Dell Precision Fn Key Issue: F4 Interferes with Microphone Control
Affects | Status | Importance | Assigned to | Milestone | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
gnome-tweaks (Ubuntu) |
New
|
Undecided
|
Unassigned |
Bug Description
After upgrading to Linux kernel 6.11.0-17 from 6.8.0.52 on Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, the microphone on my Dell Precision 5690 stopped working. The microphone appears to receive an incorrect signal in the audio settings (or pavucontrol), and the signal fluctuates continuously. When attempting to record, only a crackling sound is heard.
This issue is not new; it has been occurring with every new kernel version since at least 6.8.0-3x. Multiple users have reported similar problems in various forums, such as:
- https:/
- https:/
After extensive investigations, the issue seems to be related to the F4 key on the keyboard (mute/unmute microphone toggle). When switching between secondary and primary function keys (Fn Lock), the microphone behavior changes, and it starts working—even if it was previously non-functional...
Actually the solution is to switch F1-12 as primary function to use the microphone...
ProblemType: Bug
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 24.04
Package: gnome-tweaks 46.0-2
ProcVersionSign
Uname: Linux 6.11.0-17-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelMo
ApportVersion: 2.28.1-0ubuntu3.3
Architecture: amd64
CasperMD5CheckR
CurrentDesktop: ubuntu:GNOME
Date: Sun Feb 23 16:42:38 2025
InstallationDate: Installed on 2025-01-03 (51 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS "Noble Numbat" - Release amd64 (20240827.1)
PackageArchitec
ProcEnviron:
LANG=fr_FR.UTF-8
PATH=(custom, no user)
SHELL=/bin/bash
TERM=xterm-
XDG_RUNTIME_
SourcePackage: gnome-tweaks
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)