In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing the latest NVIDIA drivers from a .run file on your Ubuntu system. This method is particularly useful when the drivers you need are not available in the standard repositories or when you want to install a specific version of the drivers.
To install the latest NVIDIA drivers from a .run file on Ubuntu, you will need to access the terminal, navigate to the location of the driver file, make the .run file executable, and run the installer using the sudo command. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC if necessary. Note that it’s generally recommended to use the NVIDIA driver provided by your Linux distribution.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure that you do not have any proprietary drivers installed on your system. If you do, deactivate them as they can interfere with this process.
Step 1: Accessing the Terminal
Firstly, you will need to access the terminal. This can be done by pressing Ctrl + Alt + F1. A terminal window will open where you can log in using your username and password.
Step 2: Navigating to the Driver File
Once you’re logged in, you’ll need to navigate to the location of your NVIDIA driver file. This can be done using the cd (change directory) command. For instance, if your file is in the Downloads folder, you would type:
cd ~/DownloadsStep 3: Making the .run File Executable
Next, you need to make the .run file executable. This is achieved with the chmod command, which changes the file’s mode. The +x parameter adds execute permissions. Run the following command, replacing NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-285.05.09.run with the name of your .run file:
chmod +x NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-285.05.09.runStep 4: Running the Installer
Now, it’s time to run the installer. This is done using the sudo command, which allows you to run programs with the security privileges of another user (by default, the superuser). Follow this command with ./ and the name of your .run file:
sudo ./NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-285.05.09.runFollow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. The installer may complain about the Nouveau driver needing to be disabled. It will do this automatically, and you will need to restart your PC.
Step 5: Restarting and Repeating the Process
After restarting, you may need to repeat steps 1-4 to complete the installation.
Important Notes
While this method can be useful in certain situations, it’s generally recommended to use the NVIDIA driver provided by your Linux distribution. This is because it’s designed to work well with your specific system and is typically easier to install and update.
Also, note that for newer cards, such as Optimus ones, the manual installation method may not work as expected. In such cases, it’s recommended to use the driver installation method provided by Ubuntu or your Linux distribution.
If you encounter any issues during the installation, please refer to the NVIDIA readme and verify that your specific graphics card is supported by the driver version you are installing.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve shown you how to install the latest NVIDIA drivers from a .run file on Ubuntu. While this method can be a bit more complex than using the standard repositories, it can be a lifesaver when you need a specific driver version. As always, remember to take care when installing drivers manually, and ensure your system is backed up before making any significant changes.
Yes, you can install the NVIDIA drivers from a .run file on any version of Ubuntu. However, please note that the specific steps and commands may vary slightly depending on the version you are using.
You can check if you have any proprietary drivers installed on your Ubuntu system by opening the "Software & Updates" application and navigating to the "Additional Drivers" tab. This tab will display any proprietary drivers that are currently in use on your system.
Yes, you can install a specific version of the NVIDIA drivers using this method. Simply download the .run file for the desired version and follow the steps outlined in the guide.
If the installer complains about the Nouveau driver needing to be disabled, don’t worry. The installer will automatically disable the Nouveau driver during the installation process. You will need to restart your PC after the installation is complete.
The manual installation method may not work as expected for Optimus cards. It is recommended to use the driver installation method provided by Ubuntu or your Linux distribution for these cards.
If you encounter any issues during the installation, please refer to the NVIDIA readme file that comes with the .run file. Make sure to verify that your specific graphics card is supported by the driver version you are installing. If needed, you can also seek support from the NVIDIA community forums or Ubuntu forums for assistance.
Generally, it is recommended to use the NVIDIA driver provided by your Linux distribution. These drivers are specifically designed to work well with your system and are typically easier to install and update through the regular package management system. Manual installation should be reserved for situations where the required drivers are not available in the standard repositories or when you need a specific driver version.
