How to Install NVM in Windows

Node Version Manager (NVM) is a handy tool for managing multiple Node.js versions. While NVM was initially designed for Unix-based systems, a Windows-compatible version, nvm-windows, is available. This guide will show you how to install nvm-windows step-by-step.

Key Takeaways

• nvm-windows makes it easy to manage multiple Node.js versions on Windows.
• Installation requires downloading the correct package and configuring your environment.
• Follow these steps to set up and verify your installation successfully.

Prerequisites

Before installing nvm-windows, ensure you have the following:

• A Windows machine running Windows 10 or higher.
• Administrator access to install programs.
• No existing Node.js installation (uninstall if already installed).

Step 1: Download the NVM-Windows Installer

1. Visit the official nvm-windows GitHub page.
2. Scroll to the latest release and download the nvm-setup.exe file.

Step 2: Run the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded nvm-setup.exe file and double-click it.
2. Follow the installation wizard:
   • Accept the license agreement.
   • Choose the installation directory (default is C:\Program Files\nvm).
   • Specify a directory for Node.js installations (default is C:\Program Files\nodejs).

Step 3: Verify the Installation

After installation, verify that nvm-windows was installed correctly:

1. Open a new Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
2. Type the following command:

   nvm version

You should see the installed nvm version. If the command is not recognized, ensure the installation directory is in your system's PATH environment variable.

Step 4: Install and Use Node.js Versions

With nvm-windows installed, you can now install and manage Node.js versions:

1. Install a specific Node.js version (e.g., 16.14.0):

   nvm install 16.14.0

1. Switch to the installed version:

   nvm use 16.14.0

1. Verify the active Node.js version:

   node -v

FAQs

What if 'nvm' is not recognized after installation?
Ensure the NVM installation directory is added to your system's PATH variable. Reopen Command Prompt or PowerShell after fixing it.

Can I install both NVM and Node.js manually on Windows?
It's not recommended. Uninstall any pre-existing Node.js version before using nvm-windows to avoid conflicts.

Is nvm-windows compatible with WSL?
No, nvm-windows works in native Windows environments. For WSL, use the original NVM for Unix systems.

Conclusion

Installing nvm-windows is a straightforward process that simplifies managing multiple Node.js versions. Follow the steps above to install, verify, and start using it effectively for your projects.