remove nvidia drivers ubuntu - NVIDIA Graphics Driver Removal for Ubuntu
Purpose-built guide to remove NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu
If you’re looking to remove NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu cleanly and safely, this guide gives you fast, reliable steps that work across multiple LTS versions. We’ll show you how to completely purge proprietary packages, switch back to the open‑source Nouveau driver, and avoid boot issues. If you also need a clean installer later, you can find it below. This article uses the keyword remove nvidia drivers ubuntu naturally, with actionable commands and tips.
Download details for NVIDIA Graphics Driver Removal for Ubuntu
Device type: Video Adapters
Supported operating systems:
Driver version: 550.67
Date added: 2025-11-25
Click on the download link
How to remove NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu
Use the steps below to fully remove NVIDIA proprietary drivers and restore the open‑source stack. These commands are safe for most systems when followed carefully. They directly address the request to remove nvidia drivers ubuntu.
- 1) Switch to a text console:
- Press Ctrl+Alt+F3, log in with your user, then run: sudo -s
- 2) Stop the display manager (one of these will apply):
- sudo systemctl stop gdm3
- sudo systemctl stop sddm
- sudo systemctl stop lightdm
- 3) Purge NVIDIA and related components:
- apt-get purge '^nvidia-.*' 'libnvidia*' 'cuda*' 'nsight*'
- apt-get autoremove --purge -y
- 4) Remove leftover configuration and rebuild initramfs:
- rm -f /etc/X11/xorg.conf
- update-initramfs -u
- 5) Reinstall the open‑source Nouveau driver (optional but recommended):
- apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
- 6) Reboot:
- reboot
To confirm removal after reboot, run: ubuntu-drivers devices and ensure no proprietary driver is active. This efficiently completes the process to remove nvidia drivers ubuntu.
How to install
Troubleshooting after removal
- Black screen after reboot:
- Switch to TTY: Ctrl+Alt+F3, log in, run: sudo apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
- Then: sudo update-initramfs -u && sudo reboot
- “Low graphics mode” or Wayland/Xorg mismatch:
- Remove old Xorg config: sudo rm -f /etc/X11/xorg.conf
- Reboot. If using a display manager, ensure it’s enabled: sudo systemctl enable --now gdm3
- Secure Boot blocking modules:
- After you remove nvidia drivers ubuntu, Secure Boot usually stops being an issue. If you later install proprietary drivers, either enroll a MOK or temporarily disable Secure Boot in UEFI.
- Packages keep reinstalling:
- Hold packages: sudo apt-mark hold 'nvidia*'
- Unhold later with: sudo apt-mark unhold 'nvidia*'
FAQ
How do I quickly verify NVIDIA is fully removed?
Run dpkg -l | grep -i nvidia and lsmod | grep -i nvidia. No results means the proprietary modules and packages are gone.
Do I need to remove CUDA when I remove nvidia drivers ubuntu?
Yes, if you no longer use it. Purge patterns above include CUDA components so you don’t leave mismatched libraries behind.
How do I switch back to open‑source graphics after removal?
Install Nouveau: sudo apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau, then sudo update-initramfs -u and reboot.
Can I reinstall NVIDIA later?
Yes. Use ubuntu-drivers devices to see recommendations, then sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall. Confirm device type Video Adapters is detected correctly.
Which Ubuntu versions are covered?
This guide applies to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Why download from driverfiles.net
Driverfiles.net curates clean, vendor‑verified packages and clear instructions, helping you avoid bloat and unsafe mirrors. Every listing for NVIDIA Graphics Driver Removal for Ubuntu on Video Adapters includes version details like 550.67, supported OS entries such as Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, and transparent file metadata. This makes it easy to remove nvidia drivers ubuntu now and reinstall later with confidence.
- Scans your system for missing or outdated drivers
- Downloads and installs the correct versions
- Creates a restore point before making changes