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Re: No recent BIOS update for Predator Helios 18
Hello RowanB,
All you can really do is wait for Acer to release a BIOS update. These updates are not announced in advance, so the best practice is to check the Acer Support page periodically.
Meanwhile, Microsoft runs frequent checks on your system. Once it meets the requirements, the latest 2026 Secure Boot KEK will be installed automatically.
This rollout is gradual and cannot be forced manually, so patience is the only option for now.
Puraw
Re: NitroSense not found/working in AN517-54. and even clicking the application it wouldn't respond.
Finally!! That did it, thank you so much!
Re: How to reinstall predator sense for a normal Predator Gaming laptop? I have the Predator PH315-52.
Thank you, that worked perfectly! It is loading up just fine now, thanks so much again.
Re: Mouse cursor issue. When I click to open, it doesn't move. Same problem with both wired/wireless mouse. Have to sign-in & out frequently. Any ideas?
This sounds like a software hang or a Windows Explorer conflict rather than a hardware mouse issue. Since the cursor still moves but "clicks" aren't registering until you sign out, a specific process is likely "stealing" the focus or crashing in the background. Here are the safest ways to troubleshoot this:Restart Windows Explorer
The next time the clicks stop working, instead of signing out, try this:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer in the list.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
If this fixes it immediately, the problem is a glitch in the Windows user interface.
Disable "Fast Startup"
Windows often saves "errors" into a temporary file to boot faster, which can cause recurring glitches.
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
- Click "Choose what the power buttons do".
- Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable" at the top.
- Uncheck "Turn on fast startup" and save changes.
- Restart your computer normally. [5, 6, 7, 8]
Perform a "Clean Boot"
Since the problem happens after about 15 minutes, a background app (like a third-party antivirus, RGB lighting software, or an old printer driver) might be crashing.
- Type msconfig in the Windows search bar and hit Enter.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Check the box "Hide all Microsoft services" (this is very important!).
- Click "Disable all".
- Go to the Startup tab, open Task Manager, and Disable everything there.
- Restart. If the mouse stays working for hours, one of those disabled apps is the culprit.
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Diya1811
Re: Mouse cursor issue. When I click to open, it doesn't move. Same problem with both wired/wireless mouse. Have to sign-in & out frequently. Any ideas?
Hi GoBirds2026,
This issue, where the cursor moves but clicks fail until you sign out, often indicates a software conflict or a bug in the Windows Explorer process rather than a physical mouse failure. Since it occurs with both wired and wireless mice on your Acer All-in-One, the problem is likely within the operating system's input stack.
Quick Fixes When it Happens
Instead of signing out and losing work, try these shortcuts to "refresh" the input session:
Restart Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Use the keyboard to find Windows Explorer, select it, and press Alt + R (or right-click and select Restart).
The "Secure Desktop" Refresh: Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and immediately press Esc to return. This can sometimes reset the input layer without requiring a full sign-out.
Graphics Reset: Press Win + Ctrl + Shift + B. This restarts the display driver and UI layer, which can unfreeze unresponsive buttons.
Long-term Solutions
Clear "Automatic Destinations": This folder is known to cause "invisible window" bugs that block clicks. Press Win + R, paste %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations, and hit Enter. Delete everything in that folder (two files will automatically recreate themselves).
Reinstall HID Drivers:
Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
Expand Mice and other pointing devices and Human Interface Devices.
Right-click and Uninstall all mouse and HID-compliant entries. Restart your computer; Windows will reinstall them automatically.
Disable "Mouse Keys": Go to Settings > Accessibility (or Ease of Access) > Mouse. Ensure "Control your mouse with a keypad" is turned Off, as this can sometimes hijack click inputs.
Perform a Clean Boot: To see if a specific third-party program is causing the 15-minute timeout, use the Microsoft System Configuration (msconfig) tool to disable all non-Microsoft services and see if the problem persists.
Run System Repairs: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run sfc /scannow followed by DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix potential corruption in the input system.
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If this comment answers your question, Please "Click on Yes" and then Answered.
Axxo
How come you can comment on the Acer community but not the Acer corner blog
I've noticed that you can comment on the Acer community but not the Acer corner blog what's up with that
Re: Random reboots and freezes in Predator Helios 16 PHN16-73. Event logs show "Kernel-Power" Event ID 41.
Hello samlevinesl,
If you already tried the DISM online command followed by SFC /scannow, the next step I recommend is to reinstall your current Windows version using Windows Update. Microsoft provides the official guide here: Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows
This refresh keeps your files intact and often resolves persistent update or stability problems.
Puraw
Re: Random reboots and freezes in Predator Helios 16 PHN16-73. Event logs show "Kernel-Power" Event ID 41.
For a safe and structured approach to fixing the Kernel-Power Event ID 41 reboots on your Predator Helios 16 PHN16-73, follow these steps in order. This sequence starts with the least invasive software changes before moving to critical firmware updates.
1. Disable Windows Fast Startup (High Success Rate)
This is the most common non-hardware fix for random reboots during idle or wake transitions on the PHN16-73.
- Open Control Panel and set "View by" to Large icons.
- Select Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable at the top.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click Save changes.
2. Lock GPU to "NVIDIA Only" Mode
Instability often occurs when the system switches between integrated and discrete graphics. Forcing the dedicated GPU can stabilize power delivery.
- Via PredatorSense: Open the app, click the Settings icon (top right), and move the slider for Discrete GPU only to the right. Restart your computer.
- Via NVIDIA Control Panel: Right-click your desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage Display Mode. Select NVIDIA GPU only.
3. Adjust Performance Profiles
Using "Turbo" or "Extreme" modes for non-gaming tasks can cause unnecessary power spikes that trigger Event ID 41.
- Open PredatorSense and set the operating mode to Balanced or Performance for daily work.
- Ensure your 330W power adapter is fully seated and clicked into the charging port, as loose connections often trigger these shutdowns under load.
4. Safe BIOS Update Procedure (Critical Fix)
If software changes fail, update to BIOS version, which contains specific fixes for power management and thermal stability.
- Verify Version: Type "System Information" in Windows search and check BIOS Version/Date.
- Download: Go to the Acer Support Page, enter your SNID, and download the latest BIOS file under the "BIOS/Firmware" section.
- Safety Requirements:
- Keep AC Power Plugged In: The update will not (and should not) run on battery power.
- Close Background Apps: Exit all running software, including antivirus.
- Do Not Interrupt: Once the update starts, do not touch any buttons or close the lid until it finishes and reboots into Windows.
5. Final Step: Warranty Claim
If the reboots persist after updating to BIOS and disabling Fast Startup, community evidence points to a potential mainboard or power rail fault. Since your unit is only two weeks old, you should contact Acer Support for a professional diagnosis or a replacement while under the initial warranty period.
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Diya1811
Acer Nitro V15 (ANV15-41) - CPU Power Locked to 20W After 92°C Thermal Trip (Is this "Normal" or a Defect?)
Model: Acer Nitro V15 (ANV15-41)
Specs: Ryzen 5 6600H | RTX 3050 6GB
BIOS: [1.50]
Hello Acer Community,
I am seeking a genuine verdict on whether my laptop is behaving as a gaming machine should, or if I have a defective "lemon." I am a Computer Applications student and have been tracking the data closely. Here are the specific behaviors I am seeing:
1. Thermal Spikes at Low Wattage: Under load, my CPU hits 92°C while only drawing 32W. If I switch to Performance Mode, the CPU temperatures instantly reach 97°C to 100°C.
2. The Persistent 20W Lock (Limp Mode):
Once the CPU touches these 92°C+ temperatures, the laptop enters a "locked" state. The CPU power is capped at 20W-23W indefinitely. In this state, my benchmark scores drop significantly (Cinebench and gaming performance are cut nearly in half).
3. The Restart Bug: This 20W power lock persists after a normal restart. The laptop "remembers" the thermal event and keeps the power throttled. The ONLY way to get the laptop to run at full power again is to perform a full EC Reset (unplugging and holding the power button for 60 seconds).
4. My Concern:
I cannot manually reset the EC every time I want to use my laptop. My local service center claims "this is normal for this model," but I refuse to believe a gaming laptop is intended to lock itself to 20W (office laptop levels) just because it performed a boost.
My Questions:
Is it standard for a Nitro V15 to require a 60-second hardware reset to clear a power limit?
Should a 6600H be hitting 92°C at a mere 32W with fans running?
Is this a known firmware/EC bug, or is my specific heatsink/thermal paste application defective?
I want a proper answer from people who know this hardware. Should I be demanding a replacement or a professional repaste under warranty?
