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

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If you’re struggling to save X configuration Nvidia Settings on Ubuntu 24.04, you’re not alone. As a longtime Ubuntu and Nvidia graphics user, I’ve always loved the simplicity of tweaking my display settings with the NVIDIA Settings app—until my recent upgrade to Ubuntu 24.04 threw me a curveball. Here’s how I fixed it, and how you can too.

The Problem

I’d launch nvidia-settings, adjust my display preferences—resolution, refresh rate, you name it—and then… nothing. The “Save” button was either grayed out or completely unresponsive. I tried tinkering with manual config files and scoured the web for alternative tools, but every workaround fell flat. Sound familiar?

The Solution:

After hours of trial and error (and a few too many cups of coffee), I found the fix that saved the day:

sudo nvidia-settings

That’s it! Running the app with root privileges did the trick. Turns out, launching nvidia-settings from the GUI without sudo lacks the permissions needed to save changes. Once I used this command, the interface opened as usual, and the “Save” button worked like a charm.

There’s also a second option if you prefer a more hands-off approach:

sudo nvidia-xconfig

This generates a new X configuration file automatically. For me, though, the first method was all I needed.

I hope this helps someone out there.