Dual boot, usb-keyboard doesnt work in grub2 when connected to monitor with USB-C dock build-in

[MBund1]

I'm dualbooting my PC between Linux and Windows - but keyboard is not active in grub2 (and not in bios either). The keyboard is connected through the USB-C dock in the monitor but keyboard doens't get active before OS is loaded.

I have tried enabling legacy USB in bios - doesn't make difference.

Equipment:

Philips monitor with USB-C dock, 329P9H/00

Intel NUC 7I7BNH

Standard usb keyboard

[Maria_R_Intel]

Hello MBund1,

Thank you for posting in the Intel* Community Forums.

Please, provide the following information:

1. What is the Linux* distro you are running?
2. Have you tried connecting the keyboard directly to the Intel NUC?

Please run the following tool in Windows* and attach the report generated. 

Intel® System Support Utility (Intel® SSU) 

• Intel® SSU Download
• Open the application and click on "Scan" to see the system and device information. By default, Intel® SSU will take you to the "Summary View". 
• Click on the menu where it says "Summary" to change to "Detailed View". 
• To save your scan, click on "Next", then "Save". 

Best regards,

Maria R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[MBund1]

Hi Maria

The linux distro i Linu Mint 19.3.

If I connect the keyboard directly to the NUC everything works. It is only when I connect the keyboard through the USB hub on the monitor it doesnt respond before the OS is fully loaded (windows or linux).

I would very much like this setup to work as im using the easyness of USB-C to change between my laptop and my nuc from time to time.

I should note on my Lenovo Thinkpad L480 it works when keyboard is connected through USB hub in the monitor - it also dualboots.

Please note - I dont believe the issue is related to linux or grub as the Keyboard is not detected during boot. So i'm also unable to open bios. This issue make me believe the issue is with intel nuc bios and not the monitor as things are working when using it with my laptop.

I have attached file as you requested.

Regards

Mikkel

[Maria_R_Intel]

Hello MBund1,

Dual-booting hasn't been validated on Intel* NUCs. Given that your setup works as expected when you connect the keyboard directly to the Intel* NUC, this seems to be a compatibility issue with the USB hub. 

What we can recommend is that you contact your Linux* vendor in case they have a workaround and the monitor manufacturer for advice on the setup and drivers if needed.

It is worth mentioning that Intel* recommends the use of straight connections (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000026412/graphics-drivers.html)

Best regards,

Maria R.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[MBund1]

Dear Maria

What I basically can conclude from this is, intel nuc 7i7bnh is just not a quality product - most likely the bios is crap (as it can't detect the keyboard when connected through the USB-C hub).

The same setup works on my Lenovo - I can access BIOS with my keyboard(which is before OS is loaded). On my Intel NUC 7i7bnh - I have to wait until OS has loaded the drivers before the keyboard works. And if I need a keyboard in bios I need to connect it directly to the NUC instead of the using the USB hub.

I'm a bit sad as I have been a happy owner of two NUCs, but this issue means I will definitely choose another product next time :-/

Thanks for your time and quick response.

Best regards

Mikkel