CUDA Kernels and OptiX Functions Not Showing in Timeline (Nsight Systems 2025.3.1)

Developer Tools Nsight Systems Profiling Linux Targets
1

Hi,

I recently downloaded Nsight Systems 2025.3.1, but I’m having trouble seeing CUDA kernels and OptiX functions in the timeline view. I suspect this might be related to the GPU driver version or the versions of CUDA and OptiX used in my target application.

Could you please advise on what might be causing this issue and how I can resolve it?

Here is my environment:

  • OS: Windows 11
  • Nsight Systems: 2025.3.1
  • CUDA version (target application): 11.4
  • OptiX version (target application): 7.1.0
  • GPU driver: 576.52 (Studio Driver)

Thank you in advance for your help!

2

I’m going to refer this over to @dofek on the Windows side, but that is a VERY old version of CUDA and driver. Are you able to update them?

3

Thank you, @hwilper .

I downgraded Nsight Systems to version 2024.4.1 and set the environment variable OPTIX_FORCE_DEPRECATED_LAUNCHER=1. It works now!

Does Nsight Systems not support older CUDA versions?

4

This is part of a company project, so updating CUDA right away isn’t an option.
That said, I’m wondering: if the driver and CUDA versions are mismatched, does that prevent accurate profiling?
From what I read in the documentation, there appears to be some backward compatibility.

5

It should absolutely work. Nsys uses CUPTI under the covers for our CUDA profiling support, @mjain can you comment?