remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu - NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal
Complete guide to remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu and start fresh with NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal
Looking to remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu quickly and cleanly? You’re not alone. Conflicting packages or failed updates can break graphics, cause login loops, or black screens. This guide shows how to fully purge NVIDIA drivers, then gives you a clean path to install the correct NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal driver for your system.
We support the most common Ubuntu LTS releases - Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS - on Video Adapters.
Before installing - how to remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu safely
Use these commands to completely purge NVIDIA packages and restore the open‑source stack before a clean install.
- Switch to a TTY: press Ctrl+Alt+F3, log in, and stop the display manager:
- GNOME (gdm3): sudo systemctl stop gdm
- LightDM: sudo systemctl stop lightdm
- SDDM: sudo systemctl stop sddm
- Purge NVIDIA packages:
- sudo apt purge 'nvidia*' 'libnvidia*' 'cuda*' 'nsight*'
- sudo apt autoremove --purge
- Remove any .run installer remnants (if you ever used the NVIDIA .run file):
- sudo /usr/bin/nvidia-uninstall (ignore if not found)
- Re‑enable Nouveau if it was blacklisted:
- sudo sed -i '/nouveau/d' /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
- echo 'nouveau' | sudo tee /etc/modules-load.d/nouveau.conf
- sudo update-initramfs -u
- Reboot: sudo reboot
After reboot, the desktop should load with the open‑source Nouveau driver. You can now perform a clean installation of the NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal package for Video Adapters.
Download - NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal driver for Video Adapters
Supported Ubuntu versions: Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
- Driver name: NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal
- Version:
Date added: 2025-11-25
Click on the download link to begin.
How to install
Troubleshooting common issues
- Black screen after install - enable DKMS and Secure Boot: If Secure Boot is on, the module may fail to load. Either disable Secure Boot in BIOS or sign the kernel module. Then reinstall and reboot.
- Login loop - stale NVIDIA remnants: Run sudo apt purge 'nvidia*' and remove /etc/X11/xorg.conf if it was created by NVIDIA. Reboot.
- Could not build kernel module: Ensure build tools are present - sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r) - then reinstall.
- No HDMI/DP audio: After install, open Settings → Sound and choose the NVIDIA/HDMI output. If missing, confirm nvidia modules are loaded: lsmod | grep nvidia.
- Want to revert to open‑source: Remove proprietary packages as shown in “remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu”, then reinstall Nouveau: sudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-nouveau.
FAQ
How do I completely remove all NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu?
Stop the display manager, purge NVIDIA packages with sudo apt purge 'nvidia*' 'libnvidia*' 'cuda*', run sudo apt autoremove --purge, re‑enable Nouveau if it was blacklisted, then reboot. This is the safest way to remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu before a clean reinstall.
Which Ubuntu versions are supported here?
We support Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS for Video Adapters.
Do I need to remove CUDA when I purge NVIDIA drivers?
Yes - if CUDA was installed from packages or the .run installer, purge those components too to avoid conflicts. Reinstall CUDA only after the graphics driver is stable.
Can I install the NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal driver from “Additional Drivers”?
Yes. The “Additional Drivers” tool selects a compatible version automatically. It’s often the most reliable method after you remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu.
My system still boots to a black screen after purge. What now?
Boot to recovery or a TTY, ensure no NVIDIA packages remain, remove /etc/X11/xorg.conf, run sudo update-initramfs -u, then reboot. If Secure Boot is enabled, consider disabling it before reinstalling.
Why download from driverfiles.net?
We verify each NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Removal package for integrity and relevance to Video Adapters, offer clear versioning with , and provide guidance tailored to Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Our step‑by‑step instructions, including how to remove all nvidia drivers ubuntu before a clean install, help you avoid conflicts and get a stable system fast.
- Scans your system for missing or outdated drivers
- Downloads and installs the correct versions
- Creates a restore point before making changes