Acer NH.Q59EK.018 User Manual
NITRO 5
USER’S MANUAL
2 -
Important
© 2019. All Rights Reserved.
NITRO 5
Covers: AN515-43 / AN515-54 / AN517-51
This revision: August 2019
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
1.Ensure you are connected to the Internet.
2.Open the Acer Product Registration app.
3.Install any required updates.
4. Sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID, it
will automatically register your product.
After we receive your product registration, you will be sent a
confirmation email with important data.
Model number: ________________________________________
Serial number: _________________________________________
Date of purchase: _____________________________________
Place of purchase: _____________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of contents - 3
First things first 5
Your guides............................................... 5
Basic care and tips for using your
computer................................................... 6
Turning your computer off ....................... 6
Taking care of your computer .................. 6
Taking care of your AC adapter................ 7
Cleaning and servicing .............................. 7
Your Acer notebook tour 8
Screen view............................................... 8
Keyboard view ............................................ 9
Left view .................................................... 10
USB 3.1 information ................................ 11
Right view ............................................... 12
Rear view................................................. 12
Base view ................................................ 13
Using the keyboard 14
Lock keys................................................. 14
Hotkeys...................................................... 14
Windows keys......................................... 15
Using the Precision Touchpad 16
Touchpad gestures ................................ 16
Changing touchpad settings ................ 18
Recovery 20
Creating a factory default backup ....... 20
Backing up your wireless and LAN
drivers...................................................... 22
Restoring your computer...................... 22
Reset this PC and keep my files.............. 23
Reset this PC and remove everything ... 24
Using a Bluetooth connection 27
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth........ 27
Enable Bluetooth and add a device ....... 27
Connecting to the Internet 29
Connecting to a wireless network ....... 29
Connecting to a wireless LAN................. 29
Connecting with a cable........................ 32
Built-in network feature .......................... 32
Connecting to a cellular network......... 32
NitroSense 33
The NitroSense main screen................. 33
Fan Control ............................................... 34
Power Plan ................................................ 34
Monitoring ................................................ 35
NitroSense and Acer TrueHarmonyTM
settings...................................................... 35
Bluelight Shield 37
Securing your computer 39
Using a computer security lock............ 39
Using passwords.................................... 39
Entering passwords ................................. 40
BIOS utility 41
Boot sequence........................................ 41
Setting passwords.................................. 41
Power management 42
Saving power ......................................... 42
Battery pack 44
Battery characteristics .......................... 44
Charging the battery ................................ 44
Optimizing battery life ............................. 45
Checking the battery level ....................... 46
Battery-low warning ................................. 46
Traveling with your computer 47
Disconnecting from the desktop......... 47
Moving around ...................................... 47
Preparing the computer .......................... 47
What to bring to meetings ...................... 48
Taking the computer home ................. 48
Preparing the computer .......................... 48
What to take with you .............................. 49
Special considerations ............................. 49
Setting up a home office.......................... 49
Traveling with the computer ............... 50
Preparing the computer .......................... 50
What to take with you .............................. 50
Special considerations ............................. 50
Traveling internationally ...................... 51
Preparing the computer .......................... 51
What to bring with you ............................ 51
Special considerations ............................. 51
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 53
USB Type-C port 54
Video and audio connectors 55
Connecting a monitor........................... 55
Headphones and microphone............. 55
HDMI 56
Frequently asked questions 58
Requesting service................................ 60
Tips and hints for using Windows 10.. 62
How do I get to Start? .............................. 62
How do I turn off my computer? ............ 62
How do I unlock my computer? .............. 62
How do I set the alarm? ........................... 64
Where are my apps?................................. 65
What is a Microsoft ID (account)? ........... 66
How do I check for Windows updates?.. 66
Where can I get more information? ....... 67
Troubleshooting.................................... 68
Troubleshooting tips ................................ 68
Error messages ......................................... 68
Internet and online security 70
First steps on the net ............................ 70
Protecting your computer ....................... 70
Choose an Internet Service Provider ..... 70
Network connections ............................... 72
Surf the Net! .............................................. 74
Internet security software ....................... 74
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
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.
First things first - 5
6 - First things first
Note
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 >
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
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.
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.
First things first - 7
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.
8 - 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
1Webcam
2 Microphones
3 Screen Displays computer output.
Web camera for video
communication.
A light next to the webcam indicates
that the webcam is active.
Internal digital microphones for
sound recording.
Keyboard view
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
AN515-43 / AN515-54
AN517-51
Your Acer notebook tour - 9
# Icon Item Description
For entering data into your
1Keyboard
computer.
See "Using the keyboard" on page 14.
10 - Your Acer notebook tour
21 3 4 5 6
# Icon Item Description
2Touchpad
3 NitroSense key Launches NitroSense application.
4 Power button Turns the computer on and off.
Left view
Touch-sensitive pointing device.
The touchpad and selection buttons
form 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.
# Icon Item Description
1
2
3HDMI port
4
5 USB port Connects to USB devices.
Kensington lock
slot
Ethernet (RJ-45)
port
USB Type-C
port
Connects to a Kensingtoncompatible security lock.
Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/
1000-based network.
Pull the lip down to open the port
fully.
Supports high-definition digital
video connections.
Connects to USB devices with a
USB Type-C connector.
Supports USB 3.1 Type-C, Gen 1
with transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Your Acer notebook tour - 11
# Icon Item Description
USB port with
6
power-off
charging
Connects to USB devices.
USB 3.1 information
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 compatible ports are blue.
• Compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 1 and earlier devices.
• For optimal performance, use USB 3.1 Gen 1-certified devices.
• Defined by the USB 3.1 Gen 1 specification (SuperSpeed USB).
12 - Your Acer notebook tour
1 2453
1
Right view
# Icon Item Description
1
2 USB port Connects to USB devices.
3
Headset/
speaker jack
Power indicator
Battery
indicator
Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
speakers, headphones) or a
headset with microphone.
Indicates the computer’s power
status.
Indicates the computer’s battery
status.
Charging: The light shows amber
when the battery is charging.
Fully charged: The light shows blue
when in AC mode.
4 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.
5
Rear view
# Icon Item Description
1
Ventilation and
cooling fan
Ventilation and
cooling fan
Allows the computer to stay cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
openings.
Allows the computer to stay cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
openings.
Base view
1
2
1
2
AN515-43 / AN515-54
AN517-51
Your Acer notebook tour - 13
# Icon Item Description
1
2 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.
Ventilation and
cooling fan
Allows the computer to stay cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
openings.
14 - Using the keyboard
USING THE KEYBOARD
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.
Lock key Description
Caps Lock
Num Lock
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.
Hotkeys
To activate hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the
other key in the hotkey combination.
Hotkey Icon Function Description
Fn + F3 Flight mode
Fn + F4 Sleep
Fn + F5 Display toggle
Turns on / off the computer's
network devices.
Puts the computer in Sleep
mode.
Switches display output
between the display screen,
external monitor (if connected)
and both.
Using the keyboard - 15
Hotkey Icon Function Description
Turns the display screen
Fn + F6 Display off
backlight off to save power.
Press any key to return.
Fn + F7
Fn + F8
Touchpad
toggle
Speaker
toggle
Keyboard
Fn + F9
backlight
decrease
Keyboard
Fn + F10
backlight
increase
Fn + F11
Fn + F12
Fn + Del
Pause
Scr Lk
Ins
Pause
Scroll Lock Turns Scroll Lock on or off.
Insert Turns Insert on or off.
Fn + Pg Up Play/Pause
Fn + Pg Dn Previous
Turns the built-in touchpad on
and off.
Turns the speakers on and off.
Decreases the intensity of the
keyboard backlight.
Increases the intensity of the
keyboard backlight.
Sends a Break Command.
Play or pause a selected media
file.
Return to the previous media
file.
Fn + End Next Jump to the next media file.
Fn + Brightness up
Fn +
Brightness
down
Increases the screen
brightness.
Decreases the screen
brightness.
Fn + Volume up Increases the sound volume.
Fn + Volume down Decreases the sound volume.
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.
16 - 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 Start screen, this will toggle the
app commands. In most apps this will open a context
menu related to the selected item.
Two-finger slide
Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and
playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and
moving both in any direction.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 17
Two-finger pinch
Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with
a simple finger-and-thumb gesture.
Three-finger press
Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open
Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana) or open
the Search Windows (if your computer does not support
Cortana).
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.
• 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 Task View. Move the cursor over a
window and tap the touchpad to select that window,
or swipe downwards to exit Task View.
• Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show
Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized
windows.
18 - Using the Precision Touchpad
Note
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.
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
Using the Precision Touchpad - 19
you can adjust the touchpad sensitivity to suit your needs. Scroll
down to see more settings.
20 - Recovery
Note
Important
Note
RECOVERY
If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently
asked questions (see Got a question? on page 57) 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, 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.
We recommend that you create a Factory Default Backup as soon as
possible. In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB
recovery backup.
Creating a factory default backup
Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily back up
your operating system, installed apps and data.
Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting,
it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger.
Recovery - 21
1.From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.
2.Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory
Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window.
3.Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is
selected and click Next.
22 - Recovery
Important
4.Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive
then click Next.
5.Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue.
6.You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.
7.Follow the process until it completes.
8.Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly.
Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'Windows
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.
Restoring your computer
Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily restore
your computer back to its default status. You can choose to keep
your files or remove them before reinstalling Windows.
Reset this PC and keep my files
Important
1.From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management.
2.Select the Restore tab and click Get started to Choose an option.
3.Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your
operating system without removing your personal files. Click
Next to continue.
Recovery - 23
If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed.
4.Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to
their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and
24 - Recovery
programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to
continue.
5.You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen
will turn off during the reset process.
6.The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your
PC will restart several times during the reset process.
7.Follow the process until it completes.
8.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 Care Center then Recovery Management.
2.Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to Choose an option.
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