Nvidia-smi Not Working On Ubuntu 24.04? Here’s How To Fix It

Aug 1, 2025 by Omar Yusuf 61 views

Troubleshooting NVIDIA Driver Issues on Ubuntu 24.04: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Hey guys! Running into snags with your NVIDIA drivers after upgrading to Ubuntu 24.04? You're definitely not alone. A common headache many users face is the dreaded “nvidia-smi is not working” error. This usually means your system isn't communicating properly with your NVIDIA GPU, which can throw a wrench in your machine learning projects, gaming sessions, or any GPU-intensive tasks. This guide will walk you through the most common causes and proven solutions to get your NVIDIA drivers up and running smoothly on Ubuntu 24.04. We'll explore everything from secure boot conflicts to driver installation methods, ensuring you have a robust understanding of how to tackle these issues. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, this article is designed to provide clear, actionable steps to diagnose and fix your NVIDIA driver problems. So, let's dive in and get your GPU back in action!

Understanding the nvidia-smi Command and Its Importance

First, let’s understand why nvidia-smi not working is such a big deal. The NVIDIA System Management Interface (nvidia-smi) is your go-to command-line utility for monitoring and managing NVIDIA GPU devices. It gives you crucial insights into your GPU's performance, including its temperature, memory usage, and the processes currently utilizing it. Think of it as your GPU’s dashboard. If nvidia-smi isn't working, it typically means the NVIDIA driver isn't correctly installed or loaded, making your GPU essentially invisible to the system. This can manifest in several ways: you might see error messages like “NVIDIA driver not loaded,” experience poor graphics performance, or even find that applications relying on GPU acceleration fail to launch. Identifying the root cause of this issue is the first step to getting things back on track. In this section, we will delve deeper into the common reasons behind nvidia-smi malfunctioning, setting the stage for effective troubleshooting. We'll cover scenarios ranging from secure boot interference to driver version incompatibilities, providing you with a solid foundation for diagnosing the problem.

Common Causes of nvidia-smi Not Working on Ubuntu 24.04

So, why is nvidia-smi playing hide-and-seek? There are several usual suspects, and pinpointing the right one is key. Here are some common causes:

Secure Boot Interference: Secure Boot is a security feature in your BIOS that ensures only trusted software can run during the boot process. Sometimes, it can prevent NVIDIA drivers from loading correctly, especially if they aren't signed or fully recognized by the system. This is a frequent culprit, particularly on fresh Ubuntu installations. Disabling Secure Boot might be necessary, but it's crucial to understand the security implications before making this change. We’ll walk you through how to check if Secure Boot is the issue and how to disable it safely.
Incorrect Driver Installation: Did the driver installation process complete without errors? Did you use the right method? Sometimes, a botched installation can leave your system in a state where the driver files are present but not correctly configured. This can happen if you interrupted the installation process, encountered package conflicts, or used an outdated installation method. We'll cover different installation methods, including using the Software & Updates tool, the command line, and the NVIDIA website, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
Driver Version Incompatibility: Not all drivers are created equal. The latest driver might not always be the best for your specific hardware or kernel version. Sometimes, using a newer driver can introduce bugs or compatibility issues. Conversely, an older driver might lack the necessary features or support for newer GPUs. Identifying the right driver version for your system is crucial. We'll explore how to determine the best driver version for your NVIDIA card and how to install specific versions.
Kernel Module Issues: NVIDIA drivers rely on kernel modules to interact with the system's kernel. If these modules aren't built correctly or fail to load, nvidia-smi won't work. This can happen after a kernel update or if there are conflicts with other kernel modules. We'll show you how to check the status of your NVIDIA kernel modules and how to rebuild them if necessary.
Blacklisting Nouveau Drivers: Nouveau is the open-source driver for NVIDIA cards, and it can sometimes conflict with the proprietary NVIDIA drivers. To avoid conflicts, you usually need to blacklist Nouveau. However, if this process wasn't done correctly, it can cause issues. We'll guide you through the proper way to blacklist Nouveau drivers.

Understanding these potential roadblocks is the first step. Next, we’ll dive into specific troubleshooting steps to get your NVIDIA drivers back on track.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Okay, let's get our hands dirty and fix this! Here’s a structured approach to troubleshoot the nvidia-smi issue on Ubuntu 24.04:

Step 1: Check NVIDIA Driver Installation

First, let’s confirm whether the NVIDIA drivers are installed at all. Open your terminal and run:

pkg list | grep nvidia-driver

If you see a list of nvidia-driver-* packages, that's a good sign, but it doesn't guarantee everything is working perfectly. If you don't see any packages listed, you'll need to install the drivers. We'll cover different installation methods in a later step. For now, let’s assume the drivers are installed and move on to the next check.

Step 2: Verify Driver Loading

Next, let’s check if the NVIDIA driver modules are loaded into the kernel. Run this command:

lsmod | grep nvidia

This command lists loaded kernel modules and filters for those containing “nvidia.” If you see output like nvidia_drm, nvidia_uvm, and nvidia_modeset, it means the modules are loaded, which is a good sign. If there's no output, it means the modules aren't loaded, indicating a problem with the driver loading process. This could be due to Secure Boot, incorrect installation, or other issues we’ll explore further.

Step 3: Check for Error Messages

Sometimes, the system logs can provide valuable clues. Let's check the kernel log for any NVIDIA-related errors. Run:

dmesg | grep nvidia

This command displays kernel messages and filters for those containing “nvidia.” Look for error messages or warnings. Common errors include “NVRM: driver module not found” or “nvidia-uvm: module verification failed.” These messages can point to specific issues, such as missing files or problems with module signing. Pay close attention to these messages as they can guide you toward the right solution.

Step 4: Check Secure Boot Status

As mentioned earlier, Secure Boot can interfere with NVIDIA drivers. To check its status, run:

mokutil --sb-state

If Secure Boot is enabled, you'll see “SecureBoot enabled.” If it's disabled, you'll see “SecureBoot disabled.” If Secure Boot is enabled and you suspect it's the issue, you might need to disable it in your BIOS settings. This typically involves rebooting your computer and accessing the BIOS menu (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F12 during startup). Be cautious when changing BIOS settings, and make sure you understand the implications before disabling Secure Boot.

Step 5: Reinstall NVIDIA Drivers

If you've reached this step and still haven't resolved the issue, it’s time to try reinstalling the NVIDIA drivers. There are several ways to do this, and we'll cover the most common methods:

Using Software & Updates: Ubuntu provides a graphical interface for managing drivers. Open “Software & Updates,” go to the “Additional Drivers” tab, and select an NVIDIA driver. Apply the changes and reboot your system. This is the easiest method for beginners, but it might not always provide the latest drivers.
Using the Command Line (apt): The command line offers more control and flexibility. First, remove any existing NVIDIA drivers:

sudo apt purge nvidia*


    Then, install the drivers using apt. You can install a specific version or the latest recommended version:

    ```bash
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-XXX
    ```

    Replace ***`XXX`*** with the driver version number (e.g., ***`nvidia-driver-535`***). To install the latest recommended version, you can simply use:

    ```bash
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-XXX
    ```

    After installation, reboot your system.

3.  ***Using NVIDIA’s Website:*** You can download the latest drivers directly from NVIDIA’s website. This method gives you access to the newest drivers, but it’s also the most manual and requires more technical expertise. Download the driver package, make it executable, and run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions. This method typically involves stopping the display manager (like GDM or LightDM) before running the installer. Be sure to follow NVIDIA's installation guide closely.

### Step 6: Blacklist Nouveau Drivers (If Necessary)

If Nouveau drivers are causing conflicts, you need to blacklist them. Create a new file:

```bash
sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf

Add the following lines:

blacklist nouveau
options nouveau modeset=0

Save the file and update the kernel:

sudo update-initramfs -u

Reboot your system.

Step 7: Rebuild Kernel Modules

If kernel modules are the issue, try rebuilding them. First, make sure you have the kernel headers installed:

sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r)

Then, run:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure nvidia-driver-XXX

Replace XXX with your driver version number. This command will reconfigure the NVIDIA driver and rebuild the kernel modules. Reboot your system after the process is complete.

Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re still facing issues, here are some advanced tips to try:

Check for Hardware Issues: While less common, hardware problems can sometimes manifest as driver issues. Ensure your GPU is properly seated in its slot and that the power connections are secure. If possible, try the GPU in another system to rule out hardware failure.
Try a Different Driver Version: Sometimes, a specific driver version might be buggy or incompatible with your system. Try installing an older or newer driver version to see if it resolves the issue.
Consult NVIDIA’s Documentation and Forums: NVIDIA provides extensive documentation and community forums. These resources can be invaluable for troubleshooting complex issues. Search for your specific error messages or symptoms to find solutions or workarounds.
Check Your Power Supply: A power supply that isn't providing enough power can cause your GPU to malfunction. Ensure your power supply meets the requirements of your GPU.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting NVIDIA driver issues on Ubuntu 24.04 can be a bit of a puzzle, but with a systematic approach, you can usually get things sorted out. We’ve covered a range of potential causes, from Secure Boot interference to kernel module problems, and provided step-by-step solutions to tackle them. Remember to take it one step at a time, check for error messages, and consult the resources available to you. With a little patience and persistence, you'll have your NVIDIA GPU running smoothly in no time. Happy computing, and feel free to share your experiences and solutions in the comments below! If you are still encountering problems, consider reaching out to the Ubuntu or NVIDIA community forums for more personalized assistance. The collective knowledge of the community can often provide insights and solutions that are specific to your hardware and software configuration.