NanoCoreTechnology

🛠️ Install Drivers on Linux

💡 How to Install & Manage Drivers on Linux

Getting your hardware to work correctly on Linux often requires installing the right drivers. This guide walks you through simple methods to install, update, and manage drivers for graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, printers, and other devices.

✅ Quick Checklist

  • Identify your hardware using lspci (PCI) or lsusb (USB)
  • Check if a driver is already installed with lsmod
  • Use official repositories or manufacturer websites when possible
  • Have sudo privileges before installing drivers

💻 Installing Graphics Drivers

NVIDIA Drivers

  1. Check your GPU model: lspci | grep -i nvidia
  2. Update repositories: sudo apt update
  3. Install recommended drivers: sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
  4. Reboot to apply changes: sudo reboot

AMD Drivers

  1. Modern AMD drivers are usually included in the Linux kernel
  2. Check installation: glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"
  3. For proprietary drivers, visit the AMD website and follow instructions

📶 Installing Wi-Fi Drivers

  • Identify your adapter: lspci | grep -i network or lsusb
  • Check available drivers: sudo apt search <device-name>
  • Install drivers: sudo apt install <driver-package>
  • Reload network service: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

🖨️ Installing Printer Drivers

  • Check if printer is detected: lpinfo -v
  • Install CUPS if needed: sudo apt install cups
  • Add printer using: system-config-printer
  • Follow prompts to select driver and configure settings

💡 Tips for Beginners

  • Back up your system before installing proprietary drivers
  • Use drivers from official repositories to avoid compatibility issues
  • Check hardware support on your Linux distro’s website
  • For unknown devices, search lspci -nn output online for recommended drivers

📊 Summary Table

Device Method Command / Tool Difficulty
NVIDIA GPU Automatic install sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall Medium
AMD GPU Check kernel driver / optional proprietary glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer" Medium
Wi-Fi Adapter Package manager / manual install sudo apt install <driver-package> Medium
Printer CUPS / system-config-printer system-config-printer Easy–Medium
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Posted on: November 20, 2025