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I have an install of Ubuntu 20.04 and Thunderbolt is not working. I suspect missing packages or something like that but haven't been able to find out what they are.

  • machine dual boots Ubuntu and Arch Linux
  • in Arch Linux thunderbolt works, providing lan and external displays
  • bios Thunderbolt security settings disabled ("none" mode)
  • the usb features of my thunderbolt dock are working in Ubuntu, providing keyboard and mouse

The Ubuntu install was generated (from Arch) using debootstrap, booting into it and then installing the desktop metapackage using tasksel to add the Ubuntu desktop. It is running kernel 5.4.0-26-generic. I expect I am missing something I'd have if I performed a standard install from the iso.

The settings pannel for Thunderbolt says "No Thunderbolt Support" and "Thunderbolt Security level can not be determined"

bolt was already installed and running. I also installed thunderbolt-tools which made no difference.

What do I need to do to make Thunderbolt work?

starfry
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1 Answers1

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I'll use this answer to record what I've worked out and will update as I progress.

The kernel modules for Thunderbolt are not included in the kernel package (linux-image-5.4.0-26-generic or similar) - there is another package that needs to be installed:

$ sudo apt install linux-modules-extra-$(uname -r)

After a reboot Thunderbolt works and displays connected via a dock become usable; it may be enough to modprobe the required modules (I think these are thunderbolt and intel-wmi-thunderbolt) but I rebooted to be sure.

Current status: After a "power event" (e.g. suspend, disconnecting/reconnecting the dock) my external displays are black. The mouse pointer correctly and visibly tracks across them but nothing else is visible. I've tried reconfiguring via settings panel but it made no difference. I'll update if-and-when I get to the bottom of this.

tillmo
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starfry
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