Getting Started With NI Software on Linux Desktop

Updated May 29, 2026

Environment

Driver

  • NI Linux Device Drivers
  • NI Linux Device Drivers 2025 Q3

Operating System

  • Linux

NI software on Linux requires a different installation process compared to how installation is typically handled on Windows, mainly because the NI Package Manager is a Windows-exclusive utility. To install the software on Linux, you must use the package manager native to your distribution.

To understand which version of the NI Linux Software packages you need please refer to NI Hardware and Software Operating System Compatibility in case any NI hardware is being used. Additionally, the Extended Compatibility Information section of the NI Linux Device Drivers Release Notes provides detailed information on driver support for specific Linux distributions and kernel versions.

[+] Online Installation

NI drivers and components

  1. To install them first download the version you require at NI Linux Device Drivers Download. Please note that the installers are feed references to the packages and do not contain the actual package files.
  2. Once downloaded review the package list available Supported Driver Packages for Linux Distributions, to check which software components will be needed for your installation. 
  3. Now install the products using the package manager of your supported Linux distribution as described on Installing NI Drivers and Software on Linux Desktop,

LabVIEW 

Besides the drivers, the only major NI Product available on Linux is LabVIEW and some of their modules (refer to What Are the Differences Between LabVIEW for Windows and Linux Operating Systems? for more information). To install LabVIEW on Linux please refer to the process documented at Install LabVIEW on Linux Operating Systems.

 

[+] Offline Installation
  1. To install offline, you will need a machine with internet connection to setup the offline repository that the offline target will later access. 
  2. The process for the supported distributions is listed on Offline Installation of NI Linux Device Drivers.

Other Support Options

Ask the NI Community

Collaborate with other users in our discussion forums



Request Support from an Engineer

A valid service agreement or active software subscription may be required, and support options vary by country.