Uninstalling Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04 can be a daunting task for many users. Whether you are experiencing compatibility issues, performance problems, or want to switch to an alternative driver, knowing how to properly uninstall Nvidia drivers is essential. In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of uninstalling Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04. We will explore different methods and provide you with additional tips to ensure a smooth uninstallation process. So, let’s dive in and learn how to uninstall Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04.
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The Challenge of Uninstalling Nvidia Drivers on Ubuntu 20.04
Uninstalling Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04 can be challenging due to several reasons. Firstly, Nvidia drivers are tightly integrated with the Linux kernel, making it difficult to remove them without impacting the system’s stability. Additionally, the installation process of Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu can vary depending on the installation method used. This means that the uninstallation process might differ as well. Lastly, uninstalling Nvidia drivers improperly can lead to system instability, graphical issues, or even a complete system failure.
However, with the right knowledge and careful execution, you can successfully uninstall Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04 without any adverse effects.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods of uninstalling Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04, there are a few things that you should prepare for. These preparations will ensure a smoother and more successful uninstallation process. Here are a few things you should consider:
1. Back up your important data: It is always recommended to back up your important files and data before making any system changes. While uninstalling Nvidia drivers should not affect your personal files, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Identify the installation method: Determine the method through which you installed the Nvidia drivers on your Ubuntu system. This can be via the official Nvidia installer, using apt-get command, or through Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers tool. Knowing the installation method will help you choose the appropriate uninstallation method.
3. Identify the installed driver version: Note down the exact version of the Nvidia driver installed on your system. This information will be useful when selecting the correct method for uninstallation.
Keeping these preparations in mind, let’s explore the different methods to uninstall Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04.
Method 1: Uninstall Nvidia Drivers via the Terminal
Uninstalling Nvidia drivers via the terminal is one of the most commonly used methods on Ubuntu 20.04. This method is suitable for users who have installed Nvidia drivers using the apt-get command. Here’s how you can uninstall Nvidia drivers via the terminal:
Step 1: Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
Step 2: Run the following command to remove the Nvidia driver package:
sudo apt-get purge nvidia-*
Step 3: Enter your password when prompted and press Enter.
Step 4: Confirm the removal by typing ‘y’ and pressing Enter.
Step 5: Once the uninstallation process is complete, restart your system to apply the changes.
Pros:
1. This method is straightforward and does not require any additional tools or software.
2. It ensures a complete removal of the Nvidia driver package.
3. It is the recommended method for users who installed Nvidia drivers using the apt-get command.
Cons:
1. This method may not work if the Nvidia driver was installed through a different method.
2. It does not remove leftover configuration files, which may occupy disk space.
Method 2: Uninstall Nvidia Drivers via the Official Nvidia Installer
If you installed the Nvidia drivers using the official Nvidia installer, the process of uninstallation is slightly different. Here’s how you can uninstall Nvidia drivers via the official Nvidia installer:
Step 1: Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
Step 2: Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the official Nvidia installer using the cd command. For example, if you downloaded the installer to the Downloads folder, run the following command:
cd ~/Downloads
Step 3: Run the following command to launch the Nvidia installer:
sudo sh NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-XXX.XX.run –uninstall
Note: Replace ‘NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-XXX.XX.run’ with the actual name of the Nvidia installer file on your system.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Step 5: Once the uninstallation process is complete, restart your system to apply the changes.
Pros:
1. This method is suitable for users who installed the Nvidia driver using the official Nvidia installer.
2. The uninstallation process is guided by the official Nvidia installer, ensuring a proper removal.
Cons:
1. This method requires the installation of the official Nvidia installer, which may not be desired by some users.
2. The process may differ depending on the version of the Nvidia installer used.
Method 3: Uninstall Nvidia Drivers via Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers Tool
Ubuntu provides an Additional Drivers tool that simplifies the installation and uninstallation of third-party drivers, including Nvidia drivers. Here’s how you can uninstall Nvidia drivers via Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers tool:
Step 1: Open the Activities overview by pressing the Super key (Windows key).
Step 2: Type "Additional Drivers" and click on the "Additional Drivers" application that appears.
Step 3: The "Additional Drivers" window will open, displaying the currently used driver and any available alternatives. Select the Nvidia driver you want to uninstall.
Step 4: Click on the "Remove" button to uninstall the selected Nvidia driver.
Step 5: Once the uninstallation process is complete, restart your system to apply the changes.
Pros:
1. This method is user-friendly and does not require any terminal commands.
2. It is the recommended method for users who installed Nvidia drivers using Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers tool.
Cons:
1. The availability of uninstallation options may vary depending on the installed driver and system configuration.
2. This method may not uninstall the Nvidia driver completely, leaving behind some configuration files.
Method 4: Uninstall Nvidia Drivers via the GUI Package Manager
Uninstalling Nvidia drivers via the GUI Package Manager is another straightforward method that can be used on Ubuntu 20.04. Here’s how you can uninstall Nvidia drivers via the GUI Package Manager:
Step 1: Open the Ubuntu Software application from the Activities overview.
Step 2: Click on the "Installed" tab on the left sidebar to display the list of installed packages.
Step 3: Search for "nvidia" in the search bar at the top-right corner.
Step 4: Find the Nvidia driver package you want to uninstall and click on the "Remove" button next to it.
Step 5: Once the uninstallation process is complete, restart your system to apply the changes.
Pros:
1. This method is suitable for users who prefer graphical interfaces over the command line.
2. The GUI Package Manager provides a convenient way to manage installed packages, including Nvidia drivers.
Cons:
1. The availability of uninstallation options may vary depending on the installed driver and system configuration.
2. This method may not remove all the components of the Nvidia driver, potentially leaving behind some files.
Why Can’t I Uninstall Nvidia Drivers on Ubuntu 20.04?
There might be the following reasons why you are facing difficulties uninstalling Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04:
1. Driver Incompatibility: The Nvidia driver you have installed might be incompatible with your system or the kernel version used by Ubuntu 20.04. In this case, you may face difficulties uninstalling the driver.
2. Improper Installation: If the Nvidia driver was not installed correctly, the uninstallation process may encounter errors or fail altogether. It is important to ensure a proper installation before attempting to uninstall.
3. Dependencies and conflicts: Nvidia drivers may have dependencies on other packages or conflict with existing software components. These dependencies and conflicts may hinder the uninstallation process.
To address these issues, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Update the Nvidia driver: If you are facing uninstallation issues due to driver incompatibility, try updating to the latest version of the Nvidia driver. Newer driver versions often come with improved compatibility and stability.
2. Reinstall the driver: If the Nvidia driver was not installed correctly, reinstalling it may fix the issues encountered during uninstallation. Ensure that you follow the proper installation steps and use the appropriate installation method.
3. Resolve dependencies and conflicts: Identify any conflicting packages or dependencies that may be hindering the uninstallation process. Use package management tools like apt or Synaptic Package Manager to resolve these conflicts.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful uninstallation of Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04:
1. Reboot your system after uninstallation: Restarting your system after uninstalling Nvidia drivers will ensure that any remaining components are properly removed and the changes take effect.
2. Remove leftover configuration files: After uninstalling the Nvidia drivers, you can manually remove any leftover configuration files to free up disk space. These files are usually located in the /etc/modprobe.d/ directory and may have names starting with "nvidia-". Use the following command to remove them:
sudo rm /etc/modprobe.d/nvidia-*
3. Keep track of driver versions: It’s important to keep track of the driver versions you install and uninstall. This information can be useful for troubleshooting and future reference.
5 FAQs about Uninstalling Nvidia Drivers on Ubuntu 20.04
Q1: Can I uninstall Nvidia drivers without impacting system stability?
A: Yes, if you follow the proper uninstallation procedures, you can uninstall Nvidia drivers without impacting system stability. However, it is always recommended to back up your important data before making any system changes, including driver uninstallation.
Q2: What if the Nvidia driver is not listed in Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers tool?
A: If the Nvidia driver is not listed in Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers tool, it means that the system does not recognize any installed Nvidia drivers. In this case, you may have installed the driver through a different method, and you should explore other uninstallation methods mentioned in this blog post.
Q3: Will uninstalling Nvidia drivers improve system performance?
A: Uninstalling Nvidia drivers alone may not necessarily improve system performance. However, if you were experiencing performance issues related to the Nvidia drivers, uninstalling them and switching to alternative drivers might help improve performance.
Q4: Can I install multiple driver versions and switch between them?
A: Yes, it is possible to install multiple Nvidia driver versions on Ubuntu 20.04 and switch between them. However, it requires manual installation and configuration, and drivers should be installed following proper procedures to avoid conflicts.
Q5: Can I install open-source Nvidia drivers instead of the proprietary ones?
A: Yes, Ubuntu provides open-source Nouveau drivers as an alternative to the proprietary Nvidia drivers. You can install and use Nouveau drivers, but keep in mind that they may not offer the same level of performance and compatibility as the proprietary Nvidia drivers.
In Conclusion
Uninstalling Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04 is an important task for users who encounter compatibility issues, performance problems, or simply wish to switch to alternative drivers. In this blog post, we explored different methods of uninstalling Nvidia drivers, including via the terminal, official Nvidia installer, Ubuntu’s Additional Drivers tool, and the GUI Package Manager.
We discussed the challenges faced during the uninstallation process and provided tips to ensure a smooth experience. Additionally, we addressed common reasons why users may face difficulties uninstalling Nvidia drivers and suggested fixes for those issues.
By following the methods and tips outlined in this blog post, you can successfully uninstall Nvidia drivers on Ubuntu 20.04 and have a stable and optimized system. Remember to always back up your data and proceed with caution when making any system changes.
