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How to Update NVIDIA Drivers in Ubuntu: A Deep Dive

Updating your NVIDIA drivers in Ubuntu is critical for optimal performance, stability, and compatibility with the latest games and applications. It ensures you’re leveraging the full power of your NVIDIA graphics card. The process can seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite manageable with the right guidance. In essence, updating NVIDIA drivers in Ubuntu involves choosing the appropriate method – using the Ubuntu Software & Updates tool, the command line (terminal), or manually installing directly from NVIDIA. Each method has its pros and cons, and your choice depends on your comfort level and specific needs. Let’s explore each option in detail.

Methods for Updating NVIDIA Drivers

Using the Ubuntu Software & Updates Tool

This is often the simplest and most user-friendly approach, making it ideal for beginners.

Open the “Software & Updates” application. You can find it by searching for it in the Ubuntu Dash or application menu.
Navigate to the “Additional Drivers” tab. This tab specifically deals with proprietary drivers like those from NVIDIA.
Select your desired NVIDIA driver. The tool will present you with a list of available drivers, including both recommended and proprietary options. The “recommended” driver is generally the most stable and well-tested. You might also see different versions of the proprietary drivers, often indicating older or newer versions. Choose the one that best suits your needs, considering stability versus the latest features. Newer drivers sometimes offer performance improvements for specific games or applications.
Click “Apply Changes”. The system will then download and install the selected driver. You might be prompted for your password.
Restart your computer. This is crucial for the new driver to take effect.

This method uses Ubuntu’s package management system, so the drivers are well-integrated with the system. The downside is that the drivers available might not always be the absolute newest versions released by NVIDIA.

Updating NVIDIA Drivers via the Command Line (Terminal)

The terminal offers more control and flexibility, but it requires a slightly higher level of technical comfort.

Open a terminal window. You can do this by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
Identify your NVIDIA graphics card. You can use the command lspci | grep VGA to list the VGA-compatible devices. This will show you the make and model of your NVIDIA card.
Use the ubuntu-drivers tool. This tool can automatically identify recommended drivers. Run the command ubuntu-drivers devices to see a list of suggested drivers for your hardware.
Install the recommended driver. The output from the previous command will suggest a specific driver. Install it using: sudo apt install nvidia-driver-<version>, replacing <version> with the recommended driver version (e.g., sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535).
Alternatively, use apt to search for and install specific driver versions. You can search for available drivers with: apt search nvidia-driver. Then install the desired version as described above.
Restart your computer. As with the GUI method, restarting is essential for the changes to take effect.

Key Advantage: Using the command line gives you direct access to more recent drivers available in Ubuntu’s repositories. It also allows for more granular control over the installation process.

Caveats: Errors in commands can lead to installation problems, so accuracy is paramount. Ensure you have a stable internet connection during the installation process.

Manual Installation from NVIDIA’s Website

This method involves downloading the driver directly from the NVIDIA website and installing it. It provides access to the very latest drivers, but it’s also the most complex and potentially risky method.

Identify your NVIDIA graphics card and Ubuntu version. Go to the NVIDIA website and navigate to the driver download section. Select your graphics card model and your specific version of Ubuntu.
Download the appropriate driver package. Download the Linux 64-bit driver.
Blacklist the Nouveau driver. The Nouveau driver is the open-source driver that comes pre-installed with Ubuntu. It needs to be disabled to avoid conflicts with the NVIDIA driver. Create a file named /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf with the following content:
```
blacklist nouveau options nouveau modeset=0 
```
Update the initramfs. Run the command: sudo update-initramfs -u.
Reboot your computer into recovery mode. To do this, reboot your computer and hold down the Shift key during startup. This will bring up the GRUB menu. Select “Advanced options for Ubuntu” and then choose a kernel with “(recovery mode)”.
Drop to a root shell prompt. In recovery mode, select the “root” option to get a root shell.
Make the downloaded driver executable. Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the driver (e.g., cd /home/yourusername/Downloads) and run the command: chmod +x NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-<version>.run, replacing <version> with the actual driver version.
Run the driver installer. Execute the driver package with: sudo ./NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-<version>.run. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Answer the installer questions carefully. The installer will ask you several questions. It’s generally safe to accept the default options. The installer might ask if you want to register the kernel module sources with DKMS. Selecting “yes” is recommended, as it will automatically rebuild the driver module when the kernel is updated.
Reboot your computer.

Important Considerations:

Risk of System Instability: Manual installations can be prone to errors and may lead to system instability if not performed correctly.
Kernel Updates: When the kernel is updated, the NVIDIA driver module needs to be rebuilt. If you didn’t register the kernel module sources with DKMS, you’ll need to reinstall the driver manually after each kernel update.
Compatibility: Always ensure the downloaded driver is compatible with your graphics card and Ubuntu version.

Verifying the Installation

After updating your drivers using any of the methods above, it’s crucial to verify that the installation was successful.

Open a terminal window.
Run the command: nvidia-smi. This command will display information about your NVIDIA GPU, including the driver version. If the command is not found, it means the driver is not installed correctly.
Alternatively, use nvidia-settings. If the NVIDIA driver is properly installed, you should be able to open the NVIDIA X Server Settings application (usually found in your application menu). This application provides a graphical interface for managing your NVIDIA GPU and verifying the driver version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I update my NVIDIA drivers in Ubuntu?

Updating NVIDIA drivers improves performance, especially in games and graphically intensive applications. It also provides bug fixes, resolves compatibility issues, and supports the latest features of your graphics card. Old drivers can lead to crashes, graphical glitches, and reduced performance.

2. How often should I update my NVIDIA drivers?

It depends on your usage. Gamers should update drivers regularly, especially before playing new games. General users can update less frequently, perhaps every few months, or when they encounter issues.

3. What is the “recommended” driver in the Software & Updates tool?

The “recommended” driver is the driver version that Ubuntu has tested and considers to be the most stable and compatible with your system. It is usually a safe choice for most users.

4. What are proprietary NVIDIA drivers?

Proprietary NVIDIA drivers are drivers developed and maintained by NVIDIA. They often offer better performance and features than open-source alternatives but are not open-source software.

5. What is the Nouveau driver?

The Nouveau driver is an open-source driver for NVIDIA graphics cards. It’s usually pre-installed with Ubuntu but generally offers lower performance than the proprietary NVIDIA drivers.

6. How do I revert to a previous NVIDIA driver version in Ubuntu?

If a driver update causes problems, you can revert to a previous version. The easiest way is usually through the “Additional Drivers” tab in the “Software & Updates” tool, selecting a different version and applying the changes. If that fails, you might need to use the command line, uninstall the current driver, and install the older version.

7. Can I install NVIDIA drivers on a headless Ubuntu server?

Yes, but the installation process is slightly different. You’ll typically use the command line and might need to configure the X server (even though you don’t have a monitor connected) to enable NVIDIA’s features.

8. What is DKMS, and why is it important?

DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) allows the NVIDIA driver module to be automatically rebuilt when the Linux kernel is updated. This ensures that the driver continues to work after kernel updates, without requiring manual reinstallation. It is highly recommended to register your NVIDIA driver with DKMS during installation.

9. I get a black screen after installing NVIDIA drivers. What should I do?

A black screen after installing NVIDIA drivers can be caused by various issues, such as driver incompatibility or conflicts with other software. Try booting into recovery mode and removing the NVIDIA driver. You can then reinstall a different version or try a different installation method.

10. How do I uninstall NVIDIA drivers in Ubuntu?

Using the command line is often the most reliable way to uninstall NVIDIA drivers. You can use sudo apt purge nvidia-* to remove all NVIDIA-related packages. Alternatively, you can use the installer script from NVIDIA with the --uninstall option.

11. My NVIDIA driver installation fails with an error message. What should I do?

Carefully read the error message for clues about the cause of the failure. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, sufficient disk space, and that you’ve followed the instructions accurately. Check online forums and documentation for solutions to specific error messages.

12. Are NVIDIA drivers specific to the Ubuntu version?

Yes, NVIDIA drivers are generally specific to the Linux kernel version and the overall Ubuntu release. Ensure you download and install drivers that are compatible with your specific Ubuntu version and kernel. Using incompatible drivers can lead to instability or failure to install.