Accelerated NVIDIA Drivers on Ubuntu? This guide explains the modern, supported ways to install NVIDIA and AMD accelerated graphics drivers on Ubuntu Linux. Modern versions of Ubuntu include built in system tools that automatically detect your GPU and install the correct drivers, making third party tools like Envy obsolete.
Quick Answers: Ubuntu Graphics Drivers
- Do I need to install drivers? Usually no. Most systems work out of the box.
- Best way to install NVIDIA drivers? Use Ubuntu's Additional Drivers tool.
- Do AMD GPUs need proprietary drivers? No. Open source drivers are included.
- Is Secure Boot an issue? Only for NVIDIA, and Ubuntu handles it automatically.
How to Install Video Drivers on Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu supports both open-source and proprietary graphics drivers. In most cases, drivers are already installed or can be enabled using Ubuntu's built in tools. The correct method depends on whether you use NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards.
How Do I Check Which Graphics Card I Have?
Open a terminal and run:
lspci -k | grep -A 2 -Ei "vga|3d"
This shows your GPU model and the driver currently in use.
Best Way to Install Drivers on Ubuntu
Using Ubuntu's built in driver tools is the safest and most reliable method.
Install Graphics Drivers Using Additional Drivers
This is the recommended method for desktop users.
- Open Software & Updates
- Select the Additional Drivers tab
- Choose the recommended driver
- Apply changes and reboot
Ubuntu automatically handles kernel compatibility and Secure Boot signing.
Install Graphics Drivers Using the Command Line
This method is ideal for servers or headless systems.
How to Install NVIDIA Drivers on Ubuntu
sudo ubuntu-drivers devices
sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
sudo reboot
How to Verify NVIDIA Driver Installation
nvidia-smi
If GPU information appears, the driver is active.
How AMD Graphics Drivers Work on Ubuntu
Do AMD Graphics Cards Need Drivers Installed?
No. Ubuntu includes the open-source amdgpu driver in the Linux kernel and Mesa stack. AMD graphics typically work immediately after installation.
Verify AMD Driver
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"
If needed:
sudo apt install mesa-utils
When Should You Use AMDGPU-PRO?
AMDGPU-PRO is intended for professional workloads such as OpenCL or CAD. It is not recommended for general desktop use due to complexity and potential instability.
Secure Boot and Graphics Drivers
When installing proprietary NVIDIA drivers, Ubuntu may request enrollment of a Machine Owner Key.
- This is expected behavior
- You will set a temporary password
- The key is enrolled during reboot
Skipping this step may prevent NVIDIA drivers from loading.
Common Ubuntu Graphics Driver Problems
Black Screen After Installing NVIDIA Drivers
- Boot into recovery mode
- Temporarily disable Secure Boot
- Reinstall drivers using
ubuntu-drivers
Wayland vs Xorg for NVIDIA
- Wayland is the default display server
- Xorg may be more stable on older NVIDIA GPUs
- You can switch sessions at the login screen
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install graphics drivers on Ubuntu?
Usually no. Ubuntu includes drivers for most hardware. NVIDIA users typically enable proprietary drivers using built-in tools.
What is the best NVIDIA driver for Ubuntu?
The recommended driver shown in Additional Drivers is the best choice for your GPU and kernel.
Why does Ubuntu ask for a password during NVIDIA install?
This is for Secure Boot key enrollment, which allows proprietary drivers to load safely.
Do AMD GPUs require proprietary drivers?
No. Open-source AMD drivers are included and work by default.
Can I install drivers on a Live USB?
Yes, but changes are lost unless persistence is enabled.
Final Take
Ubuntu has largely eliminated the complexity of graphics driver installation that was commonly encountered early on. Built in tools now handle detection, compatibility, and security automatically. For most systems, enabling the recommended driver is all that is required for reliable performance.