A515-44G-R8J6
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USER’S MANUAL
2 -
Important
© 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Aspire 5
Covers: A515-44 / A515-44G / A515-44S
This revision: March 2020
This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by
copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to
change without notice. Some features described in this manual may not
be supported depending on the 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.
Register your Acer product
If your new device runs on Windows OS, you may have had your
product registered automatically while you start up your device with
Windows OS.
Log in at www.acer.com/myproducts with the email address you
registered for Windows OS to review your product record. (Reset your
password if you do not know it.)
If the record is not found, please follow the steps below to register.
1. Ensure you are connected to the Internet.
2. Go to www.acer.com/register-product.
3. Sign in or sign up for an Acer ID.
4. Enter S/N or SNID of your device to register it.
Model number: _________________________________
Serial number: _________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________
Place of purchase: ______________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of contents - 3
First things first 6
Your guides ............................................. 6
Basic care and tips for using your
computer.................................................. 6
Turning your computer off........................... 6
Taking care of your computer ..................... 7
Taking care of your AC adapter.................. 8
Cleaning and servicing................................ 8
Guidelines for safe battery usage ............... 9
Internal battery....................................... 11
Your Acer notebook tour 12
Screen view ......................................... 12
Keyboard view ..................................... 13
Left view .............................................. 14
USB 3.2 Gen 1 information ....................... 14
USB Type-C information ........................... 14
Right view ............................................. 15
Base view ............................................. 16
Using the keyboard 17
Lock keys............................................... 17
Special keys .......................................... 17
Hotkeys.................................................. 18
Windows keys........................................ 19
Using the Precision Touchpad 20
Touchpad gestures................................ 20
Changing touchpad settings .................. 22
Recovery 23
Creating a file history backup ................ 23
Backing up your wireless and LAN
drivers.................................................... 25
Creating a factory default backup.......... 26
Restoring your computer ....................... 30
Reset this PC and keep my files ............... 30
Reset this PC and remove everything ...... 32
Using a Bluetooth connection 36
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth .......... 36
Enable Bluetooth and add a device.......... 36
Connecting to the Internet 38
Connecting to a wireless network.......... 38
Connecting to a wireless LAN................... 38
Connecting with a cable ........................ 41
Built-in network feature ............................. 41
Connecting to a cellular network ........... 41
Bluelight Shield 42
Securing your computer 44
Using a computer security lock.............. 44
Using passwords ................................... 44
Entering passwords .................................. 45
Fingerprint Reader 46
How to use the fingerprint reader .......... 46
BIOS utility 51
Boot sequence....................................... 51
Setting passwords ................................. 51
Power management 52
Saving power ......................................... 52
Battery pack 54
Battery characteristics ........................... 54
Charging the battery ................................. 54
Optimizing battery life ............................... 55
Checking the battery level......................... 56
Battery-low warning .................................. 56
Traveling with your computer 57
Disconnecting from the desktop ............ 57
Moving around ....................................... 57
Preparing the computer ............................ 57
What to bring to meetings ......................... 58
Taking the computer home .................... 58
Preparing the computer ............................ 58
What to take with you................................ 58
Special considerations .............................. 59
Setting up a home office ........................... 59
Traveling with the computer................... 59
Preparing the computer ............................ 60
What to take with you................................ 60
Special considerations .............................. 60
Traveling internationally......................... 60
Preparing the computer ............................ 60
What to bring with you .............................. 60
Special considerations .............................. 61
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 63
USB Type-C port 64
Video and audio connectors 65
Connecting a monitor............................. 65
Headphones and microphone................ 65
HDMI 66
Frequently asked questions 68
Requesting service ................................ 70
Tips and hints for using Windows 10 ..... 71
How do I get to Start? ............................... 71
How do I turn off my computer?................ 71
How do I unlock my computer?................. 71
How do I set the alarm? ............................ 73
Where are my apps?................................. 74
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 74
How do I check for Windows updates?..... 75
Where can I get more information?........... 75
Troubleshooting ..................................... 76
Troubleshooting tips.................................. 76
Error messages......................................... 76
4 - Table of contents
Internet and online security 78
First steps on the net ............................. 78
Protecting your computer .......................... 78
Choose an Internet Service Provider........ 78
Network connections................................. 80
Surf the Net! .............................................. 81
Internet security software.......................... 82
Getting started...
In this section you will find:
• Useful information on caring for your computer and your health
• Where to find the power button, ports and connectors
• 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
FIRST THINGS FIRST
We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice
for meeting your mobile computing needs.
Your guides
To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of
guides:
First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up your
computer.
The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions
of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you
to be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual. This guide
contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data
recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting.
Once you have connected to the internet, you can download updates
for your computer from:
http://go.acer.com/?id=17883
1. The link will open the Acer Support webpage.
2. Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your model by
pasting in or manually entering the serial number, SNID, or
product model.
3. From this page you can also download and install the Acer
identification utility that will automatically detect your computer’s
serial number and SNID and allow you to copy it to the clipboard.
4. Once you have found your product model, any updates, or
documents will be listed.
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer off
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
• Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key or
select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down.
• Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out >
Note
Shut down.
If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t
want to completely shut it down, you can put it to Sleep by doing any
of the following:
• Press the power button.
• Press the sleep hotkey.
• Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select
Power > Sleep.
• Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out >
Sleep.
If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power
button for up to ten seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the
computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before
powering up.
Taking care of your computer
First things first - 7
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
• Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acerapproved 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.
• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or
above 50º C (122º F).
• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.
• Never place objects on top of the computer.
• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
8 - First things first
Taking care of your AC adapter
Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:
• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.
• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.
Route the power cord and any cables away from where people walk.
• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but
pull on the plug.
• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not
exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension
cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a
single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
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.
Guidelines for safe battery usage
Warning
When using a charging cart or a small space to simultaneously charge
or operate multiple devices , the area must be well- ventilated and the
temperature kept between 0 °C (32 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F) and battery
charging must be stopped when 100% capacity is reached.
Continuous charging can cause deformation or damage to the battery/
device.
Precautions when charging batteries
The useful lifespan of a battery is adversely affected by the following
behavior:
• Constantly charging the battery/device when already at full capacity.
• Charging the battery/device at temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F) or
below 0 °C (32 °F).
To prevent damage, follow these precautions:
• Stop charging the battery once it reaches 100% capacity; regularly
or frequently charging a fully charged battery for an extended period
of time may cause battery deformation or damage. We recommend
that you recharge the device when the battery level drops below
70% capacity.
• Do not charge battery in temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F) or below
0 °C (32 °F). Charging in abnormally high or abnormally low
temperatures can cause battery deformation or damage.
• 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.
• If you plan to store the device for a long period of time, turn-off the
device, remove AC power and store the product at room
temperature (0 °C - 35 °C) in a dry (humidity: 45% - 80%), wellventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures and high
humidity. Do not leave your device’s battery completely discharged
for a long period of time; this may cause battery deformation or
damage. We recommend that the battery is checked and charged to
approximately 50% capacity every 6 months.
First things first - 9
10 - First things first
Warning
• ONLY CHARGE THE BATTERY IN A CLEAN, WELL VENTILATED
AREA.
Batteries may explode if not handled properly.
Do not disassemble or dispose of batteries in fire.
Do not short external contacts, crush, puncture or otherwise tamper
with batteries. Keep batteries away from children.
Follow local regulations when disposing of used batteries.
Precautions when replacing the battery
Improper replacement or mishandling could damage the battery,
cause overheating, result in injury, and risk fire or explosion.
• Device with built-in battery: A built-in battery must be replaced by an
authorized service center. Do not attempt to replace or remove the
battery by yourself.
• 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. Do not put, store or leave your product
in or near a heat source, in a high temperature location, in strong
direct sunlight, in a microwave oven or in a pressurized container, and
do not expose it to temperatures over 50 °C (122 °F).
Failure to follow these guidelines may cause the battery to leak acid,
become hot, explode or ignite and cause injury and/or damage. Do
not pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and
you come into contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with
water and seek medical attention immediately. For safety reasons,
and to prolong the lifetime of the battery, charging will must not occur
at temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 35 °C (95 °F).
The full performance of a new battery is achieved only after two or
three complete charge and discharge cycles. The battery can be
charged and discharged hundreds of times, but it will eventually wear
out. When the operation time becomes noticeably shorter than
normal, check an authorized reseller to purchase a new battery.
First things first - 11
Note
Use the battery only for its intended purpose. Never use any charger
or battery that is damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental
short-circuiting can occur when a metallic object such as a coin, clip or
pen causes direct connection of the positive (+) and negative (-)
terminals of the battery. (These look like metal strips on the battery.)
This might happen, for example, when you carry a spare battery in
your pocket or purse. Short-circuiting the terminals may damage the
battery or the connecting object.
The capacity and lifetime of the battery will be reduced if the battery is
left in hot or cold places, such as in a closed car in summer or winter.
Always try to keep the battery between 15
° F). A device with a hot or cold battery may not work temporarily,
77
even when the battery is fully charged. Battery performance is
especially limited in temperatures well below freezing.
Do not dispose of batteries in a fire as they may explode. Batteries
may also explode if damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local
regulations. Please recycle when possible. Do not dispose as
household waste.
Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery,
which could affect performance.
° C and 25° C (59° F and
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.
12 - Your Acer notebook tour
2
3
1
YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR
After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us
show you around your new Acer computer.
Screen view
# Icon Item Description
1 Microphone
2 Webcam
3 Screen Displays computer output.
Internal digital microphone for sound
recording.
Web camera for video
communicat
A light next to the webcam indicates
that the
ion.
webcam is active.
Your Acer notebook tour - 13
1
3
4
2
Keyboard view
# Icon Item Description
1 Keyboard
2
3 Touchpad
Fingerprint
ader (Optional)
re
For entering data into your computer.
See "Using the keyboard" on page 17.
Fingerprint reader for Windows Hello
and security.
Touch-sensitive pointing device.
The touchpad and selection buttons
f
orm a single surface.
Press down firmly on the touchpad
surface to perform a left click.
Press down firmly on the lower right
corner to perform a right click.
4
Power button Turns the computer on and off.
14 - Your Acer notebook tour
123456
Left view
# Icon Item Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.
Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/
Ethernet (RJ-45)
port
HDMI port
USB port with
power-off
charging
USB port Connects to USB devices.
USB Type-C port
1000-ba
Pull the lip down to open the port
fully
Supports high-definition digital video
conn
Connects to USB devices.
Connects to USB devices that adopt
the
USB 3.2 Type-C, Gen 1 with transfer
speeds up to 5 Gb/s.
sed network.
.
ections.
USB Type-C connector. Supports
USB 3.2 Gen 1 information
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 compatible ports are blue.
• Compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and earlier devices.
• For optimal performance, use USB 3.2 Gen 1 certified devices.
• Defined by the USB 3.2 Gen1 specification (SuperSpeed USB).
USB Type-C information
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 with transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
• Delivers up to 3 A at 5 V DC for USB charging.
Your Acer notebook tour - 15
123 4
Right view
# Icon Item Description
1
2
3
4
Headset/
speaker jack
USB port Connects to USB devices.
Power indicator
Battery indicator
Kensington lock
slot
Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
spea
kers, headphones) or a headset
with microphone.
Indicates the computer’s power
atus.
st
Indicates the computer’s battery
atus.
st
Charging: The
when the battery is charging.
Fully charged: The
when in AC mode.
Connects to a Kensington-compatible
security lock.
light shows amber
light shows blue
16 - Your Acer notebook tour
1
2
3
Base view
# Icon Item Description
1
Ventilation and
cooling fa
n
Allows the computer to stay cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
openings.
2 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.
Simulates removing and reinstalling
3
Battery reset
pinhole
the bat
Insert a paperclip into the hole and
press for fo
tery.
ur seconds.
Using the keyboard - 17
USING THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard has full-sized keys, a numeric keypad, separate cursor,
lock, Windows, special keys and hotkeys.
Lock keys
The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn keyboard
functions on and off.
Lock key Description
Caps Lock
NumLk
(Numeric Lock)
Scr LK
(Scroll Lock)
When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters
typed are in uppercase.
When Num Lock is on, the keypad is in numeric
mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete
with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this
mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data
entry.
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line
up or down when you press the up or down arrow
keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with
some applications.
Special keys
Your computer’s keyboard includes keys that activate special
functions. The function of each key is clearly marked with an icon.
Icon Function Description
Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
Flight mode
Turns on / off the computer's network
devices.
Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.
Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
18 - Using the keyboard
Icon Function Description
Switches display output between the
Display toggle
Display off
Touchpad toggle Turns the built-in touchpad on and off.
display screen, external monitor (if
connected) and both.
Turns the display screen backlight off to
save power. Press any key to return.
Keyboard
backlight toggle
Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.
Volume down Decreases the sound volume.
Volume up Increases the sound volume.
Scr LK Scroll Lock Turns Scroll Lock on or off.
Turns the keyboard backlight on and off.
Function varies depending on
configuration.
Hotkeys
To activate hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the
other key in the hotkey combination.
Hotkey Icon Function Description
Fn + F1-F12 Function keys Activate the F1 to F12 keys.
Fn +
Fn +
Fn +
Fn +
Next Jump to the next media file.
Previous
Play/Pause
Stop
Return to the previous media
file.
Play or pause a selected
media file.
Stop playing the selected
media file.
Using the keyboard - 19
Note
To swap the hotkey and special function of the F1 to F12 keys, change the
function key setting in the BIOS (to open the BIOS press F2 when starting
your computer, then select the Main menu and change Function key
behavior to Function keys).
(Specifications vary depending on model.)
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
Key Description
Windows key
Application key
Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen
or to return to the last open app.
This key has the same effect as clicking
the right mouse button.
20 - Using the Precision Touchpad
USING THE PRECISION TOUCHPAD
The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you
slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this
movement. The Precision Touchpad (PTP) is designed to provide a
more uniform, smooth, and accurate touchpad experience. Many
applications support precision touchpad gestures that use one or
more fingers, however, some gestures may not be supported by the
specific application or program you are using.
Touchpad gestures
Single-finger slide
Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
Single-finger press or tap
Press the touchpad down, or lightly tap the touchpad with
your finger, to perform a 'click', which will select or start an
item. Quickly repeat the tap to perform a double tap or
'double click'.
Two-finger press
Lightly tap the touchpad with two fingers to perform a
'right click'. In the St
commands. In most apps this will open a context menu
related to the selected item.
art screen, this will toggle the app
Two-finger slide
Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists
by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in
any direction.
Two-finger pinch
Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a
simple finger-and-thumb gesture.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 21
Note
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 Tas k V i e w.
• Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show
Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized
windows.
• Swipe left or right to switch between open windows.
Four-finger press
Lightly tap the touchpad with four fingers to open the
Action Center.
Four-finger swipe
Swipe across the touchpad with four fingers.
• Swipe up to open T
window and tap the touchpad to select that window, or
swipe downwards to exit Tas k V i e w.
• Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show
Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized
windows.
ask View. Move the cursor over a
The precision touchpad includes added technology features that help
recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such as accidental taps,
gestures, and pointer movement.
The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better
the response. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean.
22 - 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 Notifications icon to open the Notifications pane.
2. Select All settings.
3. Select Devices > Touchpad
4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You
can switch off the touchpad if you prefer to use a mouse. Or you can
adjust the touchpad sensitivity to suit your needs. Scroll down to see
more settings.
RECOVERY
Note
If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked
questions (see Got a question? on page 67) do not help, you can
recover your computer.
This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer.
Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC,
refresh your PC, backup files/data or create a factory default backup.
If you cannot access Acer Care Center, click Settings in the Start
menu, select Update & Security and then click Recovery.
Acer Care Center vary depending on model or Operating System.
Creating a file history backup
Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily back up your
files and restore them if the originals are lost, damaged or deleted.
1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.
2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Create backup to
open the Backup window.
Recovery - 23
24 - Recovery
3. Plug in the USB drive (or a portable external hard drive) and click +
to add a drive. Select the USB drive from the drop-down list.
4. Click More options to select back-up options which best fit your
needs, such as schedule the backup interval, how long you want to
keep those backups (default is Forever), which folders to be backed
up or be excluded. Click Back up now to continue.
5. Follow the process until it completes.
Important
6. Unplug the USB drive (or a portable external hard drive) and label it
clearly.
Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'File History
Recovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that
you will remember.
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 Care Center then Recovery Management.
2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless
and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select
OK.
3. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.
Recovery - 25
26 - Recovery
Creating a factory default backup
Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily back up your
operating system, installed apps and data.
1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.
2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Create backup to
open the Backup window.
3. Click Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
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