Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Acer Swift 3 SF315-51-518S laptop. The Acer Swift 3 SF315-51-518S features an 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor, Windows 10 Home, a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS LED-backlit Display, 8GB DDR4 Onboard Memory, and a 256GB SSD. It also includes a Secure Digital (SD) card reader, Acer True Harmony audio, dual stereo speakers, 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2x2 MIMO technology, Bluetooth 4.0, an HD Webcam, and an Acer Fingerprint Reader supporting Windows Hello. Connectivity options include 1 USB Type-C Port (USB 3.1 Gen 1), 2 USB 3.0 ports (one with power-off charging), and 1 HDMI Port.

Image: Front view of the Acer Swift 3 SF315-51-518S laptop, showcasing its display and sleek design.
Setup
Unboxing and Initial Inspection
Upon opening the package, ensure all components are present and undamaged. The box should contain:
- Laptop
- Power Adapter
- Power Cord
Connecting to Power
Before first use, connect the power adapter to the laptop's power input port and then plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. Allow the battery to charge fully before disconnecting the power adapter for optimal battery health.
First Boot and Windows Setup
Press the power button to turn on your laptop. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial Windows 10 setup, which includes selecting your region, language, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, and creating a user account.
Operating Your Laptop
Keyboard and Touchpad
The laptop features a full-size keyboard and a precision touchpad. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures for navigation and interaction with Windows 10.
Ports and Connectors
Familiarize yourself with the various ports on your laptop:

Image: Right side view of the Acer Swift 3 SF315-51-518S, showing the USB ports and SD card reader.
- USB Type-C Port (USB 3.1 Gen 1): For high-speed data transfer and connecting compatible devices.
- USB 3.0 Ports: Two ports for connecting USB devices, one supporting power-off charging.
- HDMI Port: For connecting to external displays or projectors.
- Secure Digital (SD) Card Reader: For reading and writing data to SD cards.
- Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack: For audio input and output.

Image: Left side view of the Acer Swift 3 SF315-51-518S, highlighting the power input and other ports.
Fingerprint Reader
The integrated fingerprint reader supports Windows Hello for secure and convenient login. To set it up, navigate to Windows Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Wireless Connectivity
Your laptop supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2x2 MIMO technology for fast and reliable wireless internet access on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Bluetooth 4.0 is also available for connecting wireless peripherals like mice, keyboards, or headphones.
Maintenance
Cleaning Your Laptop
To maintain your laptop's appearance and functionality:
- Screen: Use a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water or a screen cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Keyboard and Chassis: Use a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, ensuring no liquid enters openings. Compressed air can help remove dust from between keys.
Battery Care
The Acer Swift 3 is equipped with a 4-cell Li-Ion battery, offering up to 10 hours of battery life. To maximize battery lifespan:
- Avoid extreme temperatures.
- Do not fully discharge the battery regularly.
- If storing the laptop for an extended period, charge the battery to about 50% and store in a cool, dry place.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
- Laptop does not power on: Ensure the power adapter is securely connected and the battery has sufficient charge. Try pressing and holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
- Fan noise: Occasional fan noise is normal, especially during intensive tasks. If the fan is excessively loud or constant, ensure ventilation vents are clear of obstructions. Update drivers and check background processes.
- Display issues (washed out, dim): Adjust screen brightness settings in Windows. Ensure display drivers are up to date. If issues persist, consider connecting to an external monitor to rule out a hardware problem.
- Slow performance: Check for excessive background applications, malware, or low disk space. Consider upgrading RAM (up to 16GB maximum supported) or ensuring the SSD is not full.
- Fingerprint reader not working: Ensure your finger is clean and dry. Re-register your fingerprint in Windows Hello settings if the issue persists.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SF315-51-518S |
| Processor | 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U (1.6 GHz, up to 3.4 GHz with Turbo Boost) |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 (Onboard, up to 16 GB maximum) |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD (NVMe) |
| Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen IPS LED-backlit |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 (Integrated) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Wireless Connectivity | 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2x2 MIMO, Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ports | 1x USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1), 2x USB 3.0 (one with power-off charging), 1x HDMI with HDCP support, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack |
| Battery | 4-cell Li-Ion (3220 mAh), up to 10-hours battery life |
| Weight | 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 14.59 x 10.04 x 0.74 inches |
| Color | Steel Gray |
Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Acer support website. The website also provides access to drivers, FAQs, and contact information for technical assistance.
Acer Support Website: www.acer.com/support





