[SOLVED] How to safely use Zorin OS 18.1 with an NVIDIA GeForce GT 710 by keeping a compatible kernel (6.8) for the legacy 470 driver

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Hi everyone,
I need some guidance regarding installing the latest Zorin OS on my system.
I’m using an NVIDIA GT 710 GPU, which depends on the legacy 470 proprietary driver. From my experience, this driver works best with Linux kernel 6.8. Newer kernels tend to cause compatibility issues.

The latest Zorin OS 18.1 ships with kernel 6.17, which I believe may not work properly with the 470 driver.

So I’m confused about the best approach:

Option 1

  1. Install Zorin OS 18.1 directly
  2. Then manually downgrade/install kernel 6.8
  3. Set kernel 6.8 as default
  4. Install NVIDIA 470 driver afterward

Option 2

  1. First install Zorin OS 17.3 (which uses kernel 6.8)
  2. Then upgrade to 18.1 using the upgrader
  3. Hope that kernel 6.8 remains instead of switching to 6.17

I’m Unsure about option 2 cause I saw a similar recommendation on Linux Mint’s release notes:
https://linuxmint.com/rel_zena.php
They mention that older NVIDIA GPUs (470 driver) have issues with newer HWE kernels, and suggest installing an older release with kernel 6.8 first, then upgrading without switching kernels.
So I’m wondering:
Does this same logic apply to Zorin OS?
Will the upgrader preserve the older kernel, or will it force upgrade to 6.17?

Installation Question (Important)

During installation, there’s an option:

“Install third-party software for graphics, Wi-Fi hardware, and media codecs”

If I go with Option 1:

  • Should I disable this option to avoid automatic NVIDIA driver installation?
  • Then manually install kernel 6.8 first
  • Then install the NVIDIA 470 driver afterward

What I Need Help With

  1. Which method is more reliable for my setup?
  2. Will the upgrade method (Option 2) actually keep kernel 6.8?
  3. If Option 1 is better, what is the correct process to:
    • Install kernel 6.8
    • Set it as default
    • Then safely install NVIDIA 470 drivers

I really want to use Zorin OS as my daily driver since it fits my needs perfectly. Any help or confirmed working method like 6.8 kernel installation command or something specific would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance! :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

2

I would suggest to go with Option 1:

Install Zorin 18 directly. But when You are on the black Screen, choose the Option ''Try or Install Zorin'' without the Graphics Options mentioned in the Brackets.

You can let that, yes. You can install these after Installation, too. The Wifi is of Course a Thing. When You would need there an Additional Driver to get it run, You would have to use an Ethernet Connection first.

That would be something to consider. But beside that, I would suggest to install Zorin 18 directly. When installed, switch on the Login Screen to Xorg (click on Your Profile so that the Password Field appears; then a Gear Icon appears in the bottom right Corner; click on it and choose the Option ''Zorin desktop on Xorg'').

Then update Your system first. To install the 6.8 Kernel then, use the following Command:

sudo apt install linux-image-6.8.0-110-generic linux-headers-6.8.0-110-generic linux-modules-6.8.0-110-generic linux-modules-extra-6.8.0-110-generic

To set this Kernel as the default one, use this Guide:

When You have done that all and it works, install the Nvidia Driver with:

sudo apt install nvidia-driver-470 nvidia-dkms-470
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7 posts were split to a new topic: Can't get Zorin OS 18 installed