Ubuntu’s supported path is to let ubuntu-drivers choose a driver that matches the GPU and release. This avoids guessing a branch number from an old tutorial or adding a third-party PPA before checking Ubuntu’s own packages.

Identify the GPU and recommended package

lspci -nnk | grep -A3 -E 'VGA|3D|Display'
ubuntu-drivers devices

The second command shows available packages and marks the recommended choice. On a desktop, you can reach the same selection through Software & Updates → Additional Drivers.

Install the recommended driver

sudo apt update
sudo ubuntu-drivers install
sudo reboot

Save open work before rebooting. If APT cannot proceed, resolve a package-manager lock or held dependency conflict before retrying.

Verify after reboot

nvidia-smi
lsmod | grep nvidia

nvidia-smi should identify the GPU and loaded driver. Its reported CUDA compatibility is not proof that a complete CUDA development toolkit is installed.

Secure Boot and a blank screen

With Secure Boot enabled, Ubuntu may ask you to create a Machine Owner Key password during installation and enroll the key on the next boot. If the module does not load, inspect the state and boot log:

mokutil --sb-state
journalctl -b -k | grep -i -E 'nvidia|nouveau|secure boot'

Complete any pending MOK enrollment before reinstalling packages. If the graphical session fails, use Ubuntu’s recovery options or a text console and record the exact error before changing driver branches.

Sources and verification

Workflow checked against Ubuntu’s current NVIDIA driver guidance on September 11, 2026. GPU hardware, Secure Boot enrollment and display recovery were not tested on the publishing host.