NVIDIA GPU driver
The NVIDIA GPU driver provides the operating-system and user-space components that let applications manage and execute work on supported GPUs.
How it works
On Linux, kernel modules manage device access and integrate with the operating system. User-space libraries expose compute and management interfaces. Containers usually depend on the host’s functioning kernel driver and receive access to selected device nodes and compatible libraries.
Work through an example
If nvidia-smi works on the host but fails in a container, compare device exposure and library injection before reinstalling the host driver. A host failure and a container integration failure have different repair paths.
Where the term can mislead
nvidia.ko is one component, not the complete CUDA toolkit. Loading a kernel module alone does not prove a particular application’s compatibility.
Connect the idea
Take it into practice
Continue with the existing concept, apply it to an interview problem, or follow a course lesson. Access requirements are shown before you open a page.
New to GPUs? Start with the free execution-model concept.
Sources and scope
Examples here are teaching calculations, not measured GPU performance. Consult the linked documentation for the exact device, instruction and tool version. Source review: 25 October 2026.