Table of Contents

Ubuntu - GPU - NVIDIA GPU - Setup - Setup manually

WARNING: Manual installation of NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu, particularly from the official NVIDIA.com source, is not recommended for all users due to potential compatibility issues with future kernel updates.

  • This approach requires manual recompilation or re-installation of the driver each time the kernel is updated, as the NVIDIA kernel module may not automatically adapt to the new kernel version.
  • Such updates can lead to system instability, the inability to boot into the graphical interface, or the driver ceasing to function entirely.
  • Opting for drivers provided through the Ubuntu repositories or via a PPA is generally safer, ensuring smoother updates and system stability.

Identify the NVIDIA GPU Model

sudo lshw -numeric -C display
 
or
 
sudo lspci -vnn | grep VGA
 
or
 
sudo ubuntu-drivers devices

NOTE: This will help to determine which driver is needed.

Download the driver setup script

Visit the Official Nvidia website.

Download the appropriate driver for your graphics card. 

sudo wget https://us.download.nvidia.com/XFree86/Linux-x86_64/510.60.02/NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-510.60.02.run

install the prerequisites which will be required by the driver for successful installation

sudo apt install build-essential libglvnd-dev pkg-config

Disable Nouveau Nvidia Driver

The default Nouveau Nvidia driver must be disabled before installing the official Nvidia driver.

See Blacklist the Nouveau driver.

WARNING: After the reboot you may end up without GUI at all.

  • Be sure that you have the SSH enabled on your system to be able login remotely or use CTRL+ALT+F2 to switch TTY console and continue with the installation.

Stop the current display server

Before installing the driver, it is mandatory to stop your current display server by changing the run level to 3.

WARNING: Remember to save all current work before proceeding, as this will stop the desktop environment.

  • Switch to a TTY1 session by pressing CTRL+ALT+F1 and log in.
sudo telinit 3

Install the driver

sudo bash NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-510.60.02.run

NOTE: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.

  • The wizard may complain that another NVIDIA driver method is available, in that case simply ignore and hit continue.

Restart

Restart run level 6. 

sudo init 6

NOTE: This will reboot your system and start it with display server on.

  • Upon reboot, configure the NVIDIA settings.
    • Access the NVIDIA X Server Settings app from the Activities menu to adjust the graphics settings as desired.

References

https://www.nvidia.com/en-in/drivers/unix/