> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://legacy.docs.synteq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://legacy.docs.synteq.com/gpu-vds/drivers/installing-drivers/installing-nvidia-drivers/installing-nvidia-drivers-on-ubuntu.md).

# Installing NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu

Guide to installing NVIDIA GPU Drivers on Ubuntu Based OS.

## What are Drivers?

A driver is a piece of software that acts as a translation layer between the applications & OS running on your computer and the physical hardware present in the system. By default when you install Ubuntu using one of our templates on your GPU VDS, you may notice that the GPU doesn't show up on your applications. To get Ubuntu & your applications to detect your GPU, you'll need to install the relevant drivers for it.

## Installing Drivers

### 1. Log in to your VPS as root via SSH

### 2. Update & Install the Drivers Package

In your terminal, run the following commands

```
$ apt update
$ apt install ubuntu-drivers-common -y
```

### 3. Detecting the GPU

In your terminal, run the following command:

```
$ ubuntu-drivers devices
```

The output should have a line with Nvidia on it with the generation of your GPU.

<figure><img src="https://2938941940-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F44w2dpnVMZwQFQvJQvmV%2Fuploads%2FA0dzsx4S3r3SWZomsKhV%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2019.38.20%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=06d3e195-9127-4457-a2d2-21530a0187e1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4. Install the driver

Install the recommended driver using the autoinstaller

```
$ ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
```

### 5. Reboot your VPS

Now, Reboot your VPS with the following command.

```
reboot
```

### 6. Verify the installation

Run the `nvidia-smi` command to verify that your GPU is present and showing with valid drivers.

```
$ nvidia-smi
```

You should see an output like this:

<figure><img src="https://2938941940-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F44w2dpnVMZwQFQvJQvmV%2Fuploads%2F4QoqwflGzMWEHK0QIX7m%2FCleanShot%202025-12-23%20at%2019.42.54%402x.png?alt=media&amp;token=13dfc734-ac2b-4feb-ac46-d6d81c49a681" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

And done! You've successfully installed NVIDIA Drivers on your Ubuntu VPS.


---

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