{"id":14667,"date":"2026-02-17T09:54:40","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T04:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/?p=14667"},"modified":"2026-02-17T09:55:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T04:25:21","slug":"install-node-js-and-npm-on-windows-macos-linux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/install-node-js-and-npm-on-windows-macos-linux","title":{"rendered":"How to Install Node.js and npm on Windows, macOS &amp; Linux in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>To install Node.js and npm on Windows, macOS, and Linux<\/strong>, choose the LTS version for stability, use your OS package manager or the official installer, then verify with <code>node -v<\/code> and <code>npm -v<\/code>. For developers, use a version manager like nvm to install, update, and switch Node versions safely without breaking global tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re learning how to install Node.js and npm, this guide walks you through the best methods for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including GUI installers, package managers (winget, Homebrew, apt, dnf\/yum, pacman), and version managers (nvm and nvm-windows). You\u2019ll also learn how to verify, update, switch versions, and fix common errors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-node-js-and-npm\">What are Node.js and npm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome\u2019s V8 engine, used to build CLI tools, APIs, and full stack apps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1216\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/What-are-Node.js-and-npm.jpg\" alt=\"Install Node.js and npm on Windows\" class=\"wp-image-18866\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/What-are-Node.js-and-npm.jpg 1216w, https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/What-are-Node.js-and-npm-150x76.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1216px) 100vw, 1216px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>npm (Node Package Manager) ships with Node and lets you install and manage open source packages. Most installations include both, so one setup gets you started with modern JavaScript tooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lts-vs-current-choose-the-right-version\">LTS vs Current: Choose the Right Version<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you install, decide between LTS (Recommended) and Current:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>LTS (Long Term Support):<\/strong> Stable, widely used in production and CI\/CD. Best for most users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Current:<\/strong> Latest features but shorter support. Good for testing or frameworks requiring newer Node versions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Most teams standardize on LTS and pin versions with a <code>.nvmrc<\/code> file to keep environments consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"install-node-js-and-npm-on-windows\">Install Node.js and npm on Windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"method-1-official-windows-installer-msi\">Method 1: Official Windows Installer (.msi)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Download the LTS .msi from the Node.js website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run the installer as Administrator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accept license, keep default features (including npm and Add to PATH).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finish and restart PowerShell or Command Prompt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"method-2-winget-recommended-for-developers\">Method 2: winget (recommended for developers)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Windows 10\/11 includes winget, a simple way to install and update Node.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Install Node.js LTS\nwinget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS --source winget\n\n# Or get Current\nwinget install OpenJS.NodeJS --source winget\n\n# Update later\nwinget upgrade OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"method-3-chocolatey\">Method 3: Chocolatey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use Chocolatey for Windows automation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>choco install nodejs-lts\n# Or\nchoco install nodejs\n\n# Update\nchoco upgrade nodejs-lts<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"verify-installation-on-windows\">Verify Installation on Windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>node -v\nnpm -v\nwhere node\nwhere npm<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fix-path-issues-on-windows\">Fix PATH Issues on Windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If <code>node<\/code> isn\u2019t recognized, add this to your user PATH (System Properties &gt; Environment Variables):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>C:\\Program Files\\nodejs\\<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>%AppData%\\npm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"update-or-uninstall-on-windows\">Update or Uninstall on Windows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Update: <\/strong>Use winget\/choco upgrade, or download the latest installer and run it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Uninstall: <\/strong>Settings &gt; Apps &gt; Installed Apps &gt; Node.js &gt; Uninstall. Then remove any <strong>leftover folders in <code>C:<\/code><\/strong><code>\\Program Files\\nodejs<\/code> and <code>%AppData%\\npm<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"install-node-js-and-npm-on-macos\">Install Node.js and npm on macOS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"method-1-official-macos-installer-pkg\">Method 1: Official macOS Installer (.pkg)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Download the LTS .pkg from the Node.js website.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run the installer and follow prompts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restart Terminal to refresh your shell PATH.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"method-2-homebrew-popular-for-devs\">Method 2: Homebrew (popular for devs)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Install Homebrew if not present (see brew.sh)\n# Install Node.js LTS\nbrew update\nbrew install node\n\n# Or install a specific major (example)\nbrew install node@20\nbrew link --overwrite node@20\n\n# Update later\nbrew upgrade node<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"method-3-nvm-for-macos-best-for-multiple-versions\">Method 3: nvm for macOS (best for multiple versions)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use nvm to install and switch Node versions per project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Install nvm (check nvm-sh GitHub for the latest version tag)\ncurl -o- https:\/\/raw.githubusercontent.com\/nvm-sh\/nvm\/v0.39.7\/install.sh | bash\n\n# Load nvm into current shell (zsh example)\nexport NVM_DIR=\"$HOME\/.nvm\"\n&#91; -s \"$NVM_DIR\/nvm.sh\" ] &amp;&amp; \\. \"$NVM_DIR\/nvm.sh\"\n\n# Install and use LTS\nnvm install --lts\nnvm use --lts\n\n# Set default\nnvm alias default 'lts\/*'<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"verify-on-macos\">Verify on macOS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>node -v\nnpm -v\nwhich node\nwhich npm<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"update-or-uninstall-on-macos\">Update or Uninstall on macOS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Update:<\/strong> <code>brew upgrade node<\/code> or <code>nvm install --lts --reinstall-packages-from=current<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Uninstall:<\/strong> <code>brew uninstall node<\/code> or remove versions via <code>nvm uninstall &lt;version&gt;<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"install-node-js-and-npm-on-linux\">Install Node.js and npm on Linux<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ubuntu-debian-nodesource-lts\">Ubuntu\/Debian: NodeSource (LTS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>NodeSource provides current and LTS builds for apt based systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>sudo apt-get update\ncurl -fsSL https:\/\/deb.nodesource.com\/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -\nsudo apt-get install -y nodejs\n\n# (Optional) Install build tools for native addons\nsudo apt-get install -y build-essential<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ubuntu-debian-nvm-developer-friendly\">Ubuntu\/Debian: nvm (developer friendly)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Install nvm (verify latest tag on nvm-sh GitHub)\ncurl -o- https:\/\/raw.githubusercontent.com\/nvm-sh\/nvm\/v0.39.7\/install.sh | bash\n\n# Load nvm for your shell (bash example)\nexport NVM_DIR=\"$HOME\/.nvm\"\n&#91; -s \"$NVM_DIR\/nvm.sh\" ] &amp;&amp; \\. \"$NVM_DIR\/nvm.sh\"\n\n# Install Node LTS\nnvm install --lts\nnvm use --lts<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fedora-rhel-centos-nodesource\">Fedora\/RHEL\/CentOS: NodeSource<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Fedora (dnf)\ncurl -fsSL https:\/\/rpm.nodesource.com\/setup_lts.x | sudo bash -\nsudo dnf install -y nodejs\n\n# CentOS\/RHEL (yum)\ncurl -fsSL https:\/\/rpm.nodesource.com\/setup_lts.x | sudo bash -\nsudo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/install-yum-on-linux\/\">yum install<\/a> -y nodejs<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"arch-linux-pacman\">Arch Linux: pacman<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>sudo pacman -Syu nodejs npm<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"verify-on-linux\">Verify on Linux<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>node -v\nnpm -v\nwhich node\nwhich npm<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"update-or-uninstall-on-linux\">Update or Uninstall on Linux<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Update (NodeSource): <\/strong>Re-run the setup script for the desired major, then <code>apt get install<\/code> or <code>dnf\/yum install<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Update (nvm):<\/strong> <code>nvm install --lts --reinstall-packages-from=current<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Uninstall: <\/strong><code>sudo apt get remove nodejs<\/code> or <code>sudo dnf remove nodejs<\/code>. With nvm: <code>nvm uninstall &lt;version><\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"manage-multiple-versions-with-nvm-windows-macos-linux\">Manage Multiple Versions with nvm (Windows, macOS, Linux)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a Node Version Manager avoids permission issues, lets you switch versions per project, and keeps global tools stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"macos-linux-nvm\">macOS\/Linux: nvm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Install (check for latest tag)\ncurl -o- https:\/\/raw.githubusercontent.com\/nvm-sh\/nvm\/v0.39.7\/install.sh | bash\n\n# Load nvm, then:\nnvm list-remote\nnvm install 20\nnvm use 20\nnvm alias default 20\n\n# Switch per project using .nvmrc\necho \"20\" &gt; .nvmrc\nnvm use<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"windows-nvm-windows\">Windows: nvm windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Download nvm-setup.exe from the nvm-windows releases page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Install to a path without spaces (e.g., C:\\nvm) and set a Node symlink directory (e.g., C:\\Program Files\\nodejs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Open PowerShell (non-admin is fine after install)\nnvm list available\nnvm install 20.11.1\nnvm use 20.11.1\nnvm list<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> nvm for Windows is a separate project from nvm-sh, with slightly different commands and behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"post-install-best-practices\">Post Install Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prefer LTS for stability, especially on servers and CI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <code>nvm<\/code>\/nvm-windows to avoid permission errors and to switch versions safely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Install packages locally unless truly global (e.g., <code>npm i -g<\/code> for <code>pm2<\/code>, <code>typescript<\/code>, <code>serve<\/code>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run <code>npm -v<\/code> and keep npm updated: <code>npm i -g npm@latest<\/code> (with nvm, this is per Node version).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <code>npx<\/code> to run CLIs without global installs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enable Corepack to manage Yarn\/pnpm if needed: <code>corepack enable<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commit <code>package-lock.json<\/code> for reproducible builds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"common-errors-and-fixes\">Common Errors and Fixes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"command-not-found-or-not-recognized\">\u201ccommand not found\u201d or Not Recognized<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Windows:<\/strong> Ensure <code>C:\\Program Files\\nodejs\\<\/code> and <code>%AppData%\\npm<\/code> are in PATH. Reopen terminal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>macOS\/Linux: <\/strong>Open a new shell or ensure your shell config loads nvm (<code>.bashrc<\/code>, <code>.zshrc<\/code>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"permission-errors-eacces-on-macos-linux\">Permission Errors (EACCES) on macOS\/Linux<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use nvm so global installs don\u2019t require <code>sudo<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternatively, set a user-level npm prefix:<br><code>mkdir -p ~\/.npm-global &amp;&amp; npm config set prefix ~\/.npm-global<\/code> and add <code>~\/.npm-global\/bin<\/code> to PATH.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"corporate-proxy-ssl-issues\">Corporate Proxy\/SSL Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Configure npm proxy<br><code>npm config set proxy http:\/\/user:pass@proxy.company:8080<\/code> and <code>npm config set https-proxy https:\/\/user:pass@proxy.company:8080<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use your company\u2019s CA bundle as required by IT policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"windows-development-with-linux-tooling-wsl\">Windows Development with Linux Tooling (WSL)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use WSL, install Node inside the Linux distro (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) with nvm or NodeSource. Do not mix Windows and WSL Node tools to prevent path conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"deploying-node-apps-local-to-production\">Deploying Node Apps: Local to Production<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/nstall-node-js-and-npm-windows-macos-linux\/\">install Node.js and npm<\/a>, you can run local servers with node, package scripts, or frameworks like Next.js. For production, use a process manager (e.g., <code>pm2<\/code>) and reverse proxy (Nginx). On Windows servers, use IIS or run Node behind a proxy service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you plan to host an API, real time app, or microservice, choose a VPS with predictable CPU and RAM. At YouStable, we provide SSD based <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youstable.com\/blog\/dedicated-server-vs-vps\/\">VPS and dedicated servers<\/a> optimized for Node workloads, with fast NVMe storage and global datacenters, so your Node apps stay responsive under load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quick-start-create-and-run-a-project\">Quick Start: Create and Run a Project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code># Initialize a project\nmkdir myapp &amp;&amp; cd myapp\nnpm init -y\n\n# Install a web framework (example: Express)\nnpm install express\n\n# index.js\ncat &gt; index.js &lt;&lt;'EOF'\nconst express = require('express')\nconst app = express()\napp.get('\/', (req, res) =&gt; res.send('Hello Node.js!'))\napp.listen(3000, () =&gt; console.log('Server on http:\/\/localhost:3000'))\nEOF\n\n# Run\nnode index.js<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"security-and-maintenance-tips\">Security and Maintenance Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Regularly audit dependencies:<\/strong> <code>npm audit<\/code> and <code>npm audit fix<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Update patch\/minor versions:<\/strong><code> npm outdated<\/code>, then <code>npm update<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pin Node and npm versions in CI for reproducible builds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Back up <code>.env<\/code> securely; never commit secrets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On servers, use LTS only and apply OS security updates promptly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766050125599\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"is-npm-installed-with-node-js\">Is npm installed with Node.js?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, The official installers and most package managers install npm alongside Node.js. Verify with <code>npm -v<\/code>. If it\u2019s missing, reinstall Node, or use nvm to install a fresh Node version that bundles npm.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766050145381\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"which-is-better-installer-or-package-manager\">Which is better: installer or package manager?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For one time setups, the official installer is fine. For developers who update often, a package manager (winget, Homebrew, apt\/dnf) or a version manager (nvm\/nvm-windows) is better because it simplifies upgrades and switching versions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766050160567\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"how-do-i-update-node-js-safely-without-breaking-global-tools\">How do I update Node.js safely without breaking global tools?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Use nvm or nvm-windows. Install the new version, then reinstall global packages with <code>nvm install &lt;version&gt; --reinstall-packages-from=current<\/code> (nvm) or manually reinstall with npm. Test in a project before making it your default.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766050219217\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"how-can-i-install-a-specific-node-version\">How can I install a specific Node version?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>With nvm:<\/strong> <code>nvm install 18.20.4<\/code> then <code>nvm use 18.20.4<\/code>. With package managers, install the specific formula\/package (e.g., <code>brew install node@18<\/code>). For Windows nvm: <code>nvm install 18.20.4<\/code> then <code>nvm use 18.20.4<\/code>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1766050233659\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \" class=\"rank-math-question \" id=\"how-do-i-completely-uninstall-node-js-and-npm\">How do I completely uninstall Node.js and npm?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p><strong>Windows:<\/strong> Uninstall from Apps, then remove <code>C:\\Program Files\\nodejs<\/code> and <code>%AppData%\\npm<\/code>. macOS\/Linux: Remove via brew\/apt\/dnf and delete leftover directories if any. If you used nvm, simply run <code>nvm uninstall &lt;version&gt;<\/code> for each installed version<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To install Node.js and npm on Windows, macOS, and Linux, choose the LTS version for stability, use your OS package 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