I updated Zorin OS core 18 on February 5th 2026 which included a kernel update from 6.14 to 6.17 which in theory sounds awesome but after update I had no sound. I had to follow the instructions I found online to roll back to kernel 6.14. I don't know but I assume that's an Ubuntu thing. Is there a fix or patch in the works or do we just have to wait for the next major Ubuntu release? Thank you kindly. System specks below
I believe newer kernels can have regressions for older hardware. Bit like FiFo (First in First out) principle.
If 6.14 works but 6.17 does not, then I would stick to 6.14. You should not loose out by doing that.
It is also possible that the specific issue affecting you is corrected by a later kernal, but that is something that you will have to test.
Can You tell something to Your Sound Setup? Is it built-in Speakers, external One's? A Headset? Are they connected with a Cable or without? Could You post the Output of the Commands sudo lshw -C multimedia and aplay -l please?
Does anything here help you or give you a steer? (assuming you have not found this Ubuntu thread before).
The alternative of running the 6.14 kernel is also valid, as you say it works with your hardware, which is the important thing.
You do not loose anything by running 6.14 kernel instead of 6.17.
I have now seen a few posts here on the forum, where sound fails after the recent kernel upgrade.
I suggest stick with a kernel that works for you.
sudo apt remove --purge linux-image-6.17.0-14-generic
I used the above command to remove the kernel from my system and ran a quick update and it seems to have taken care of the issue, so I guess we can mark this thread as closed at least until 2029 when Ubuntu comes out with it's next major release lol. Thanks again.
I did a search in respect of your ALC3266 device and found this:
" ALC3266 audio issues after upgrading to kernel 6.18 on Ubuntu 24.04 are commonly linked to conflicts with the snd_soc_avs kernel driver, which can fail to properly support certain Intel HDA codecs like ALC3266.
Primary Solution: Blacklist snd_soc_avs
The most effective workaround is to blacklist the problematic snd_soc_avs driver:
echo "blacklist snd_soc_avs" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-avs.conf
Then, regenerate the initramfs and reboot:
sudo update-initramfs -u
sudo reboot
Alternative: Use Generic HDA Model
If the above doesn’t resolve the issue, force the use of the generic Intel HDA driver:
echo "options snd-hda-intel model=generic dmic_detect=0" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf
Reboot afterward.
Verify Audio Stack
Ensure PipeWire and PulseAudio are properly installed and running:
This issue is known and affects multiple users post-upgrade. The live ISO of Ubuntu 24.04 often works without issues, confirming the problem lies in the installed kernel or driver configuration. Reverting to a prior kernel (e.g., 6.11) may also help temporarily.
I had to blacklist HDMI source (HDA Intel) on my desktop to get my surround sound working. I also recommend Audacious which can help sort out sound issues. See my tutorial here:
M'Lady has gone to get the shopping. Been s u c k i n g a Jakeman's boiled cough sweet. Used up my last Potter's cough pastille this a.m. She is getting some more. Forgot to ask her to get more lemons as have been squeezing half a lemon adding honey then hot water. I always remember Little Imps were good. Perhaps this needs moving to the Random thread in the lounge.
