NVIDIA has launched the 580.94.11 beta Linux graphics driver, introducing support for HDR metadata through the Vulkan API on Wayland. This update aims to improve high-dynamic-range experiences for gamers and content creators on Linux. The release, dated November 21, 2025, also includes fixes for display modes and kernel errors.
The new 580.94.11 driver marks a key advancement in NVIDIA's efforts to enhance Linux compatibility, particularly for Wayland compositors. As detailed by Phoronix, it implements the VK_EXT_hdr_metadata extension, enabling Vulkan applications to query and set HDR metadata for displays. This feature ensures precise tone-mapping, which is essential for avoiding issues like washed-out colors or clipped highlights in games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom Eternal.
Beyond HDR, the driver improves handling of YCbCr 4:2:2 display modes over HDMI Fixed Rate Link (FRL), targeting professional audio-visual setups for higher bandwidth in 4K and 8K HDR without compression artifacts. It also fixes errors in the NVIDIA DRM kernel driver, enhancing reliability on kernels 6.12 and later, especially in multi-monitor environments.
Phoronix coverage highlights the driver's focus on RTX 40-series GPUs and beyond, building on previous 580-series releases like the 580.95.05 from September, which emphasized stability. The update aligns with developments in KDE Plasma and GNOME Wayland stacks, potentially boosting adoption in creative and gaming workflows.
Posts on X from Phoronix capture the excitement: “NVIDIA 580.94.11 Linux Driver Brings HDR Metadata Support… The @VulkanAPI VK_EXT_hdr_metadata finally supported by NVIDIA on Linux under Wayland.” This beta positions NVIDIA to close the gap with Windows in Linux HDR support, amid competition from AMD's open-source drivers.
The release coincides with broader 580-series progress, including explicit sync support to reduce tearing and improvements in Vulkan performance, offering up to 5-10% uplift in HDR workloads according to benchmarks.