Install Nvidia Driver on Ubuntu 16.04 (GUI Method for Beginners)

A quick tutorial video for installing the Nvidia proprietary driver on Ubuntu 16.04.

Recommended that you watch the video in at least 720p for clarity of text. I have included English subtitles to assist you, just enable it in CC.

This video is meant for beginners who have just done a fresh install of Ubuntu 16.04 on their computers and have an Nvidia graphics card.

Step-by-step:
1. Make sure you have an Internet Connection.
2. Run the Software Updater in Ubuntu at least once.
3. Open the Ubuntu dash by either pressing the Ubuntu Icon or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. Search for 'Additional Drivers'.
4. Select any Nvidia binary driver that is available. Selecting a higher number is preferable over a lower numbered one. Click 'Apply Changes'.
5. Once it's done, restart Ubuntu.
6. You're done!

To check that it installed successfully, open Ubuntu's dash. Search for 'Nvidia'. If you have the Nvidia X Server Settings program, your installation is successful.

Whilst I specifically mention the 1000 series graphics cards in this video, this video is applicable to Nvidia graphics cards as far back as the 500 series.

Please note, if you're using an Optimus laptop things may be different. I cannot assist you here as Nvidia's Optimus support is different for each card generation.

My main computer rig specs:
CPU - Intel i7-4770 3.4Ghz
GPU - Nvidia GTX 1070 8GB
RAM - 16GB DDR3 ADATA 1600MHz
OS - Ubuntu 16.04 64Bit/Windows 10 Pro 64Bit (Dual Boot)

Video recorded using:
Media Express
Blackmagic Intensity Pro 4k
Audacity 2.1.2
Blue Yeti Mic

Video edited using the following software:
KDENLIVE 15.12.3
GIMP 2.8.16

Download Ubuntu 16.04 and 16.10 for free:

Download GIMP 2.8.16 for free:

My small development blog:

myromance123

About me:
I'm just a Malaysian, who loves Ubuntu and Linux, and more so gaming!

[didierjulien]

Amazing you're the only one I've found that actually works without fiddling with Grub and custom boot parameters.
I love using linux machines and playing around with them and testing all kinds of things on them. But the constant messing with drivers and other settings is frustrating to no end. Thanks again!

[paulfunigga]

This isn't the whole story, if the secure boot in your system is not disabled, your graphics driver can be unclaimed by the system. You can check it, if you run "sudo lshw" and search "nvidia". So, disabling secure boot in BIOS makes everything work.

[flyaway_]

on Ubuntu 19.04 additional drivers is in the software & updates application

[vipervidsgamingplus]

I have been working on all sorts of coding with no results thanks for the help

[skkostahi]

Bruh you just saved my Life thank you m8

[petergamer]

Thank you this worked but one thing the additional drivers you mention doesn't search. You now have to go to the software & updates and move over to the right. for the drivers.

[andre]

There are NO Additional Drivers like you have. :(

[haoyuchen]

I solved the login-loop issue by disabling the secure boot in BIOS before the first time I enter the driver-changed Ubuntu. Disabling secure boot allows third-party drivers like NVIDIA

[joe-ztyf]

Very, very useful tutorial! Good for Linux noobs such as myself. I just got done dual booting and my resolution was REALLY bad. Thanks dude.

[naythin]

HAHA !!!! LOVE THIS VIDEO ... THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR PFFF FOREVER!!!!

[nafcho]

IT WORKED!!!! (I have a 940m notebook)

[Ember_]

Thank you so much, your amazing! You've earned my like and sub.

[myportfoliomax]

Thanks, dude. You saved the Clear explanation.

[shahbazrezaei]

Wow. I tried many things and didn't work. Thanks. Worked with 1060

İsmail benim de anakart MSI ve ekran kartı GTX 1070 dediğini yaptım oldu eyw reis

[ettoremurabito]

Nice and easy.
Thank you for this video :-)

[ImNotADeeJay]

In my experience, I have always suffered problems installing nvidia propietary drivers in ubuntu (regardless the version). Sometimes X just wont load, others it generates random artifacts, others the driver won't run properly and my screen switches to 800x600... since I don't play 3D games, I gave up it, it is not worth it the husstle (for me)

[AnirudhMartin]

I really underestimated you're definition of beginner here...

[Ragavakkarnan]

OS: Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.
PC: Dell precision tower
This will happen when you change to NVIDIA driver. It is "Loop-login". your system will login and logout within a microsecond. Better go with the default driver. Do not try. I suffered a lot.

[rajezxmypythonscripts]

nvidia 960m
my fans are running at full speed and battery charge standing for just 1 hour and in windows it stands for 3.5 hours