How to Install Nvidia Drivers on Manjaro

Manjaro is a popular Arch Linux-based distribution known for its user-friendly approach to Linux. If you have an Nvidia graphics card, installing the proprietary Nvidia drivers can greatly enhance your system’s performance, especially for tasks like gaming and 3D rendering. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Nvidia drivers on Manjaro.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before you begin, it’s essential to ensure your system is up-to-date. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo pacman -Syu

This will synchronize your package databases and update your system to the latest software versions.

Step 2: Identify Your Nvidia GPU

To install the correct Nvidia driver, you need to know the exact model of your Nvidia GPU. You can identify it using the following command:

lspci | grep -i nvidia

This command will provide information about your Nvidia GPU, including the model number.

Step 3: Install the Nvidia Driver

Manjaro offers a simple way to install Nvidia drivers using its Hardware Configuration tool. Open the Manjaro Settings Manager from the application menu or run the following command:

sudo mhwd

1. In the Settings Manager, navigate to “Hardware Configuration.”
2. You will see a list of available drivers. Locate the Nvidia driver that matches your GPU model. It will typically be listed as “video-nvidia.”
3. Click the checkbox next to the Nvidia driver and click “Apply changes.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. This may involve downloading and installing additional packages.
5. Once the installation is complete, reboot your system:

sudo reboot

Step 4: Verify the Driver Installation

After rebooting, it’s crucial to verify that the Nvidia driver has been successfully installed. Open a terminal and run the following command:

nvidia-smi

If the Nvidia System Management Interface (nvidia-smi) displays information about your Nvidia GPU without any errors, the driver installation was successful.

Step 5: Configure Optimus (Laptops with Hybrid Graphics)

If you have a laptop with both integrated Intel graphics and an Nvidia GPU (known as Optimus technology), you can configure it to switch between the two for better power management. Install the necessary package for Optimus support:

sudo pacman -S bumblebee

Then, add your user to the “bumblebee” group:

sudo gpasswd -a <your_username> bumblebee

Replace <your_username> with your actual username.

To run applications using the Nvidia GPU, use the “optirun” command. For example, to run “glxgears” using the Nvidia GPU, use:

optirun glxgears

Step 6: Update Your Graphics Settings (Optional)

You can further configure your Nvidia graphics settings using the Nvidia X Server Settings tool, which provides options for resolution, multiple displays, and more. Install it with the following command:

sudo pacman -S nvidia-settings

You can now access Nvidia X Server Settings from your application menu or by running:

nvidia-settings

Conclusion

Installing Nvidia drivers on Manjaro can significantly improve your system’s graphics performance. By following this step-by-step guide, you should now have the appropriate Nvidia drivers installed on your system, whether you’re using a desktop with a dedicated Nvidia GPU or a laptop with Optimus technology. Remember that it’s essential to keep your drivers up-to-date for the best performance and compatibility with the latest software and games.