TL;DR
Here is how to install Intel graphics driver on Ubuntu:
- Check your Ubuntu version with
lsb_release -a, and identify your Intel graphics card withlspci | grep VGA. - Update your system’s package list with
sudo apt updateand upgrade all packages withsudo apt upgrade. - Add Intel’s official PPA with
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:oibaf/graphics-driversand install the graphic drivers withsudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-intel. - Confirm the installation with
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version", if needed install mesa-utils withsudo apt install mesa-utils, and reboot your system withsudo reboot.
Explore the guide below for the step-by-step guide to install Intel graphics driver on Ubuntu. Also, learn about the common errors that can occur during installation.
Are you trying to improve your Ubuntu graphics but find the process too complex? Don’t worry! Installing an Intel graphics driver can seem tricky, but I’m here to make it straightforward and manageable. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step to enhance your machine’s graphics performance with Intel graphic drivers. I’ll start by preparing your system and go through the installation, also covering troubleshooting any issues that might arise. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips to keep your drivers performing optimally.
Why Install Intel Graphics Driver on Linux?
Installing an Intel graphics driver on Linux has several benefits that can greatly enhance how your computer performs and functions. By installing the latest Intel graphics drivers on your Linux system, you ensure you’re getting the most out of your hardware, keeping your system up-to-date, and enjoying a better user experience. Here’s why it’s a good idea:
- Improved Performance: Intel’s drivers are made specifically for their hardware, which means they help your graphics card perform at its best. This leads to smoother visuals in games, better video quality, and faster graphic processing in applications.
- Increased Stability: With the right drivers, your system is less likely to crash or experience glitches. Intel tests their drivers thoroughly to ensure they work well with your hardware, making your Linux system more stable and reliable.
- Enhanced Compatibility: Updating your drivers ensures that your graphics card works well with new hardware and the latest software. This is important if you want to use newer applications that need more graphics power.
- Ongoing Improvements: Intel regularly updates its drivers to add new features and fix any existing bugs. These updates can improve how your graphics display looks and performs, support higher screen resolutions, and improve color quality, which is especially useful if you use your computer for graphics work or gaming.
How to Install Intel Graphic Drivers on Ubuntu?
To install the Intel graphics drivers on Ubuntu, begin by updating your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date. Open your terminal and type sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Next, install the drivers using the command, sudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-intel.
Once the installation is complete, you may need to reboot your system for the changes to take effect. After restarting, verify the installation by checking the driver version with glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version". This process will ensure that your Ubuntu system utilizes the latest Intel graphics drivers for optimal performance.
That was the quick answer. Here is the step-by-step guide to installing Intel graphics drivers on Ubuntu:
- Access the Terminal by pressing
Ctrl+Alt+T.
- Ensure compatibility by verifying your Ubuntu version. Type:
lsb_release -aThis command displays details about your Ubuntu distribution, which helps ensure compatibility with the drivers you’re about to install.
- Discover which Intel graphics card model you have by executing the command:
lspci | grep VGAThis command shows detailed information about your graphics card.
- Update the list of available packages:
sudo apt updateThis ensures your system’s package list is up-to-date before you proceed to install new software.
- Upgrade all your system’s software to the latest versions:
sudo apt upgradeThis command downloads and applies updates, which might include important system stability and security improvements.
- Integrate Intel’s official PPA to access the latest drivers:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:oibaf/graphics-driversAdding this PPA ensures you have access to the latest Intel graphic drivers provided by the community developer.
- Update the package list again to include the newly added PPA:
sudo apt updateIt will include new entries from the PPA you just added.
- Now that your system is prepared install the Intel graphic drivers by typing:
sudo apt install xserver-xorg-video-intelThis command downloads and installs the Intel graphics driver.
- Confirm that the Intel driver is installed correctly. You may need to install mesa-utils if not already installed:
sudo apt install mesa-utilsThis installs utilities for managing and diagnosing OpenGL components, like glxinfo.
- Then check the OpenGL version to verify the driver:
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"This displays the OpenGL version being used, which indicates which driver is active.
- Restart your system:
sudo rebootIt will apply all changes and ensure the driver is fully integrated.
- If issues arise, you may revert to the original drivers by purging the PPA:
sudo ppa-purge ppa:oibaf/graphics-driversThis command removes the PPA and reverts your drivers to the previously installed versions.
Quick Fixes for Intel Graphics Driver Installation on Ubuntu
When installing Intel graphics driver on Ubuntu, you might run into a few common issues. Below are four common issues with simple solutions to help you navigate these problems effectively. Let’s take a look at each one:
- 🔍 Driver Installation Fails: If the installation process stops or fails, first ensure your internet connection is stable. Next, run
sudo apt updateto refresh your system’s software list, as an outdated or incomplete list can prevent successful installation. If errors persist, check for any error messages in the terminal, which can provide clues about what went wrong. - 🖥️ No Visible Changes After Installation: If you don’t notice any improvements or changes in graphics performance after installation, confirm the driver was correctly installed by running
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version". You may need to install mesa-utils to use this command. Also, make sure to reboot your computer as changes might not take effect until after a restart. - ⚠️ System Boot Problems: Facing issues with booting up your system can be daunting. If your system fails to boot after installing the drivers, restart and hold or tap the Shift key to enter the GRUB menu. From here, select Advanced options for Ubuntu and then Recovery mode. Choose Resume normal boot to proceed. If stability issues continue, boot into recovery mode again and uninstall the Intel drivers.
- 📉 Performance Decrease: If you notice a decrease in system performance or graphics quality, the new drivers might not be fully compatible with your hardware. To revert to your previous drivers, execute
sudo apt-get remove xserver-xorg-video-inteland follow up withsudo apt autoremoveto clean up residual files. Afterward, consider seeking a driver version more compatible with your system’s specific hardware profile.
Final Thoughts
In this guide, I’ve walked you through the detailed process of installing an Intel graphics driver on Ubuntu and troubleshooting any errors you might encounter to maintain optimal driver performance. This comprehensive approach ensures that your system operates efficiently and your graphics are top-notch.
If you want to improve your understanding of Ubuntu, why not explore topics like fixing Wi-Fi adapter issues to help you solve connectivity issues after driver updates, creating desktop shortcuts to streamline your Ubuntu experience post-installation, or checking system memory? These areas will give you greater control and enhance your computing experience.
