Node.js is one of the most popular runtimes for building modern web applications, APIs, backend services, command-line tools, and real-time applications using JavaScript.

Before working with frameworks such as Express.js, NestJS, Next.js, or tools such as npm, you need to install Node.js on your computer.

The installation process is slightly different depending on whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Node.js on all three operating systems, verify the installation, check npm, manage Node.js versions, and troubleshoot common installation problems.

---

What Is Node.js?

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that allows you to execute JavaScript outside a web browser.

Normally, JavaScript runs inside browsers such as Chrome or Firefox.

With Node.js, you can run JavaScript directly on your computer or server:

JavaScript
     ↓
Node.js Runtime
     ↓
Operating System

Node.js is commonly used to build:

• REST APIs
• Backend applications
• Web servers
• Real-time applications
• Microservices
• Command-line tools
• Automation scripts
• Full-stack JavaScript applications

Node.js also comes with npm, the Node Package Manager, which makes it easy to install and manage JavaScript packages.

---

Node.js LTS vs Current

Before installing Node.js, you’ll usually see two release types:

LTS
Current

LTS

LTS stands for Long-Term Support.

LTS releases are generally the better choice for production applications and most developers because they prioritize stability and longer support.

Current

The Current release contains newer features sooner but has a shorter support lifecycle.

For most beginners and production projects:

Recommended → LTS

The official Node.js download page currently lists the Node.js 24.x line as LTS and a newer 26.x line as Current. Always check the official download page before installing so you get the currently supported release.

You can get the latest installers from the official Node.js Downloads page.

---

Prerequisites

Before installing Node.js, you should have:

• A Windows, macOS, or Linux computer
• Internet access
• Administrator privileges when required
• A terminal or command prompt

You don’t need to install JavaScript separately.

Node.js includes the runtime needed to execute JavaScript, and the standard Node.js installation also provides npm.

---

How to Install Node.js on Windows

Installing Node.js on Windows is straightforward.

The easiest method for beginners is to use the official Windows installer.

Step 1: Download Node.js

Go to the official:

Node.js Download Page

Choose the LTS release.

Node.js provides Windows installer packages for supported architectures, including x64 and ARM64 in current releases.

---

Step 2: Download the Windows Installer

For most Windows PCs, choose the:

Windows Installer (.msi)

For a typical Intel or AMD 64-bit computer, choose:

x64

If you’re using a Windows ARM machine, choose the ARM64 installer.

---

Step 3: Run the Installer

After downloading the .msi file, double-click it.

The Node.js setup wizard will open.

Click:

Next

---

Step 4: Accept the License Agreement

Read the license agreement and select:

I accept the terms in the License Agreement

Then click:

Next

---

Step 5: Choose the Installation Location

The default installation directory is normally fine.

For example:

C:\Program Files\nodejs\

You usually don’t need to change it.

Click:

Next

---

Step 6: Select Components

The installer will show the components that will be installed.

The default options are generally suitable for most developers.

Make sure Node.js and npm are included.

Then click:

Next

---

Step 7: Install Node.js

Click:

Install

Windows may ask for administrator permission.

Allow the installation to continue.

After the installation finishes, click:

Finish

---

Step 8: Open Command Prompt

Open:

Command Prompt

or:

PowerShell

Then run:

node -v

You should see a Node.js version such as:

v24.x.x

The exact version depends on the LTS release available when you install it.

---

Step 9: Check npm

Now run:

npm -v

You should see an npm version:

11.x.x

The exact npm version depends on the Node.js release you installed.

If both commands work, Node.js is installed successfully.

---

Test Node.js on Windows

Let’s run a simple JavaScript program.

Create a file called:

app.js

Add:

console.log("Hello from Node.js!");

Open Command Prompt in the same folder and run:

node app.js

You should see:

Hello from Node.js!

Your Node.js installation is working.

---

How to Install Node.js on macOS

There are two common approaches on macOS:

1. Official Node.js installer
2. Node Version Manager (nvm)

For developers who work on multiple projects, nvm is usually more flexible because you can install and switch between Node.js versions.

The official Node.js download page provides macOS installer packages for supported architectures.

---

Method 1: Install Node.js Using the macOS Installer

Step 1: Download Node.js

Open:

Node.js Downloads

Select the LTS release.

---

Step 2: Choose the macOS Installer

Download the appropriate .pkg installer.

Modern Node.js releases provide separate packages for:

macOS x64
macOS ARM64

ARM64 is commonly used on Apple Silicon Macs, such as Macs with M-series processors.

---

Step 3: Open the Installer

After downloading the .pkg file, open it.

The installation wizard will start.

Click:

Continue

and follow the instructions.

---

Step 4: Accept the License

Accept the license agreement and continue.

---

Step 5: Install Node.js

Use the default installation options unless you have a specific reason to change them.

You may be asked to enter your macOS password.

After installation completes, open Terminal.

---

Step 6: Verify Node.js

Run:

node -v

Then:

npm -v

You should see the installed versions.

---

Method 2: Install Node.js on macOS Using nvm

If you’re a developer, using a Node.js version manager is often a better long-term approach.

With nvm, you can install multiple Node.js versions:

Node 20
Node 22
Node 24

and switch between them when needed.

The Node.js download page documents using nvm for Node.js installation.

---

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open:

Terminal

Then install nvm using the installation command from the official Node.js download instructions:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.7/install.sh | bash

The exact nvm version may change, so use the current command shown on the official Node.js page when you install it.

---

Step 2: Load nvm

After installation, restart Terminal.

If necessary, load nvm manually:

source ~/.nvm/nvm.sh

Then verify:

nvm --version

You should see the installed nvm version.

---

Step 3: Install Node.js LTS

Run:

nvm install 24

This installs the latest available Node.js 24.x release through nvm.

The official Node.js download page currently demonstrates installing the LTS line with nvm.

---

Step 4: Check Node.js

Run:

node -v

Then:

npm -v

---

Step 5: Select a Node.js Version

You can see installed versions with:

nvm ls

To use a specific version:

nvm use 24

You can also install another version:

nvm install 22

Then switch to it:

nvm use 22

This is one of the biggest advantages of using a version manager.

---

Set a Default Node.js Version

If you want Node.js 24 to be used automatically:

nvm alias default 24

Now new terminal sessions can use Node.js 24 by default.

---

How to Install Node.js on Linux

There are several ways to install Node.js on Linux.

The most flexible approach for developers is usually a Node.js version manager such as nvm.

This is especially useful when you work on multiple projects that require different Node.js versions.

---

Method 1: Install Node.js on Linux Using nvm

Step 1: Open the Terminal

Open your Linux terminal.

The following approach works with common shell environments such as Bash and is documented by the Node.js download instructions.

---

Step 2: Install nvm

Use the current nvm installation command provided by the Node.js download page:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.7/install.sh | bash

Then restart your terminal or load nvm:

source ~/.nvm/nvm.sh

Verify:

nvm --version

---

Step 3: Install Node.js LTS

Run:

nvm install 24

This installs the latest available Node.js 24.x release through nvm.

---

Step 4: Verify Node.js

Run:

node -v

Then:

npm -v

You should see the installed Node.js and npm versions.

---

Step 5: Set Node.js as the Default

Run:

nvm alias default 24

Now Node.js 24 will be selected by default when you open a new shell.

---

Installing a Different Node.js Version on Linux

With nvm, you can easily install another version.

For example:

nvm install 22

Then:

nvm use 22

Check the version:

node -v

Switch back:

nvm use 24

This makes switching between project requirements very easy.

---

Method 2: Install Node.js Using Linux Package Managers

Linux distributions also provide package managers.

For example, Debian/Ubuntu systems commonly use:

apt

However, distribution repositories may not always provide the Node.js release you want.

For development environments where you need to switch versions frequently, nvm is often more convenient.

You can also download official Linux binaries directly from the Node.js project. Current Node.js releases provide binaries for architectures such as x64 and ARM64.

---

Check Your Linux Distribution

If you’re unsure which Linux distribution you’re using, run:

cat /etc/os-release

You’ll see information such as:

NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="..."

or:

NAME="Debian GNU/Linux"

This helps determine which package-management approach is appropriate.

---

Verify npm

Node.js installations normally include npm.

Run:

npm -v

For example:

11.x.x

If npm works, you can install packages.

For example:

npm install express

This downloads Express and adds it to your project dependencies.

---

Check Node.js and npm Together

You can quickly verify your environment with:

node -v
npm -v

For example:

v24.x.x
11.x.x

The exact versions will depend on the release you installed.

---

Create Your First Node.js Project

Once Node.js is installed, create a project directory.

For example:

mkdir my-node-app

Move into it:

cd my-node-app

Initialize npm:

npm init -y

This creates:

package.json

Your project might now look like:

my-node-app/
└── package.json

---

Create a Node.js File

Create:

app.js

Add:

console.log("Node.js is working!");

Run it:

node app.js

Output:

Node.js is working!

---

Install an npm Package

Let’s install Express:

npm install express

npm will create or update:

package.json
package-lock.json
node_modules/

Your project will look something like:

my-node-app/
├── node_modules/
├── package-lock.json
├── package.json
└── app.js

---

What Is npm?

npm is the package manager commonly used with Node.js.

It allows you to:

Install packages
Update packages
Remove packages
Run scripts
Manage dependencies

For example:

npm install express

installs Express.

You can also install a development dependency:

npm install --save-dev nodemon

---

Check npm Configuration

You can check where npm installs global packages with:

npm config get prefix

You can also view npm’s configuration:

npm config list

---

Global vs Local npm Packages

Packages can be installed locally:

npm install express

or globally:

npm install -g some-package

Local packages belong to a specific project.

Global packages are available to your user environment and are typically used for command-line tools.

For most application dependencies, prefer local installation.

---

Common Node.js Installation Problems

node Is Not Recognized on Windows

If you see:

'node' is not recognized as an internal or external command

the Node.js executable may not be available in your PATH.

Try:

1. Close Command Prompt.
2. Open a new Command Prompt.
3. Run:

node -v

If it still doesn’t work, verify that Node.js was installed correctly and that its installation directory is included in PATH.

---

node: command not found on macOS or Linux

If you see:

node: command not found

and you’re using nvm, try:

source ~/.nvm/nvm.sh

Then:

node -v

If that fixes the problem, your shell may not be loading nvm automatically.

Check your shell configuration file, such as:

~/.bashrc
~/.zshrc

depending on your shell.

---

Check Which Node.js Executable Is Being Used

On macOS or Linux:

which node

On Windows:

where.exe node

This can help identify which Node.js installation your terminal is using.

This is especially useful if you have installed Node.js more than once.

---

Multiple Node.js Installations

A common problem is installing Node.js using multiple methods.

For example:

Official installer
+
nvm
+
Package manager

This can cause PATH conflicts.

You might run:

node -v

and get a different version than expected.

If you’re using nvm, it’s generally cleaner to manage your Node.js versions through nvm rather than mixing multiple installation methods unnecessarily.

---

How to Update Node.js

If you’re using nvm:

nvm install 24

To use it:

nvm use 24

You can see available installed versions:

nvm ls

If you use the official installer, download the newer LTS installer from the Node.js website and install it.

Always check the official download page for the current supported LTS version.

---

How to Uninstall Node.js on Windows

If you installed Node.js using the Windows installer:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Open Installed apps.
4. Search for Node.js.
5. Select it.
6. Click Uninstall.

Follow the Windows uninstall wizard.

---

How to Uninstall Node.js on macOS

If you installed Node.js using the official .pkg installer, uninstalling it may require removing the installed Node.js files manually or using the appropriate package-management approach.

If you installed Node.js through nvm, you can remove a specific version with:

nvm uninstall 24

Check installed versions first:

nvm ls

---

How to Uninstall Node.js on Linux

If you installed Node.js using nvm:

nvm uninstall 24

If you installed Node.js through a Linux package manager, use the package manager’s removal command.

For example, on Debian/Ubuntu systems:

sudo apt remove nodejs

The exact command depends on how Node.js was originally installed.

---

Which Installation Method Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple recommendation:

Operating System	Recommended Method
Windows	Official .msi installer
macOS	nvm for developers
Linux	nvm for developers
macOS/Linux with one fixed version	Official installer
Multiple Node.js projects	nvm

For professional development, version management becomes particularly useful because different projects may require different Node.js versions.

---

Why Use nvm?

Without a version manager:

Project A
→ Node.js 22

Project B
→ Node.js 24

Switching versions can be inconvenient.

With nvm:

nvm use 22

or:

nvm use 24

You can quickly switch between versions.

This is especially useful for developers working on multiple Node.js projects.

---

Node.js Installation Cheat Sheet

Windows

Download the LTS .msi installer from:

Node.js Downloads

Then verify:

node -v
npm -v

---

macOS

Using nvm:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.7/install.sh | bash

Load nvm:

source ~/.nvm/nvm.sh

Install Node.js:

nvm install 24

Verify:

node -v
npm -v

---

Linux

Using nvm:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.7/install.sh | bash

Load nvm:

source ~/.nvm/nvm.sh

Install Node.js:

nvm install 24

Verify:

node -v
npm -v

These nvm-based commands follow the installation approach currently documented on the Node.js download page.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Node.js free?

Yes. Node.js is an open-source runtime that you can install and use for development and production applications.

---

Does Node.js include npm?

The standard Node.js installation includes npm, which is why you can run:

npm -v

after installing Node.js.

---

Which Node.js version should I install?

For most developers, choose the current LTS release rather than the Current release.

Check the official Node.js download page before installation because supported versions change over time.

---

Can I install Node.js without npm?

You can use alternative distributions or installation approaches, but most developers should install the standard Node.js distribution that includes npm.

---

Can I have multiple Node.js versions?

Yes.

Using a version manager such as nvm makes this easy:

nvm install 22
nvm install 24

Then switch between them:

nvm use 22

or:

nvm use 24

---

How do I know Node.js is installed correctly?

Run:

node -v

and:

npm -v

If both commands return version numbers, your installation is working.

You can also test a JavaScript file:

node app.js

---

Final Thoughts

Installing Node.js is the first step toward building JavaScript applications outside the browser.

For Windows, the official installer provides the simplest setup:

Download LTS
     ↓
Run .msi
     ↓
Install
     ↓
node -v
     ↓
npm -v

For macOS and Linux developers, a version manager such as nvm provides more flexibility:

nvm
 ↓
Node.js versions
 ↓
Project-specific development

Once Node.js is installed, you can initialize your first project with:

mkdir my-node-app
cd my-node-app
npm init -y

and start building your application.

For the safest default, use the current Node.js LTS release, verify your installation with node -v and npm -v, and use a version manager when you need to work across multiple Node.js versions.