Install NVIDIA Drivers on Ubuntu 26.04

For Ubuntu users seeking to unleash the full potential of their NVIDIA graphics card, the installation of proprietary NVIDIA drivers stands as a crucial step. These drivers not only optimize the GPU performance, but also unlock advanced features, ensuring a seamless and enhanced computing experience. This tutorial demonstrates how to install NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu 26.04.

Prepare environment

Before we start, it's crucial to note that disabling Secure Boot in the BIOS is a necessary step. Secure Boot can interfere with the installation process, so be sure to follow the motherboard's documentation on how to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS settings.

Install NVIDIA drivers

First, download the NVIDIA repository keyring package, which contains the signing keys and repository configuration:

curl -sSo cuda-keyring.deb https://developer.download.nvidia.com/compute/cuda/repos/ubuntu2604/x86_64/cuda-keyring_1.1-1_all.deb

Next, install the keyring package to add NVIDIA repository to the system:

sudo dpkg -i cuda-keyring.deb

After the repository has been added, remove the downloaded keyring package since it is no longer needed:

rm -rf cuda-keyring.deb

Update the local package index to retrieve the latest package information from the newly added NVIDIA repository:

sudo apt update

Install the NVIDIA drivers:

sudo apt install -y nvidia-open

Once the installation is complete, it's crucial to reboot the system to apply the changes. After the reboot, run the following command to display information about the NVIDIA GPU, confirming a successful driver installation:

nvidia-smi

Uninstall NVIDIA drivers

If decided to completely remove NVIDIA drivers and related dependencies, run the following command:

sudo apt purge --autoremove -y nvidia* cuda-keyring