keyboard connected center. Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service error center.
78 - Internet and online security N T E R N E T A N D O N L I N E S E C U R I T Y First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the internet (see Internet security software on page 82).
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Internet and online security - 79 internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’...
80 - Internet and online security Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an internet connection.
Acer is dedicated to provide you with on-going personalized support. Check out our Support section to get help tailored to your needs. www.acer.com is your portal to a world of online activities and services: visit us regularly for the latest information and downloads!
82 - Internet and online security Internet security software To help you stay ahead of cybercriminals, Acer has partnered with Norton to offer you security for all your devices. Select Acer computers include protection by Norton Security Norton Security is pre-installed on select Acer computers, protecting your identity and financial data from viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats.
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Internet and online security - 83 Don't be fooled if someone calls your phone A tech support scam is a form of online fraud where people call you on the phone saying they're Technical Support from a trusted company like Norton or Microsoft and that you have a virus. The main motive behind these scams is to extort money from the victim.
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84 - Internet and online security Botnets A botnet is a string of infected, connected computers coordinated together to perform a task. Botnets gain access to your machine through some piece of malicious coding. Once the software is downloaded, the botnet will now contact its master computer and let it know that everything is ready to go.
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Internet and online security - 85 between these transmissions. They then set up tools programmed to "listen in" on transmissions, intercept data that is specifically targeted as valuable, and capture the data, such as your login credentials and passwords. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your privacy and anonymity are protected when you use public Wi-Fi.
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86 - Internet and online security However, do not blame every computer problem on a virus! If you suspect your computer is infected, the first thing to do is update, if you have not already done so, and run your antivirus and anti-spyware software.