NVIDIA

Arch uses packages to install NVIDIA drivers. Not sure what the names mean? Read NVIDIA drivers first.

Check your graphics card

These instructions are for GTX 16 series and RTX cards, using NVIDIA Open.

Older cards, such as the GTX 10 series, need a different driver. Check the ArchWiki’s driver table (opens in a new tab) before installing anything. The commands below are for cards supported by NVIDIA Open.

Check your kernel

The kernel is the core of Linux. Check which one you’re currently running:

uname -r

If the result includes -arch, you’re normally using Arch’s standard linux kernel. If it includes -lts, you’re using linux-lts.

Install the driver

Run the command that matches your kernel. Each command updates your system and installs the driver together.

Standard kernel

sudo pacman -Syu nvidia-open nvidia-utils

LTS kernel

sudo pacman -Syu nvidia-open-lts nvidia-utils

Using another kernel? Follow the ArchWiki’s driver guide (opens in a new tab) instead.

Restart and check

Wait for installation to finish. Before restarting, check the ArchWiki’s setup instructions (opens in a new tab) for any extra steps your desktop needs.

Restart your computer, then run:

nvidia-smi

You should see information about your NVIDIA card and driver. If it can’t connect to the driver, check the ArchWiki’s troubleshooting guide (opens in a new tab).

Gaming and laptops

Steam and some games also need lib32-nvidia-utils. It comes from Arch’s multilib software source; see the Steam guide (opens in a new tab) for setup.

Laptops with both integrated and NVIDIA graphics may need extra setup to choose which card runs an app. Follow the PRIME guide (opens in a new tab) for that.

For Secure Boot, custom startup settings, or switching from another driver, follow the full ArchWiki NVIDIA guide (opens in a new tab).