You need the right drivers for your NVIDIA GPU if you use Ubuntu for gaming, AI projects, or graphics-intensive work. Without NVIDIA drivers, you may face issues like screen tearing, performance issues, or your system failing to detect the GPU. When you learn how to install NVIDIA drivers Ubuntu correctly, it ensures smooth performance and full hardware compatibility.
In Windows, drivers are installed automatically. However, Ubuntu users have to choose between open-source “Nouveau” drivers and proprietary NVIDIA drivers. Nouveau lacks the performance needed for CUDA workloads, gaming, and 3D rendering. This is why installing the proprietary NVIDIA drivers is recommended.
Let’s start the tutorial to install NVIDIA drivers Ubuntu!
How to Install NVIDIA Drivers Ubuntu?
You can easily install NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu using the built-in “Additional Drivers” tool. This utility will automatically detect your GPU and suggest the best driver version. Here are the steps:
- Open the application menu and search for Software & Updates.
- Go to the Additional Drivers tab.
- Select the recommended proprietary NVIDIA driver.
- Click Apply Changes and reboot.
This ensures your system uses the official NVIDIA drivers rather than the open-source ones.
What is the Command to Install NVIDIA Drivers on Ubuntu?
You can install drivers via the terminal using the apt package manager:
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sudo apt update
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535
sudo reboot
Here, nvidia-driver-535 is an example. To check which version fits your system, you have to run:
ubuntu-drivers devices
vendor : NVIDIA Corporation
driver : nvidia-driver-535 - distro non-free recommended
driver : xserver-xorg-video-nouveau - distro free
This command will scan your system and suggest the correct driver package.
Advanced Option: Installing NVIDIA Drivers in Ubuntu from PPA
Now, let’s have a look at an advanced option. Sometimes it happens that Ubuntu repositories are not updated with the latest NVIDIA drivers. So, you can add a PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-545
sudo reboot
Manual Method: NVIDIA Official Runfile Installer
For developers who need specific versions:
- Download the
.runfile from NVIDIA’s official website. - Switch to a text-only console with
Ctrl + Alt + F3. - Stop the display manager:
sudo systemctl stop gdm4. Run Installer:
sudo sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-545.29.run
5. Restart your system.
How to Check NVIDIA Drivers After Installing on Ubuntu?
After the installation of NVIDIA drivers, you have to confirm if they are working or not. It is simple: after entering the command, if you see your GPU model and driver version, the installation was successful. Here is the command to check:
nvidia-smi
Output:
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| NVIDIA-SMI 535.104.05 Driver Version: 535.104.05 CUDA Version: 12.2 |
|-------------------------------+----------------------+----------------------|
| GPU Name Persistence-M| Bus-Id Disp.A | Volatile Uncorr. ECC |
+-------------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 0 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 00000000:01:00.0 Off | N/A |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Different Methods to Install NVIDIA Drivers in Ubuntu
| Method | Use Case | Command/Steps |
|---|---|---|
| GUI (Additional Drivers) | Beginners, safe choice | Software & Updates → Additional Drivers |
| APT package manager | Developers, fast setup | sudo apt install nvidia-driver-xxx |
| NVIDIA Official Runfile | Advanced users, latest drivers | Download from NVIDIA → Run installer |
| PPA (Graphics Drivers PPA) | For latest stable builds | sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa |
What if Ubuntu Fails to Install NVIDIA Drivers?
Here are a few ways to fix the issue when Ubuntu fails to install NVIDIA drivers:
You can boot into recovery mode and remove broken drivers:
sudo apt purge nvidia*
You can reinstall the recommended drivers using ubuntu-drivers install.
You can also disable Secure Boot in BIOS since it blocks third-party drivers.
Troubleshooting & Errors for NVIDIA Ubuntu Install Drivers
- Black screen after install? Boot into recovery mode, uninstall the driver, and try a different version.
- Driver not loading? Ensure
secure bootis disabled in BIOS. - Performance issues? Check with
nvidia-smiand confirm GPU utilization.
Comparison of Ubuntu NVIDIA Driver Installation Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Best For | Updates Automatically |
|---|---|---|---|
| GUI Additional Drivers | Easy | Beginners, general users | Yes |
| Command Line (apt) | Medium | Intermediate users | Yes |
| PPA (latest drivers) | Medium | Gamers, ML developers | Yes (with updates) |
| Manual Runfile Installer | Hard | Advanced devs needing specific ver | No |
How to Uninstall NVIDIA Drivers in Ubuntu?
You have to run the following command to uninstall NVIDIA drivers in Ubuntu:
sudo apt purge nvidia-*
sudo apt autoremove
sudo reboot
Role of CyberPanel in Ubuntu Driver Setup
CyberPanel is an open-source web hosting control panel that can help you set up a GPU-enabled server on Ubuntu. You can use it for AI or machine learning. Here is how:
- When deploying TensorFlow or PyTorch on Ubuntu, installing NVIDIA drivers is essential.
- With CyberPanel, you can manage your Ubuntu server, install software stacks, and monitor performance while relying on GPU acceleration.
- GPU-powered servers with NVIDIA drivers make hosting AI APIs or rendering workloads much more efficient.
Thus, CyberPanel complements NVIDIA driver installations when managing GPU-based Ubuntu hosting.
FAQs for Ubuntu: Installing NVIDIA Drivers
Which NVIDIA driver should you choose in Ubuntu?
You should always select the recommended proprietary driver shown in “Additional Drivers”. It will ensure stability and compatibility.
Can I install NVIDIA drivers Ubuntu without the internet?
Yes, you can install it without an internet connection. You have to download the .deb or .run file from another machine, transfer via USB, and install manually. However, updates won’t be automatic.
Can Ubuntu install NVIDIA drivers automatically?
Ubuntu includes open-source Nouveau drivers by default. For full performance, you must manually install proprietary NVIDIA drivers using GUI or CLI methods.
Is it safe to install beta NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu?
Beta drivers can break stability. While they offer new features. So, you should use them only for testing, not for a production system.
How often should I update the NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu?
You should update drivers only when you upgrade the kernel, face compatibility issues, or need the latest CUDA features.
Grand Finale!
To sum up, installing NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu can be tricky. But when you install it accurately, you can unlock the power of your GPU. These drivers give you stability and performance, from gaming to AI workloads. No matter which method you choose, always stick with the recommended drivers for your system.
And if you manage GPU-powered Ubuntu servers, you can pair it with CyberPanel. It allows you to control hosting, AI deployments, and applications more efficiently.
Ready to boost your Ubuntu system? Start installing the right NVIDIA drivers and unloack your GPU’s full potential today!
