uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu - NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver
Uninstall NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu - fast guide for NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver
If you’re searching for “uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu,” you likely want a clean removal to fix black screens, boot loops, or to switch back to the open‑source Nouveau driver. This guide gives you concise steps to fully purge NVIDIA packages, revert to defaults, and optionally reinstall the NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver driver safely.
Download - NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver driver for Ubuntu
Device Type: Video Adapters
Supported OS:
Date added: 2025-11-21
- Works with APT or manual package installation
- Suitable for desktop and laptop GPUs
Need the package? Click on the download link above when available.
Before you begin
- Have a terminal ready - press Ctrl+Alt+F3 to switch to a TTY if the GUI is frozen.
- Know your display manager - gdm3 (GNOME), sddm (KDE), or lightdm.
- Back up important configs - especially /etc/X11/xorg.conf if it exists.
How to completely uninstall NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu
- Stop the display manager:
- GNOME: sudo systemctl stop gdm3
- KDE: sudo systemctl stop sddm
- LightDM: sudo systemctl stop lightdm
- List installed NVIDIA packages: dpkg -l | grep -i nvidia
- Purge NVIDIA and CUDA packages: sudo apt-get purge 'nvidia-*' 'libnvidia-*' 'cuda-*' 'nsight-*'
- Remove leftover configuration:
- sudo rm -f /etc/X11/xorg.conf
- sudo rm -f /lib/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf
- Re-enable Nouveau and rebuild initramfs:
- sudo apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
- echo " " | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/nouveau-kms.conf >/dev/null
- sudo update-initramfs -u
- Reboot: sudo reboot
These steps reliably address the query uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu by purging drivers, cleaning configs, and restoring Nouveau.
Optional - reinstall a clean driver after uninstall
- Update metadata: sudo apt-get update
- Let Ubuntu recommend a version: ubuntu-drivers devices
- Install the suggested package (example): sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver-535
- Reboot: sudo reboot
If you prefer a manual package for NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver, use the download section above and follow the matching installer steps below.
How to install
Troubleshooting common issues
- Black screen after uninstall - Rebuild initramfs and ensure Nouveau is active:
- sudo update-initramfs -u
- sudo apt-get install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
- sudo reboot
- Secure Boot blocks modules - If you reinstall proprietary drivers, disable Secure Boot in UEFI or enroll a MOK. For a pure uninstall, Secure Boot typically needs no change.
- Held/broken packages - Run sudo apt-get -f install, then sudo apt-get purge 'nvidia-*' again.
- Leftover xorg.conf - Delete /etc/X11/xorg.conf to avoid forced NVIDIA settings and let Xorg auto-detect.
- Kernel update removed NVIDIA - Reinstall with sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall or the specific version you need.
- Switching back to open‑source after purge - Ensure no blacklist files for Nouveau exist in /etc/modprobe.d and /lib/modprobe.d.
If your goal is strictly “uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu,” verify success with: lsmod | grep -i nvidia (should be empty) and lsmod | grep -i nouveau (should show the module loaded).
FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between remove and purge?
A: remove deletes binaries, while purge also deletes config files. For a clean uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu result, use purge.
Q: How do I confirm NVIDIA is fully gone?
A: Run dpkg -l | grep -i nvidia (no results), lsmod | grep -i nvidia (no modules), and check that /etc/X11/xorg.conf does not exist.
Q: Will uninstalling break CUDA applications?
A: Yes - apps depending on CUDA will fail after you purge. Reinstall a supported version via APT or a .deb for NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver if needed.
Q: Can I revert later to proprietary drivers?
A: Yes. Use ubuntu-drivers devices to see recommendations, then sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver-XXX and reboot.
Q: Which Ubuntu versions are supported here?
A: are covered. Steps are similar across versions.
Why get drivers from driverfiles.net
driverfiles.net curates safe, trusted packages for Video Adapters, including NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver, with clean version histories and helpful install guides. Even if your immediate goal is uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu, you can return here to find a verified package when you’re ready to reinstall. Downloads are monitored for integrity, and our instructions align with Ubuntu best practices.
- Scans your system for missing or outdated drivers
- Downloads and installs the correct versions
- Creates a restore point before making changes