What is NVM?

NVM (Node Version Manager) allows you to install and manage multiple versions of Node.js on the same machine.

Benefits:

• Install multiple Node.js versions
• Switch between versions instantly
• Test projects with different Node.js versions
• Easily uninstall unused versions

Note: This guide is for Windows using NVM for Windows.

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Step 1: Check if Node.js is Already Installed (Optional)

Open Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal.

Check the Node.js version:

node -v

Example:

v22.17.0

Check the npm version:

npm -v

If you receive an error like:

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

then Node.js is not currently installed.

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Step 2: Uninstall Existing Node.js (Recommended)

If you previously installed Node.js manually (without NVM), uninstall it first.

1. Open:

Settings
→ Apps
→ Installed Apps

2. Uninstall:

Node.js

3. Delete the installation folder if it still exists:

C:\Program Files\nodejs

4. Restart your terminal.

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Step 3: Download NVM for Windows

Visit the official GitHub releases page:

https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows/releases

Download:

nvm-setup.exe

Always download the latest stable release.

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Step 4: Install NVM

Run:

nvm-setup.exe

Follow the installation wizard:

Next
Next
Install
Finish

The default installation paths are recommended.

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Step 5: Verify the Installation

Open a new terminal and run:

nvm version

Example:

1.2.2

If you see a version number, NVM has been installed successfully.

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Step 6: View Available Node.js Versions

Display all available Node.js versions:

nvm list available

Example:

18.20.8
20.19.4 (LTS)
22.17.0 (Latest)

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Step 7: Install the Latest Version

nvm install latest

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Step 8: Install the Latest LTS Version

nvm install lts

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Step 9: Install a Specific Version

Example:

nvm install 20.19.4

or

nvm install 22.17.0

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Step 10: View Installed Versions

nvm list

Example:

* 22.17.0
  20.19.4
  18.20.8

The * indicates the currently active version.

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Step 11: Switch to a Node.js Version

Example:

nvm use 20.19.4

or

nvm use 22.17.0

Example output:

Now using node v20.19.4

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Step 12: Verify the Active Version

node -v

Example:

v20.19.4

Check npm:

npm -v

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Step 13: Check the Node.js Installation Path

where node

Example:

C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe

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Step 14: Check the NVM Version

nvm version

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Step 15: Check the Current Node.js Version

node -v

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Step 16: Check the npm Version

npm -v

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Step 17: Install Another Node.js Version

Example:

nvm install 18.20.8

Activate it:

nvm use 18.20.8

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Step 18: Switch Between Installed Versions

nvm use 18.20.8

Later switch to:

nvm use 20.19.4

Or:

nvm use 22.17.0

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Step 19: Uninstall a Node.js Version

Example:

nvm uninstall 18.20.8

Example output:

Uninstalling node v18.20.8...
Complete

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Step 20: Confirm Installed Versions

nvm list

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Step 21: Reinstall a Version

nvm install 20.19.4

Then activate it:

nvm use 20.19.4

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Step 22: Update npm (Optional)

After selecting a Node.js version:

npm install -g npm

Verify:

npm -v

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Step 23: Verify Everything Is Working

node -v
npm -v
nvm version
nvm list

Example:

v22.17.0
11.5.2
1.2.2

* 22.17.0
  20.19.4

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Common NVM Commands

Task	Command
Check NVM version	nvm version
List installed versions	nvm list
List available versions	nvm list available
Install latest Node.js	nvm install latest
Install latest LTS	nvm install lts
Install a specific version	nvm install <version>
Use a version	nvm use <version>
Uninstall a version	nvm uninstall <version>
Check Node.js version	node -v
Check npm version	npm -v
Find Node.js executable	where node

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Example Workflow

# Install the latest LTS version
nvm install lts

# Install a specific version
nvm install 22.17.0

# View installed versions
nvm list

# Switch to the new version
nvm use 22.17.0

# Verify
node -v
npm -v

# Switch to another version
nvm use 20.19.4

# Remove an old version
nvm uninstall 18.20.8

# Confirm installed versions
nvm list

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Troubleshooting

'node' is not recognized

If you see:

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

Try the following:

• Close and reopen your terminal.
• Run:

nvm use <version>

• Ensure any manually installed Node.js version has been removed.
• Verify your system PATH environment variable doesn't contain an old Node.js installation.

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'nvm' is not recognized

If you see:

'nvm' is not recognized as an internal or external command...

Try:

• Restart your terminal.
• Restart Windows if necessary.
• Reinstall NVM for Windows.
• Verify that NVM's installation directory has been added to your PATH.

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Notes

• Global npm packages are version-specific. Installing a global package under one Node.js version does not make it available in other versions.
• Always use nvm use <version> before starting a project if you need a specific Node.js version.
• Open a new terminal after installing NVM or modifying environment variables.

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Conclusion

Using NVM for Windows is the easiest way to manage multiple Node.js versions on your machine. Whether you're working with legacy projects or testing the latest Node.js releases, NVM makes switching between versions quick and hassle-free.

Happy coding!