====== Configuring the audio for Linux ======
===== Author(s) =====
Bill Giannikos
===== Editing This Page =====
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===== Introduction =====
Modern Linux distributions will auto-detect and configure the sound drivers for you. The purpose of this guide is to describe the problems you may have with your laptop.

For more details on installing newer versions of ALSA on your computer have a look at our [[Installation Guide|guides section]] which covers a number of different distributions.
===== Troubleshooting =====
There are a number of issues which can appear with certain laptops. Below is a description of the problem and possible solutions.
==== No Sound At All ====
  - Ensure the volume is turned up and is not muted. 
  - Try running 'alsamixer' from the terminal and see if adjusting the volume settings from here works.
  - Again in alsamixer, try toggling some of the switches. 'External Amplifier' sometimes works.
  - Upgrade to the latest [[http://www.alsa-project.org|ALSA]] drivers. You can view our [[Guides]] for details on doing this on various distributions.
  - Head to the [[https://bugtrack.alsa-project.org/alsa-bug/|ALSA bugs]] section and do a search for your laptop. There is sometimes a workaround which other users have developed.
  - Try the [[Audio Tester]] utility.
==== No Sound Through Headphones ====
This issue is common with newer laptops which Use the snd-hda-intel module.
  - Try running 'alsamixer' and toggle some of the switches. 'External Amplifier' sometimes works.
  - Upgrade to the latest [[http://www.alsa-project.org|ALSA]] drivers. You can view our [[Guides]] for details on doing this on various distributions.
  - Head to the [[https://bugtrack.alsa-project.org/alsa-bug/|ALSA bugs]] section and do a search for your laptop. There is sometimes a workaround which other users have developed.
==== Mic not working ====
  - Ensure the volume is turned up and is not muted. 
  - Try running 'alsamixer' from the terminal and see if adjusting the volume settings from here works.
  - Again in alsamixer, try toggling some of the switches.
  - Upgrade to the latest [[http://www.alsa-project.org|ALSA]] drivers. You can view our [[Guides]] for details on doing this on various distributions.
  - Head to the [[https://bugtrack.alsa-project.org/alsa-bug/|ALSA bugs]] section and do a search for your laptop. There is sometimes a workaround which other users have developed.