How to Install NVIDIA Drivers on Ubuntu (Latest Versions)
Most modern Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, use the open-source Nouveau driver for NVIDIA graphics cards by default. However, if you are using your system for gaming, video editing, or other GPU-intensive tasks, installing proprietary NVIDIA drivers can significantly improve performance.
This guide covers three different ways to install NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu.
Step 1: Update Your System
Before installing the drivers, update your system to avoid compatibility issues. Run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Method 1: Install NVIDIA Drivers via Ubuntu APT Repository
Ubuntu includes official NVIDIA drivers in its package repository. To check available drivers for your GPU, use this command:
ubuntu-drivers devices
The output will display the recommended driver version for your graphics card. For example, if it suggests nvidia-driver-535, you can install it automatically using:
sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
Alternatively, if you want to install a specific driver version, use:
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535
After installation, restart your system using:
reboot
Once your system reboots, check if the driver is installed correctly with:
nvidia-smi
Method 2: Install NVIDIA Drivers Using the GUI (Easy for Beginners)
- Open Software & Updates from the application menu.
- Click on the Additional Drivers tab.
- Select the recommended NVIDIA driver from the list.
- Click Apply Changes and wait for the installation to complete.
- Restart your system by typing:
reboot
To check your driver settings after installation, open the NVIDIA settings panel by searching for nvidia-settings in the application menu.
Method 3: Install NVIDIA Drivers via PPA (For the Latest Updates)
If you want the most up-to-date NVIDIA drivers, install them from the graphics-drivers PPA.
First, install the required software dependencies:
sudo apt install software-properties-common -y
Next, add the PPA repository and update your package list:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa -y
sudo apt update
Now, check the available drivers using:
ubuntu-drivers devices
To install the recommended version automatically, run:
sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
If you prefer to install a specific version, use:
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535
Once the installation is complete, restart your system:
reboot
After rebooting, verify the installed driver version with:
nvidia-smi
Conclusion
You have now successfully installed NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu.
- If you want stable and tested drivers, use the APT repository method.
- If you prefer an easy installation process, use the GUI method.
- If you need the latest drivers, install them via PPA.
Would you like help setting up NVIDIA CUDA, Optimus (for hybrid GPUs), or other GPU optimizations? Let me know!
