Acer Answers

Enter your question or keyword to search our knowledge base

Acer Answers

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager [SCCM]

Microsoft SCCM enables administrators to simplify system management for computers and other devices. It can deploy drivers and applications, manage operating system deployment, control network access, and more.

Below, you will find SCCM driver packs* for Acer professional products:

TravelMate

Model Name	Windows 11	Windows 10 x64	Windows 8.1 x64	Windows 7 x64	Windows 7 x86
TMB114-21	-	TMB114-21_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB115M, TMB115MP	-	-	TMB115_W81x64	TMB115_W7x64	-
TMB117M, TMB117MP	-	TMB117M_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB118M	-	TMB118M_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB118R, TMB118RN	-	TMB118RN_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB118-G2-R, TMB118-G2-RN	-	TMB118G2_RN_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB311-31	-	TMB311-31_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB311-31R, TMB311-31RN	-	TMB311-31R(N)_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB311-32 TMB311R-32 TMB311RA-32 TMB311RN-32 TMB311RNA-32	TMB311-32_W11x64	TMB311-32_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB311-33	TMB311-33_W11	TMB311-33_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB311-34, TMB311-34-TCO, TMB311-34T, TMB311-34T-TCO	TMB311-34_W11	-	-	-	-
TMB311-32R, TMB311-32RN, TMB311-32RNA	-	TMB311-32R(N)(A)_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB311RN-33	TMB311RN-33_W11	TMB311RN-33_W10x64	-	-	-
Travelate B312R-31, TMB312R-31-TCO, TMB312RN-31, TMB312RN-31-TCO	TMB312R(N)-31_W11	-	-	-	-
TMB514-31	TMB514-31_W11	TMB514-31_W10x64	-	-	-
TMB514-31-G2, TMB514-31-G2-TCO	TMB514-31-G2_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP214-41, TMP214-41-G2, TMP214-41-G3	TMP214-41-G2-G3_W11	TMP214-41-G2-G3_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP214-42, TMP214-42-TCO	TMP214-42_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP214-43, TMP214-43-TCO	TMP214-43_W11, TMP214-43_W11_23H2_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP214-51	-	TMP214-51_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP214-52	-	TMP214-52_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP214-53, TMP214-53G	TMP214-53_W11	TMP214-53_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP214-54	TMP214-54_W11	TMP214-54_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP214-55, TMP214-55-TCO, TMP214-55G, TMP214-55G-TCO	TMP214-55_W11, TMP214-55_W11_24H2	TMP214-55_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP214-55-G2, TMP214-55-G2-TCO, TMP214-55T, TMP214-55T-G2, TMP214-55T-G2-TCO	TMP214-55(T)-G2-(TCO)_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP214-56, TMP214-56-TCO, TMP214-56T, TMP214-56T-TCO, TMX14-51	TMP214-56(T)-(TCO)_W11_23H2, TMP214-56(T)-(TCO)_W11_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP214-56-G2, TMP214-56-G2-TCO, TMP214-56T, TMP214-56T-G2, TMP214-56T-G2-TCO	TMP214-56(T)-G2-(TCO)_W11_23H2	-	-	-	-
TMP214-76, TMP214-76-G2, TMP214-76-G2-TCO, TMP214T-76, TMP214T-76-G2, TMP214T-76-G2-TCO	TMP214-76(T)-G2-(TCO)_W11_23H2	-	-	-	-
TMP215-41, TMP215-41-G2, TMP215-41-G3	TMP215-41-G2-G3_W11	TMP215-41-G2-G3_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP215-52	-	TMP215-52_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP215-53, TMP215-53G	-	TMP215-53_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP215-54, TMP50-54	TMP215-54-(TCO)_W11	TMP215-54_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP215-55	TMP215-55_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP215-55-G2, TMP215-55-G2-TCO, TMP215-55T, TMP215-55T-G2, TMP215-55T-G2-TCO	TMP215-55(T)-G2-(TCO)_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP215-75-G2, TMP215-75-G2-TCO, TMP215-75T, TMP215-75T-G2, TMP215-75-G2-TCO	TMP215-75(T)-G2-(TCO)_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP216-41, TMP216-41-TCO	TMP216-41_W11, TMP216-41_W11_23H2_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP216-51, TMP216-51-TCO, TMP216-51G, TMP216-51G-TCO	TMP216-51_W11, TMP216-51_W11_24H2	TMP216-51_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP216-51, TMP216-51-G2, TMP216-51-G2-TCO, TMP216-51T, TMP216-51T-G2, TMP216-51T-G2-TCO	TMP216-51(T)-G2-(TCO)_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP246M, TMP246MG	-	-	TMP246_W81x64	TMP246_W7x64	-
TMP246M-M, TMP246M-MG	-	-	TMP246M_W81x64	TMP246M_W7x64	-
TMP248M, TMP248MG	-	TMP248_W10x64	-	TMP248_W7x64	-
TMP249M, TMP249MG	-	TMP249_W10x64	-	TMP249_W7x64	-
TMP2410M, TMP2410MG	-	TMP2410_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP2410-G2-M, TMP2410-G2-MG	-	TMP2410G2_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP256M, TMP256MG	-	-	TMP256_W81x64	TMP256_W7x64	-
TMP257M, TMP257MG	-	-	TMP257_W81x64	TMP257_W7x64	-
TMP258M, TMP258MG	-	TMP258_W10x64	-	TMP258_W7x64	-
TMP259M, TMP259MG	-	TMP259_W10x64	-	TMP259_W7x64	-
TMP2510M, TMP2510MG	-	TMP2510_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP276M, TMP276MG	-	-	TMP276_W81x64	TMP276_W7x64	-
TMP413-51, TMP413-51-TCO	TMP413-51_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP414-41, TMP414RN-41, TMP416-41	TMP414(RN)-41_W11 TMP416-41_W11	TMP414(RN)-41_W10x64 TMP416-41_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP414-42-TCO	TMP414-42-TCO_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP414-51, TMP414-51G, TMP414RN-51, TMP414RN-51G, TMP414A-51, TMP414A-51G, TMP414RNA-51, TMP414RNA-51G, TMX40-53, TMX40-53G	TMP414(RN)-51_W11	TMP414(RN)-51_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP414-52, TMP414RN-52, TMP416-51	TMP414(RN)-52_W11 TMP416-51_W11, TMP414(RN)-52_W11_SV2 TMP416-51_W11_SV2, TMP414(RN)-52_W11_24H2 TMP416-51_W11_24H2	TMP414(RN)-52_W10x64 TMP416-51_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP414-53, TMP414-53-TCO, TMP414-53G, TMP414-53G-TCO, TMP414RN-53G, TMP414RN-53G-TCO, TMP414P-53, TMP414P-53-TCO, TMP414P-53G, TMP414P-53G-TCO, TMP414RN-53, TMP414RN-53-TCO	TMP414(P)(RN)-53-(TCO)_W11, TMP414(P)(RN)-53G-(TCO)_W11	TMP414(P)(RN)-53(G)_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP414-55, TMP414-55-TCO, TMP414-55T, TMP414-55T-TCO, TMP414RN-55-TCO, TMP41RN-55T-TCO	TMP414(RN)-55(T)-(TCO)_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP414-53-G2, TMP414-53-G2-TCO	TMP414-53-G2-(TCO)_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP414RN-54, TMP414RN-54-TCO	TMP414RN-54-(TCO)_W11, TMP414RN-54-(TCO)_W11_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP416-52, TMP416-52G, TMP416-72	TMP416-52(G)_W11 TMP416-72_W11	TMP416-52(G)_W10x64 TMP416-72_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP416-53, TMP416-53-TCO	TMP416-53-(TCO)_W11, TMP416-53-(TCO)_W11_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP416-54, TMP416-54-TCO, TMP416-54T, TMP416-54T-TCO	TMP416-54-(TCO)_W11_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP416-74-TCO	TMP416-74-TCO_W11_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP446M, TMP446MG	-	-	TMP446_W81x64	TMP446_W7x64	-
TMP449M, TMP449MG	-	TMP449G2_M_W10x64	-	TMP449_M_W7x64	-
TMP459M, TMP459MG	-	TMP459G2_M_W10x64	-	TMP459_M_W7x64	-
TMP614-51, TMP614-51T, TMP614-51TG	-	TMP614-51_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP614-51-G2, TMP614-51T-G2, Travelate P614-51TG-G2	TMP614-51-G2_W11	TMP614-51-G2_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP614-52, TMP614P-52, TMP614RN-52	TMP614(P)(RN)-52_W11	TMP614(P)(RN)-52_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP614 -53, TMP614-53T, TMP614P-53, TMP614P-53T	TMP614(P)-53(T)_W11, TMP614(P)-53(T)_W11_24H2	TMP614(P)-53(T)_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP614-54, TMP614-54-TCO, TMP614P-54, TMP614P-54-TCO, TMP614P-54T, TMP614P-54T-TCO	TMP614-54_W11	-	-	-	-
TMP614-73, TMP614-73-TCO, TMP614-73T, TMP614-73T-TCO	TMP614-73_W11, TMP614-73_W11_24H2	-	-	-	-
TMP645-M, TMP645-MG, TMP645-V, TMP645-VG	-	-	TMP645_M_W81x64 TMP645_V_W81x64	TMP645_M_W7x64 TMP645_V_W7x64	-
TMP645-S, TMP645-SG	-	-	TMP645_S_W81x64	TMP645_S_W7x64	-
TMP648-M, TMP648-MG	-	TMP648_M_W10x64, TMP658_M_WiGig_W10x64	-	TMP648_M_W7x64, TMP658_M_WiGig_W7x64	-
TMP648-G2-M, TMP648-G2-MG	-	TMP648G2_M_W10x64	-	-	-
TMP658-M, TMP658-MG	-	TMP658_M_W10x64, TMP658_M_WiGig_W10x64	-	TMP658_M_W7x64, TMP658_M_WiGig_W7x64	-
TMP658-G2-M, TMP658-G2-MG	-	TMP658G2_M_W10x64	-	-	-
TMX314-51-M, TMX314-51-MG	-	TMX314_51_M_W10x64	-	-	-
TMX349-M	-	TMX349_M_W10x64	-	TMX349_M_W7x64	-
TMX3410-M, TMX3410-MG	-	TMX3410_M_W10x64	-	-	-
TMX514-51, TMX514-51T	-	TMX514_51_W10x64	-	-	-

Veriton

Model Name	Windows 11	Windows 10 x64	Windows 8.1 x64	Windows 7 x64	Windows 7 x86
Veriton K8-660G_E	-	VK8-660G_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton K4690, Veriton K490G, Veriton K6690, Veriton K6690G, Veriton K8690, Veriton K8690G	VK4690_VK6690_VK8690_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton K8715G, Veriiton K8715GT	VK8715_W11	VK8715_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton M2630, Veriton M2630G, Veriton M2631, Veriotn M2631G, Veriton M2632, Veriton M2632G	-	VM263X_W10x64	VM2630_W81x64	VM2630_W7x64	VM2630_W7x86
Veriton M2640, Veriton M2640G	-	VM2640_W10x64	-	VM2640_W7x64	VM2640_W7x86
Veriton M4630, Veriton M4630G, Veriton S4630, Veriton S4630G, Veriotn M6630G, Veriton S6630G	-	-	VM6630_VM4630_W81x64	VM6630_VM4630_W7x64	VM6630_VM4630_W7x86
Veriton M4640, Veriton M4640G, Veriton M6640, Veiton M6640G	-	VM4640_VM6640_W10x64	-	VM4640_VM6640_W7x64	-
Veriton M4650, Veriton M4650G, Veriton M6650, Veriton M6650G	-	VM4650_VM6650_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton M4660, Veriton M4660G	-	VM4660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton M4670, Veriotn M4670G	-	VM4670_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton M4690, Veriotn M4690G	VM4690_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton M4710, Veriton M4710G	VM4710_W11	VM4710_10x64	-	-	-
Veriton M4715G, Veriton M4715GT	VM4715_W11	VM4715_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton VM4720GT, Veriton VM4720G	VVM4720GT_W11 VM4720G_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton M6660, Veriton M6660G	-	VM6660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton M6690, Veriton M6690G	VM6690_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton VM6725GT, Veriton VM6725G	VVM6725GT_W11 VM6725G_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton VM8715G, Veriton VM8715GT	VM8715_W11	VM8715_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton VM8720GT, Veriton VM8720G	VVM8720GT_W11 VM8720G_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton N2595GT	N2595GT_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton N4640, Veriton N4640G	-	VN4640_W10x64	-	VN4640_W7x64	-
Veriton N4640, Veriton N4640G v2, Veriton VN6640, Veriton VN6640G v2,	-	VN4640_VN6640_v2_W10x64	-	VN4640_VN6640_v2_W7x64	VN4640_VN6640_v2_W7x86
Veriton N4660, Veriton N4660G, Veriton N6660, Veriton N6660G	-	VN4660_VN6660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton N4670G, Veriton N4670GT, Veriton N6670G	-	VN4670_VN6670_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton N4680GT, Veriton N6680G	-	VN4680_VN6680_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton N4690G, Veriton N4690GT, Veriton N6690G, Veriton N6690GT	VN4690_VVN4690_VN6690_W11	VN4690_VVN4690_VN6690_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton N4710G, Veriton N4710GT, Veriton N6710G, Veriton N6710GT	VN4710_VVN4710_VN6710_W11	VN4710_VVN4710_VN6710_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Vero N4720GT, Veriton Vero N6720GT (for 13th Gen Intel® Processors only)	VVN4720_VVN6720_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton Vero N4720GT, Veriton Vero N6720GT (up to 14th Gen Intel® Processors)	VVN4720_VVN6720_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton S2660 Veriton S2660G,	-	VS2660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton S2665, Veriton S2665G	-	VS2665_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton S2690, Veriton S2690G	VS2690_W11	VS2690_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton S2710, Veriton S2710G	VS2710_W11	VS2710_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton S2715, Veriton S27150G	VS2715_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton S2720, Veriton S2720G	VS2720_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton S4660, Veriton S4660G	-	VS4660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton S4670, Veriton S4670G	-	VS4670_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton S6660, Veriton S6660G	-	VS6660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton SF110	VSF110_W11x64	-	-	-	-
Veriton X2630, Veriton X2630G, Veriton X2631, Veriton X2631G, Veriton X2632, Veriton X2632G	-	VX263X_W10x64	VX263X_W81x64	VX263X_W7x64	VX263X_W7x86
Veriton X2640, Veriton X2640G	-	VX2640_W10x64	-	VX2640_W7x64	VX2640_W7x86
Veriton X2660, Veriton X2660G	-	VX2660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X2665, Veriton X2665G	-	VX2665_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X2680, Veriton X2680G	VX2680_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton X2690, Veriton X2690G	VX2690_W11	VX2690_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X2710, Veriton X2710G	VX2710_W11	VX2710_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X2715, Veriton X2715G	VX2715_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton X2720, Veriton X2720G, Veriton X2720GT Veriton S2720G	VX2720_VS2720_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton X4630, Veriton X4630G, Veriton X6630, Veriton X6630G	-	-	VX6630_VX4630_W81x64	VX6630_VX4630_W7x64	VX6630_VX4630_W7x86
Veriton X4640, Veriton X4640G, Veriton X6640, Veriton X6640G	-	VX4640_VX6640_W10x64	-	VX4640_VX6640_W7x64	VX4640_VX6640_W7x86
Veriton X4650, Veriton X4650G, Veriton X6650, Veriton X6650G	-	VX4650_VX6650_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X4660, Veriotn X4660G	-	VX4660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X4670, Veriton X4670G	-	VX4670_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X4690, Veriton X4690G	VX4690_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton X4710, Veriton X4710G	VX4710_W11	VX4710_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X4715G, Veriton X4715GT	VX4715_W11	VX4715_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X4720G, Veriton Vero X4720GT	VVX4720GT_W11 VX4720G_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton X6660, Veriton X6660G	-	VX6660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X6690, Veriton X6690G	VX6690_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton X6725G, Veriton Vero X6725GT	VVX6725GT_W11 VX6725G_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton X8715G, Veriton X8715GT	VX8715_W11	VX8715_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton X8720G, Veriton Vero X8720GT	VVX8720GT_W11 VX8720G_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton Z2514G	VZ2514G_W11	-	-	-	-
Veriton Z4640, Veriton Z4640G, Veriton Z4820, Veriton Z4820G, Veriton Z6820, Veriton Z6820G	-	VZ4640_VZ4820_VZ6820_W10x64	-	VZ4640_VZ4820_VZ6820_W7x64	-
Veriton Z4660, Veriton Z4660G	-	VZ4660_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Z4860, Veriton Z4860G	-	VZ4860_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Z6860, Veriton Z6860G	-	VZ6860_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Z4670, Veriton Z4670G	-	VZ4670_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Z4870, Veriton Z4870G	-	VZ4870_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Z6870, Veriton Z6870G	-	VZ6870_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Essential N2580	-	VEN2580_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Essential S2730, Veriton Essential S2730G, Veriton Essential S2720, Veriton Essential S2720G	-	VES2730_VES2720_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Essential S2740, Veriton Essential S2740G	-	VES2740_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Essential X2620, Veriton Essential X2620G	-	VEX2620_W10x64	-	-	-
Veriton Essential Z2740G	-	VEZ2740_W10x64	-	-	-

Acer Enduro

Model Name	Windows 11	Windows 10 x64	Windows 8.1 x64	Windows 7 x64	Windows 7 x86
Enduro EN314-51W, Enduro EN314-51WG	-	EN314-51W_W10x64	-	-	-
Enduro EN714-51W	-	EN714-51W_W10x64	-	-	-
Enduro EN715-51W	-	EN715-51W_W10x64	-	-	-
Enduro ET110-31W	-	ET110-31W_W10x64	-	-	-
Enduro ET510-51W	-	ET510-51W_W10x64	-	-	-

Acer Extensa

Model Name

Windows 11

Windows 10 x64

Windows 8.1 x64

Windows 7 x64

Windows 7 x86

EX215-33

EX215-33_w11

-

EX215-57
EX215-57-TCO

EX215-33_w11

-

Acer Altos

Model Name	Windows 11	Windows 10 x64	Windows 8.1 x64	Windows 7 x64	Windows 7 x86
Altos ATSP10 F8 WM	ATSP10_F8_WM_W11	-	-	-	-
Altos ATSP10 F8 WX	ATSP10_F8_WX_W11	-	-	-	-
Altos ATSP130 F8 WK	ATSP130_F8_WK_W11	-	-	-	-
Altos ATSP30 F8 WM	ATSP30_F8_WM_W11	-	-	-	-

Latest Insights and Innovations from Acer Corner

After 19 Years Windows 11 Finally Adds Support for Video Wallpapers
Video wallpapers let users set a video as their screen background, and this fun feature is finally returning to Windows 11 devices after almost two decades. Video wallpapers are an entertaining and animated twist on standard block color or photo backgrounds, adding an extra hint of customization, and another way to personalize your PC. Keep reading to learn how to set a video wallpaper on Windows 11 and when you can expect to try it out for yourself. When are video wallpapers coming to Windows? Now obsolete, Windows Vista supported video wallpapers via an application named DreamScene, but this was not implemented in future Windows versions. As such, users have been waiting for the day when they could finally customize their desktop with a video wallpaper for years. An X user first reported the new feature after spotting it in the newest Windows 11 Dev and Beta preview builds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtkWjg1rjvk It supports MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, M4V, and MKV files and will only work on desktops. It will not include videos for the lockscreen, however it is still a fun and creative way to customize a PC. Although there is no official announcement from Windows detailing when this much-anticipated feature will be available, users on the preview build can enable feature ID 57645315 and restart explorer.exe to access video wallpapers. How to enable video wallpapers on Windows 11 If you want to set your video to wallpaper on Windows 11, follow these instructions: * Open Settings * Navigate to Personalization * Click Background * Select Browse photos * Choose your desired video If you wish to try out video wallpapers before the announce date, follow these instructions to enable it manually on Windows 11 builds 26220.6690 (Dev Channel) and 26120.6690 (Beta Channel) for version 25H2 and 24H2: * Open this Github website * Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to activate the new Start menu design * Open the file with File Explorer * Click Extract all and Extract * Copy the path to the folder * Open Start * Search for the Command Prompt, open the top result and choose Run as administrator * Insert this command to navigate to the ViveTool folder: cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x (be sure to change the path to the folder that includes your path) and press Enter * Insert the following command to enable video wallpaper: vivetool /enable /id:57645315 and press Enter * Restart the computer Videos will play on loop and interactive videos are not supported. Moreover, please note that there is currently no setting to set up a video wallpaper on Windows 11, as this feature has not yet been officially implemented. Why should you try out video wallpapers? Although video wallpapers are not a must-have, they offer a quirky and unique way to personalize a Windows 11 PC. Using a funny GIF or your favorite clip of a family holiday, sports team, or beloved pet as a background can help boost your mood and bring a smile to your face. Moreover, video wallpapers can also create a specific ambiance, like a sense of calm during a hectic work day. What are some alternative video wallpaper apps you can try? The Windows 11 video wallpaper feature may be a little while off yet, however there are some alternatives you can try in the meantime. Lively Wallpaper is a free and open-source software that lets users set animated wallpapers. Users can use GIFs, videos, and webpages as their desktop background and screensaver, and the app won the Microsoft Store App Awards in 2023. Wallpaper Engine also has hundreds of thousands of wallpapers to choose from, and even allows users to create a wallpaper playlist to showcase throughout the day. The lowdown: are Windows 11 video wallpapers really worth the wait? Video wallpapers provide a fun way to personalize your PC. Although they are a nice-to-have not a must-have, they make a creative and interactive change from a static wallpaper. Many Windows 11 users have been waiting for a video wallpaper feature for almost twenty years since DreamScene was made obsolete. For them, the news that a Windows 11 video wallpaper feature will be available soon is an exciting prospect. Keep an eye on the latest Windows updates to find out when the new video wallpaper feature lands. Recommended Products Acer Aspire TC Desktop Buy Now Acer Swift 14 AI Laptop Buy Now Acer Aspire 16 AI Laptop Buy Now
What Is Sideloading and Why Does Google Want to Restrict It on Android?
For years, one of Android’s biggest selling points has been freedom. Unlike Apple’s iOS, which keeps users locked inside the App Store, Android allows people to “sideload” apps—installing them from outside Google Play. That flexibility helped Android build a reputation as the more open mobile ecosystem. But now, Google is moving to tighten the rules, requiring developers to verify their identity before their apps can be sideloaded. The company says this will improve security, but critics argue it could signal the slow erosion of Android’s openness. Before looking at why Google is changing course, it’s worth asking a simple question: what exactly is sideloading? What is sideloading? Sideloading is the practice of installing apps or transferring files onto a device without going through its official app store. On Android, this usually means downloading an APK file (the package format for Android apps) from a website or alternative store and manually installing it. On iOS, the equivalent is installing an IPA file, typically through developer tools like Xcode or third-party workarounds. Originally, sideloading simply referred to moving music, videos, or e-books from a computer onto a phone via USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or memory card. Over time, it became most closely associated with apps as a way to get software that was not available on Google Play or the Apple App Store. For Android users, sideloading required a small but intentional step: enabling the “install from unknown sources” option in system settings. This gave people more control, but it also meant taking on responsibility since malicious apps are more common outside official channels. Why people sideload * Access to apps not available in their country * Trying beta versions or indie apps not listed on Google Play * Using modified apps such as ad-free YouTube clients * Preserving apps that have been removed from stores The risks Sideloading opens the door to malware, spyware, or poorly coded apps that can compromise device security. Carriers and manufacturers have sometimes limited it for this reason. Still, for many Android fans the ability to sideload has been a defining feature that separates it from Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem. Why Google wants to restrict sideloading Google argues that sideloading has always been a double-edged sword. It gives users freedom, but it also creates opportunities for bad actors to spread malware. Security researchers have long noted that apps downloaded from outside the Play Store are far more likely to contain harmful code. To address this, Google announced that starting in 2027 developers will be required to verify their identity even if they never publish on the Play Store. The company says this is similar to an ID check at an airport. It confirms who the developer is but does not screen the contents of their app. In practice, this means that APK files from unverified developers will no longer install on certified Android devices. The rollout will begin gradually. Early access to the verification system opens in October 2025, it expands to all developers in March 2026, and the first countries where it will be enforced are Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026. The global requirement follows in 2027. For Google, this change is about making Android safer without fully closing the platform. The company insists it will not review the code or decide what content developers can distribute. Critics, however, worry that this is the first step toward a more controlled ecosystem. How this affects users and developers For most people who only download apps from the Google Play Store, nothing will change. The new rules only apply to apps that are sideloaded or installed from third-party sources. For everyday users: * If you stick to the Play Store, your experience will remain the same. * If you occasionally sideload apps, you will need to make sure those apps come from a developer who has gone through Google’s identity verification process. Unverified apps will simply not install on certified Android devices once the rules are enforced. For developers: * Independent developers who distribute apps through websites, GitHub, or alternative stores will have to register with Google and verify their identity. This involves confirming personal or business details, similar to how publishing on Play Store already works. * Developers who fail to complete verification will see their apps blocked from installation, even outside the Play Store. * The process does not involve content review, so developers will still have freedom over what kind of app they build and distribute. In practice, this creates a middle ground. Google is not banning sideloading outright, but it is raising the barrier to entry by requiring every developer to be traceable. The debate: security vs freedom Google frames the new rules as a security upgrade. The company argues that sideloading has been a major source of malware on Android devices, and requiring developer identity checks will make it harder for malicious actors to operate anonymously. In theory, this could reduce the number of harmful apps circulating outside the Play Store. But for many Android fans, the move feels like a step toward locking down the platform. Sideloading has always represented freedom of choice, whether that means installing region-restricted apps, experimenting with indie projects, or using tools that Google itself might not approve of. Critics worry that an identity verification system could eventually evolve into a gatekeeping tool, with Google quietly blocking certain categories of apps. The most common fear is that ad-blocking software for YouTube will become impossible to install, since Google has a strong financial incentive to limit access to those tools. The concern is not just theoretical. Apple already uses a similar system in the European Union, where developers must be verified to distribute apps outside the App Store. Even with that framework, Apple has still blocked apps it found undesirable, including a popular **** client. Skeptics argue that Google may eventually follow the same path, beginning with ad blockers and expanding to other categories of apps that threaten its ecosystem. At its heart, the debate comes down to trust. Supporters of the policy see it as a sensible way to improve safety without eliminating sideloading entirely. Opponents see it as the beginning of a slow shift toward the kind of walled garden that Android was originally meant to avoid. Conclusion: the future of sideloading on Android Sideloading has always been one of the defining features of Android. It allowed users to install apps outside the Play Store, giving them flexibility that iOS does not. Google’s new verification rules do not remove sideloading, but they do reshape it into something more structured. For everyday users, the impact will be minimal. Those who install only from the Play Store will see no change. For developers and enthusiasts who rely on third-party stores, GitHub releases, or APK files, the key difference will be that apps must come from verified developers to install on certified Android devices. This also raises questions for custom ROMs and privacy-focused operating systems like GrapheneOS. These projects often depend on the freedom to sideload apps and services outside of Google’s ecosystem. While the new framework is aimed at improving security, it could introduce additional hurdles for these communities, depending on how strictly identity verification is enforced. In short, sideloading is not going away, but it is evolving. Google is trying to strike a balance between openness and safety, and by 2027 we will see how that balance reshapes the Android ecosystem. Recommended Products Chromebook Plus Spin 514 Buy Now Chromebook Tab 311 Buy Now Chromebook Spin 314 Buy Now
Helios Neo 18 AI: 18-Inch Gaming Laptop With RTX 5070 Ti
Last time we met we delved into the flagship Predator powerhouse that is the Helios 18 AI Acer gaming laptop. This week, we’re back with a different beast under the same Predator Helios banner, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 18. This Acer gaming computer is a hyper powered beast that’s ready for literally anything you can throw at it, pushing the boundaries of gaming and creativity. Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, RTX 5070 Series GPU and a sprawling 18-inch display wider than a city skyline are a few highlights of the Predator Helios Neo 18. So, if you’re done treading water in the present, then prepare brave the raging rapids of the future with the Predator Helios Neo 18. Before we continue, let’s be clear: the Helios Neo 18 isn’t just a tasty Acer gaming laptop, this is your ticket into the future of AI-powered gaming and creativity. Let’s jump straight into the neon-lit pools of gaming glory and concise creativity and check out the Helios Neo 18 AI. A bright, neon-lit future https://youtu.be/D2iqwnHpuLE Stacked with cutting-edge specs from bottom to top (merely 0.59” - 1.1” high), the Helios Neo 18 makes no compromises. There are a few different models in the Helios Neo 18 family, today we’re going to focus on the Predator Helios Neo 18 AI Gaming Laptop - PHN18-72-92Y3, currently available for $2,299.99. Without further ado, let’s have a cheeky look at the tech-specs on this bad boy: * OS: Windows 11 Home * Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX processor Tetracosa-core (24 Core™) 2.70 GHz * Processor Speed (turbo): 5.40 GHz * GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070Ti with 12 GB dedicated memory * Memory: 16 GB, DDR5 SDRAM * Storage: 1 TB SSD * Display: 18" WQXGA (2560 x 1600) 16:10 IPS 240 Hz * Display Screen Technology: ComfyView (Matte); In-plane Switching (IPS) Technology * Speakers: 2 * Network: Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i * Bluetooth: 5.4 or above * Built in Devices: Webcam, microphone * Interfaces: HDMI, 5 x USB, Network (RJ-45), audio * Max Battery Run Time: 5 hours * Color: Abyssal Black * Dimensions: 15.79” x 12.11” x 0.59” - 1.1” * Weight (Approx): 7.28 lb Intel Core Ultra: your intelligence corps Once you’ve taken a minute to regain your composure, get acquainted with your futuristic intelligence corps: the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, soldered deep inside the abyssal black heart of the Helios Neo 18. With 24 cores at its command and speeds up to 5.4GHz, this chip doesn’t just process like a cashier ringing up your groceries, it orchestrates like Mozart, directing every mission, creation and AI task with flawless precision. A base clock speed of 2.70GHz that can be overclocked to 5.40GHz equips you with raw power for heavy workloads and rapid response in games. Each of us use our laptops in different ways, so whether you’re gaming and streaming simultaneously or rendering while multitasking, the 24 core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX offers 24 cores of hybrid muscle for lighting-fast AI-infused tasks like image generation and video edits, as well as consistent frame pacing in the latest, most demanding AAA titles. Redefine with RTX The Helios Neo 18 comes equipped with a remarkable laptop GPU, Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070Ti with 12 GB dedicated memory. This graphics card is your ticket into the AI-infused future of gaming and creativity where ultra efficient productivity and blisteringly fast gaming go hand in hand. In case you’re unfamiliar with RTX, there are several standout AI features of the RTX 5070 Ti that all gamers and creators need to know about. Firstly, DLSS 3.5 harnesses the ever-expanding powers of AI to whip up top quality extra frames, meaning smoother gameplay without sacrificing visuals. Next is Ray tracing, a technology that replicates the behavior of real world light and shadow, bringing unimaginable levels of realism to your gaming universe. Finally, as we forge further into the era of AI, make the most of AI-enhanced creativity: there are now over 100 AI enabled and RTX-accelerated creative apps from DaVinci Resolve, to OBS Studio, the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, and Blender. Equip yourself with RTX and expect quicker rendering, faster previews, and smoother editing timelines with RTX-acceleration. Immersive screenscape Before you make the mistake of thinking that screenscape is a typo, rest assured: it is not. The Helios Neo 18 possesses a room-defining 18-inch WQXGA IPS display with 2560 × 1600 resolution. The 16:10 aspect ratio gives you an extra bite of extra vertical space for more HUD space in games, and it’s also better for editing timelines. Matte ComfyView cuts out the glare when you’re in the midst of a marathon session, while 240Hz refresh rate helps you avoid getting smoked by the competition in your favorite FPS titles. 100% DCI-P3 is the certification that all creators demand, meaning accurate vibrant colors that you can trust. Nvidia G-Sync and Advanced Optimus are guaranteed to keep your frames as flawless as they were intended to be, and as tear free as they should be. This is a screenscape where fast-paced games always feel hyper-responsive, while movies and shows look cinematic thanks to the high refresh rate and wickedly wide gamut. Portability and power to stay cool The Helios Neo 18 AI has a lithium-ion battery that can give you a short burst of extremely powerful computing while you’re on-the-go or on your couch, but is primarily designed as a powerhouse laptop that’s ready to give desktops a run for their money. Let’s not forget the importance of keeping cool, in all climates and situations. 5th Gen AeroBlade™ 3D fans, vector heat pipes, and a generous dollop of liquid metal thermal grease keep the Helios Neo 18’s CPU and GPU running smoothly at peak without the fear of throttling. And what’s more, you have the keys to control the fans through the PredatorSense utility app. Personalize your fan settings, choosing performance or silence, or somewhere in between, and set the mood with the 4-zone RGB keyboard, making your Helios Neo 18 truly unique. Dare to dream Hopefully by now you’ve realized that the Helios Neo 18 AI is a gaming monster that has a winning combination of raw power, tempered with creative flexibility and optimized all over with the burgeoning powers of AI. Get amongst it and soar further than before, dare to dream with the twin cooled AI engines, Intel Core Ultra 9 + RTX 5070 Ti. The Helios Neo 18 AI isn’t merely a laptop built for today, it’s a battleship with its guns primed for the oncoming wave of AI and gaming breakthroughs. If you’re brave enough to get onboard, then seek out Acer’s Helios Neo 18 AI today. Finally, Acer’s 10% student discount has now grown into a 15% discount, so if you’re a student you won’t pay the full $2,299.99 for the Helios Neo 18 AI. Recommended Products Helios Neo 18 AI (RTX 5070 Ti) Buy Now Nitro V 16 AI (RTX 5060) Buy Now Helios 18 AI (RTX 5080) Buy Now

Feedback button

Button to initiate survey

Swift Series Intel^® Evo™

Game Pass

Acer Corner

Gaming on Chromebook

Swift Series Intel® Evo™

Game Pass

Acer Corner

Gaming on Chromebook

Swift Series Intel^® Evo™