Fix ACPI / Wireless Hang During Linux Mint Install

Problem

After installing Linux Mint on an Acer Aspire F15, the system may hang, freeze, or become unresponsive — particularly during or after boot. This is caused by a conflict between the Linux kernel’s PCIe Active State Power Management (ASPM) and the laptop’s wireless hardware. The fix is to disable PCIe ASPM via a kernel boot parameter in GRUB.

ℹ️

This fix is applied after Linux Mint is installed and booting. If the machine is hanging during install, boot the installer with pcie_aspm=off at the GRUB boot menu first, then apply this fix once installed.

What You Will Need

Access to the installed Linux Mint system (booted and at the desktop), and a terminal. No internet connection is required for this fix.

Steps

1

Open a TerminalRight-click the desktop and choose Open Terminal, or press Ctrl + Alt + T.
2
Open the GRUB configuration file in a text editorRun the following command. You will be asked for your password.
```
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
```
ℹ️

nano is used here instead of vim as it is more suitable for junior techs. The file is the same either way.
3
Find the GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT lineLook for a line that reads something like:
```
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash"
```
The exact contents inside the quotes may vary slightly but the line name will be the same.
4
Add the kernel parameter to the end of that linePlace your cursor inside the quotes, after the existing text, and add a space followed by pcie_aspm=off. The line should now look like this:
```
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash pcie_aspm=off"
```
⚠️

Do not remove quiet splash or change anything else on this line. Only add the new parameter at the end, inside the existing quotes.
5

Save the fileIn nano, press Ctrl + O to write/save, then press Enter to confirm. Then press Ctrl + X to exit nano.
6
Update GRUB to apply the changeRun the following command:
```
sudo update-grub
```
You will see several lines of output as GRUB scans for kernels. Wait for it to finish and return to the prompt.
7
Reboot and verifyRestart the machine:
```
sudo reboot
```
The system should now boot without hanging. Test by allowing it to fully boot to the desktop and checking that the wireless adapter is recognised.

✅

Expected outcome: The system boots fully without freezing. The wireless adapter is visible in the network manager. If the system still hangs, escalate to a senior technician — there may be a secondary ACPI issue.

Background / Why This Works

PCIe ASPM (Active State Power Management) is a power-saving feature that allows the CPU to reduce power to PCIe-connected devices (including wireless cards) when idle. On certain Acer Aspire hardware, this causes the kernel to hang waiting for a device to respond. Setting pcie_aspm=off disables this feature at the kernel level, preventing the hang. This has a negligible real-world impact on battery life for a workshop or office laptop.