How to Save X Configuration File within Nvidia Settings on Ubuntu 24.04

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As a long-time user of Ubuntu and the Nvidia graphics driver, I’ve always taken for granted the ease with which I could configure my display settings using the nvidia-settings tool. However, during a recent upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04, I encountered an unexpected issue that left me scratching my head: I was unable to save any changes made within the nvidia-settings GUI.

The Problem

After launching nvidia-settings, I would make the necessary adjustments to my display settings, but when trying to save them, the “Save” button would be grayed out or wouldn’t respond. I attempted various workarounds, including manually editing configuration files and using alternative tools, but nothing seemed to work.

The Solution:

After hours of searching for a solution online and experimenting with different approaches, I finally stumbled upon the fix that worked like magic:

sudo chmod u+x /usr/share/screen-resolution-extra/nvidia-polkit

sudo chmod u+x /usr/share/screen-resolution-extra/nvidia-polkit

This simple command resolved the issue by granting execute permissions on the nvidia-polkit file, which was somehow blocking my ability to save changes within the nvidia-settings GUI.

It’s worth noting that this fix is specific to Ubuntu 24.04 and may not be applicable to other distributions or versions of Ubuntu. However, for those who are facing similar issues on the same platform, I hope this solution helps you resolve your problem and get back to enjoying seamless display settings management.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while the Nvidia graphics driver has always been a reliable and powerful tool for managing display settings, even the most seasoned users can encounter unexpected roadblocks. In this case, the fix was surprisingly simple, and I’m confident that it will help others who are experiencing similar issues on Ubuntu 24.04.

So there you have it – a brief but informative account of my journey to resolve the ” Unable to save X configuration file within Nvidia Settings” conundrum on Ubuntu 24.04. If you have any related experiences or tips, please feel free to share them in the comments below!