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Asked: 2024-09-25T20:43:15+05:30 In:

How can I check which version of the NVIDIA driver is currently in use on my Ubuntu system and how do I change it to a different version?

I’ve been trying to get my graphics set up correctly on my Ubuntu system, and I’m running into a bit of a wall. I’m not the most tech-savvy person, so I could really use some help figuring this out. Here’s the deal: I need to check which version of the NVIDIA driver I’m currently using. I’ve heard that having the right version can make a world of difference when it comes to performance, especially for gaming and graphic design.

But here’s where it gets tricky for me. I have a couple of different versions saved on my system, and I’m not sure how to switch between them without messing things up. I’ve done a bit of searching online, but a lot of the tips seem a bit too technical, and I’m wondering if there’s a simpler way to approach this.

Can anyone walk me through how to check the driver version I have installed, and then how to change it if I find that I’m not using the right one? I’ve seen some commands mentioned, but I get nervous about running terminal commands without fully understanding what they do. Maybe someone could give me a clear, step-by-step rundown?

Plus, it would be super helpful to know what to look out for when deciding on which version to switch to. I’ve read that newer isn’t always better; sometimes, an older version could be more stable for my setup. Is that true? And what about dependencies or compatibility issues? I don’t want to ruin anything in the process.

If you’ve been through this before or know a good way to simplify the steps, I’d really appreciate your input. Thanks in advance for helping me get my Ubuntu graphics sorted out!

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    2 Answers


    1. To check which version of the NVIDIA driver you currently have installed on your Ubuntu system, open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. Then, type the following command and press Enter: nvidia-smi. This command will provide you with a detailed output, including the version of your NVIDIA driver and other relevant GPU information. If you receive an error stating that the command is not found, it could mean that the driver is not installed correctly or not at all. In that case, you might need to reinstall the NVIDIA drivers. Remember to ensure that you are connected to the internet before doing so.

      If you find that you are not using the optimal driver for your system or want to switch to a different version, you can do this through the Software & Updates application. First, go to Software & Updates on your system, navigate to the Additional Drivers tab, and you should see a list of available NVIDIA drivers that you can install. Select the version you want to use and click Apply Changes. After that, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. It’s important to note that the latest driver is not always the best option; sometimes, older versions can be more stable. Check online resources or forums for user experiences regarding driver versions to ensure compatibility with your system. Additionally, always ensure that your kernel and libraries are compatible with the driver you choose to avoid any dependency issues.







    2. NVIDIA Driver Help


      Understanding NVIDIA Drivers on Ubuntu

      Checking which version of the NVIDIA driver you’re using is pretty straightforward. You can do this with a terminal command. Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you!

      1. Check Installed NVIDIA Driver Version

      Open your terminal. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

      Once the terminal is open, type the following command and press Enter:

      nvidia-smi

      This command will show you a lot of info about your NVIDIA setup, including the driver version at the top right corner of the output. Look for a line that starts with Driver Version.

      2. Switching Between Driver Versions

      If you find out that you need to switch versions, you can do this via the terminal too. First, you’re going to want to check which versions of the driver you have available.

      apt-cache showpkg nvidia-driver

      This command will show you all the versions that you can install. Make a note of the version you want to switch to.

      Now, to change the driver version, you’ll use the following command (replace [version] with the actual version number you want):

      sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver-[version]

      After that, you’ll want to reboot your system to make sure the changes take effect. Just type sudo reboot in the terminal.

      3. Things to Consider When Choosing a Driver Version

      It’s true that newer isn’t always better. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

      • Stability: Sometimes older versions are more stable with specific hardware. Check online forums or the NVIDIA website for compatibility info.
      • Compatibility: Make sure the version you choose is compatible with the games or applications you plan to use.
      • Dependencies: Some new driver versions might require newer tools or libraries, which could complicate things.

      If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to look up more specifics or ask for more help. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be able to get your graphics set up the way you want!


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