NVIDIA on Ubuntu 22.04: The Definitive Installation Guide

Are you ready to unleash the full power of your NVIDIA graphics card on Ubuntu 22.04? This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to install NVIDIA drivers, ensuring optimal performance and stability for your system.

Installation from Ubuntu Repository: A Simple Approach

The Ubuntu repository offers a straightforward way to install NVIDIA drivers. Here’s a detailed walk-through:

Identifying Your Graphics Card

Before installing, it’s crucial to know which NVIDIA card you have. This information will help in selecting the appropriate driver. To identify your card:

• Open the Terminal.
• Run the command: ubuntu-drivers devices.
• Note the model and recommended driver from the output.

Installing the Driver

Ubuntu simplifies the driver installation process. You have two options:

1. Automatic Installation:
   • Run sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall.
   • This command automatically installs the driver recommended for your graphics card.
2. Manual Installation:
   • Install a specific driver with: sudo apt install nvidia-driver-XXX (replace XXX with the driver version number).
   • This method is useful if you need a specific driver version.

Finalizing Installation

After installing the driver, a system reboot is necessary to apply changes. Simply run sudo reboot.

This method is ideal for most users, providing a balance between ease of use and performance​​.

Advanced Installation: Beta Drivers via PPA Repository

For those seeking the latest features and updates, the PPA repository offers access to beta drivers. However, note that these drivers might be less stable.

Adding the PPA Repository

• Execute sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa.
• This command adds the repository to your system, enabling access to the latest drivers.

Driver Installation

Follow the same steps as in the standard method, but with access to a wider range of driver versions.

System Reboot

As with the previous method, reboot your system to activate the new driver​​.

Manual Installation: Direct from Nvidia

For advanced users, manual installation offers the most control.

Downloading the Official Driver

• Visit the official Nvidia website.
• Select and download the appropriate driver for your graphics card.

Installing Prerequisites

• Run sudo apt install build-essential libglvnd-dev pkg-config.
• These packages are necessary for the installation process.

Disabling Nouveau and Installing the Driver

• Disable the default Nouveau driver.
• Switch to runlevel 3 using sudo telinit 3 to stop the current display server.
• Install the downloaded driver using the command provided on Nvidia’s website.

Reboot and Configuration

• After installation, reboot your system.
• Configure the NVIDIA X Server Settings for optimal performance​​.

Full potential

This guide covers everything from simple to advanced methods for installing NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu 22.04. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, these instructions will help you maximize your NVIDIA graphics card’s capabilities on Linux.

Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Always back up important data before making significant changes to your system.