I set up a dual-boot system with Linux Mint, and later tested Ubuntu as well, but neither distribution produces any sound. Audio works normally in Windows, so I'm unsure whether this is a Linux configuration issue or something specific to the hardware. The problem also occurs when booting from a live USB. The laptop is an HP ProBook 640 G1 with an Intel Core i5-4200M, 12 GB of RAM, Intel HD Graphics 4600, and a 500 GB Crucial BX500 SSD. What should I check to get audio working?
2 Answers
The same model has worked reliably with Ubuntu for years, so the laptop should be compatible. Because the issue is present in a live session too, check the hardware mixer directly with `alsamixer`. Select the correct sound card if necessary, look for channels marked `MM`, and unmute them with the M key. Also check that the selected output is the built-in speakers rather than HDMI or another unavailable device.
Since it also happens from a live USB, please collect the sound hardware and driver information rather than installing random packages. Run these commands and share the output: `cat /proc/asound/cards`, `aplay -l`, `pactl list short sinks` (or `wpctl status` on systems using PipeWire), and `dmesg | grep -iE 'snd|hda' | head -40`. That should show whether the audio device is detected and which driver or output is being used.
I’ll run those commands and post the results when I’m back home. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
I tested the live USB as well, and unfortunately there was still no sound. I’ll check the mixer settings and make sure nothing is muted.