how to uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu - NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver
how to uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu - NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver
Looking for a clear, safe guide on how to uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find quick removal steps plus clean install guidance for Video Adapters on . If you later decide to reinstall or update the NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver driver, we’ve also included installation methods and fixes for common issues.
Note: If you’re unsure which package you installed (APT vs. .run installer), follow the uninstall section first, then choose the matching install method. Driver version:
Download - NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver driver details
Device type: Video Adapters
Supported OS:
Date added: 2025-11-21
Use this package if you plan to reinstall after you complete the steps for how to uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu. When you’re ready, Click on the download link.
How to install
General steps (APT/Ubuntu-recommended):
- Update your system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
- List recommended NVIDIA drivers: ubuntu-drivers devices
- Auto-install the best match: sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
- Reboot: sudo reboot
File reference:
Troubleshooting and clean uninstallation
If your goal is how to uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu due to black screens, bad performance, or login loops, try the clean removal paths below. After removal, you can return to the open‑source Nouveau driver or do a fresh install.
Method A - Uninstall NVIDIA installed via APT
- Switch to a TTY: press Ctrl+Alt+F3 and log in
- Stop the display manager (example for GDM): sudo systemctl stop gdm || sudo systemctl stop gdm3
- Purge NVIDIA packages: sudo apt purge 'nvidia-*'
- Optional - reinstall Nouveau: sudo apt install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau
- Rebuild initramfs: sudo update-initramfs -u
- Re-enable display manager: sudo systemctl start gdm || sudo systemctl start gdm3
- Reboot: sudo reboot
Method B - Uninstall NVIDIA installed via .run installer
- Switch to TTY and stop display manager as above
- Run the NVIDIA uninstaller: sudo /usr/bin/nvidia-uninstall
- If that binary is missing, re-run the original .run with the --uninstall flag:
- chmod +x NVIDIA-Linux-*.run
- sudo ./NVIDIA-Linux-*.run --uninstall
- Rebuild initramfs: sudo update-initramfs -u
- Start the display manager, then reboot
If Nouveau was blacklisted
- Check /etc/modprobe.d/ for files that blacklist nouveau (e.g., nvidia-blacklists-nouveau.conf)
- Remove lines that blacklist nouveau or delete the file if safe
- Update: sudo update-initramfs -u → reboot
Fix common issues
- Black screen after uninstall - boot to recovery, drop to root shell, run the purge steps above, then enable Nouveau
- Wayland/Xorg mismatch - if GDM won’t start, try switching session type on the login screen or edit /etc/gdm3/custom.conf
- Kernel just updated - reinstall the driver with sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall to rebuild modules against the new kernel
FAQ
Q: What’s the fastest method for how to uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu?
A: Use a TTY, stop the display manager, then run sudo apt purge 'nvidia-*' and reboot. This removes packages cleanly on .
Q: How do I switch back to the Nouveau driver after uninstalling?
A: Install Nouveau if needed (sudo apt install --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-nouveau), ensure it isn’t blacklisted, run sudo update-initramfs -u, and reboot.
Q: I used the .run installer. Is the process different?
A: Yes. Run sudo /usr/bin/nvidia-uninstall or re-run the .run file with --uninstall. Then update initramfs and reboot.
Q: Can I reinstall the NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver driver after removal?
A: Yes - the safest path is Ubuntu’s built-in tool: ubuntu-drivers devices → sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall. It selects a compatible version for your Video Adapters.
Q: Where can I find the driver file name and version?
A: See the download section for file metadata. File name: - Driver version: .
Why download from driverfiles.net
driverfiles.net focuses on safe, trusted driver packages for Video Adapters like NVIDIA Ubuntu Graphics Driver. Files are verified, scans are performed for integrity, and instructions are written for real-world setups on . Whether you’re learning how to uninstall nvidia drivers ubuntu or preparing a fresh install, you’ll find clean downloads and clear guidance in one place.
- Scans your system for missing or outdated drivers
- Downloads and installs the correct versions
- Creates a restore point before making changes