package nvidia-kernel-common-... failed to install/upgrade: trying to overwrite '/usr/bin/nvidia-powerd', which is also in package nvidia-compute-utils-...

[Aniket Patil]

Pop-up recommended that I submit a report

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 20.04
Package: nvidia-kernel-common-510 510.54-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 5.13.0-39.44~20.04.1-generic 5.13.19
Uname: Linux 5.13.0-39-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelModules: nvidia_modeset nvidia
ApportVersion: 2.20.11-0ubuntu27.21
Architecture: amd64
CasperMD5CheckResult: skip
Date: Wed Mar 30 01:57:41 2022
ErrorMessage: trying to overwrite '/usr/bin/nvidia-powerd', which is also in package nvidia-compute-utils-510 510.47.03-0ubuntu1
InstallationDate: Installed on 2021-12-10 (110 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS "Focal Fossa" - Release amd64 (20210819)
Python3Details: /usr/bin/python3.8, Python 3.8.10, python3-minimal, 3.8.2-0ubuntu2
PythonDetails: /usr/bin/python3.8, Python 3.8.10, python-is-python3, 3.8.2-4
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.19.7ubuntu3
 apt 2.0.6
SourcePackage: nvidia-graphics-drivers-510
Title: package nvidia-kernel-common-510 510.54-0ubuntu0.20.04.1 failed to install/upgrade: trying to overwrite '/usr/bin/nvidia-powerd', which is also in package nvidia-compute-utils-510 510.47.03-0ubuntu1
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.

[Steve Carter (iamsierracharlie)]

New here but thought I would add my experience.
I hit the same issue - possibly caused by adding an nvidia repo when you already have cuda / nvidia packages installed.

Condition - you try to upgrade to a later version of nvidia driver or cuda related package set
you end up being asked to run "sudo apt --fix-broken install" to try and address it but are stuck on "ErrorMessage: trying to overwrite '/usr/bin/nvidia-powerd', which is also in package nvidia-compute-utils-510 510.47.03-0ubuntu1"

I saw the exact same issue and my workaround was:

1. remove the last Nvidia / Cuda repo you installed. (i went to /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ and simply removed the nvidia package there - in my case, I ran sudo rm cuda-ubuntu2004-11-8-local.list)
2. Then run sudo apt update
2. Then purge any Cuda packages -> sudo apt purge cuda*
3. Then purge any Nvidia packages -> sudo apt purge nvidia*
4. add the intended nvidia or cuda repo -> sudo dpkg -i <your package>
5. Do anything else required - in my case, add the keyring.gpg
6. update -> sudo apt update
7. install the desired package

I hope this helps someone.

[Launchpad Janitor (janitor)]

Status changed to 'Confirmed' because the bug affects multiple users.