1.3. Video

1.3.1. Graphics drivers

Install NVidia drivers with the GUI:

  1. Open Software & Updates ‣ Additional Drivers

  2. Install the NVidia drivers

  3. Reboot

  4. Open NVidia X Server Settings ‣ PRIME Profiles

  5. Select Intel GPU mode or NVIDIA On-Demand if you’re feeling lucky

  6. Reboot

Install NVidia drivers with the command line:

1# automatic installation
2sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall
3
4# custom installation
5sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-${NVIDIA_VERSION}
6
7# select the Intel mode
8/usr/bin/prime-select intel

In case you need a more recent version of the NVidia drivers:

1sudo add-apt-repository -y ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa
2sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-${NVIDIA_VERSION}

In case you need to check the hardware acceleration:

1sudo apt install -y vainfo
2sudo vainfo

1.3.2. Screen brightness

The screen of the Dell XPS 15 cannot be turned off with the function keys.

Use this command instead:

1sudo echo 0 > /sys/class/backlight/intel_backlight/brightness