How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows? [Step-by-Step]

Latest Insight: As of 2025, Node.js continues its substantial presence in backend development, powering over 30 million websites worldwide. Recent data from W3Techs shows that 4.4% of all websites with identifiable server technologies use Node.js, a clear indicator of its steady and growing adoption across industries.

Node.js is a cross-platform environment that runs and executes JavaScript codes outside the browser. Since its first release, Node.js has gained massive popularity among developers. As it uses JavaScript, it is fast and easy to pick up and avails excellent scalability, making it a favourite among web developers. The Node.js framework is available for all the major operating systems like Windows, Ubuntu, and Mac.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to install Node.js and NPM on a Windows machine properly, verify the installation, and set up your development environment. 

Want to enhance your programming skills? upGrad’s Online Software Development Courses provide you with the latest tools and strategies to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech world. Enroll today and build the future of web development!

What’s NodeJS? Key Concepts

Node.js is a runtime environment that enables developers to execute JavaScript on the server side, without using a web browser. Traditionally, JavaScript was limited to client-side development and ran exclusively in web browsers. Node.js transformed this by allowing JavaScript to be used for server-side scripting, developing scalable network applications, and carrying out activities like file system tasks and database interactions.

If you want to gain expertise in programming languages, the following courses from upGrad can help you. 

• Master of Design in User Experience
• AI-Powered Full Stack Development
• Professional Certificate Program in Cloud Computing and DevOps

What is NPM?

NPM, or Node Package Manager, is a key tool for JavaScript developers. It simplifies the management of packages, which are collections of code that others develop and make available for you to use in your own projects. NPM allows developers to avoid reinventing the wheel, instead leveraging existing solutions to create strong and feature-rich apps.

Also read: Yarn vs NPM: Which Package Manager to Choose in 2024?

Prerequisites to Install and Setup Node.js on Windows 

Here are a few system requirements to download, install, and set up Node.js on Windows 10.

Hardware requirements

• RAM 4GB 
• CPU Intel Core i3TM i3 HQ CPU @2.50 GHz 
• ROM 256 GB 

Software requirement: Chocolatey 

Attention: You will also need a stable internet connection because we will download most of this software. 

Curious about how Node.js efficiently handles concurrent requests? Understanding programming fundamentals, such as upGrad’s object-oriented principles in Java course, can complement your learning and broaden your technical foundation.

Also read: How do you install a specific version of the NPM package?

Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through the step-by-step process for installing Node.js and NPM on your Windows system.

How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows? Step-by-Step

The first step to getting started on working with node.js is installing the software package in your system. Once done, follow the step-by-step tutorial on how to proceed to get the node.js framework successfully installed in your system. We will also look at how you can uninstall the program from your computer completely.

Step 1: Download Node.js Installer onto Your System

Visit the official node.js site and click on Windows installer to download the necessary software your system. The installer contains the NPM package. Based on the system you want to install, choose 32-bit installer or 64-installer and proceed.

Note: When you click on download, you will be asked to choose the file location you want to store the instal.msi binary files. Choose a secure file location of your choice.

Step 2: Run the Installation

Once you choose the path, the next step is to double-click the instal.msi binary files to initiate the installation process. Furthermore, you will be asked for permission to run the application.

Warning: The open file security warning also includes a cancel option. Don't click on the cancel option, or else you may need to restart the installation. You can use the back button to check your previous installation step.

You will proceed to an interface with a welcome message when running the application. Click the "Next" button and proceed with the installation as shown in the image.

Step 3: Accept the Terms of Usage

After clicking the next option, you will get an end-user license agreement. Read the terms of using the software, and then click on next.

Note: You'll see a checkbox asking you to agree to the terms and conditions. You must read and accept the terms before you can continue.

Step 4: Specify the path 

Once you have accepted the terms and conditions, the next step is to specify the path where you want to install node.js for windows. Your file location is the path where you must install the node.js in your system. Before we proceed further, you can enroll in Web Design Training to accelerate your career.

Once you have specified the path, click on the Next button to proceed with the installation. 

Step 5: Select the Default Options

On proceeding with the Next option, the custom page setup will open up on the screen. Here you will get four icons as stated below: 

• node.js runtime 
• NPM package manager 
• Online documentation shortcuts 
• Add to PATH

Select all the options as default and then proceed with the Next option.

Step 6: Initiate the Installation of Node.js on Windows

After all these steps, you will see an install button to process the installation of node.js on Windows. Click on the install button to initiate the installation of node.js on your Windows. Based on your system performance it may take a couple of minutes to install node.js on your system. Once the installation is complete, you will get a message on your screen as — Node.js has been successfully installed.

Step 7: Complete the Installation

On clicking the Finish button, the process of installation of node.js is successfully completed. Congratulations! You have successfully installed node.js on your Windows 10.

Also Read: Node JS Developer Salary in India 2024

Once you’ve completed the installation, you must verify that Node.js and npm are correctly installed on your system. Here’s how you can check.

Checking if Node.js is Installed on Your System

To verify that the Node.js has been successfully installed in your system, go to the command prompt and run it as administrator. Now use the following command to check the Node.js version installed in your system.

node -v 

The message v14.16.1 verifies that node.js has been successfully installed on your windows, and you are ready to use it.

Also Read: How to Install FS Module in Node JS?

If you prefer a more automated approach, there’s an alternative way to install Node.js on Windows using a package manager called Chocolatey. Let’s explore how this method works.

Alternative Method of Installing Node.js on Windows [Using Chocolatey]

Do you know there is also an alternative way to download & install Node.js and NPM on Windows 10? Using a software package manager called Chocolatey, you can install node.js and NPM on your machine. Let us understand how to install node.js and NPM on windows using Chocolatey step by step. We will also look at how to uninstall the same with Chocolatey.

Installing Chocolatey

The first process that you need to do is to install Chocolatey in your system. Take a note that the installation of Chocolatey requires administrator access to the computer’s command prompt to run.

• Choose the option – get started as shown below:

• Once you go to the official Chocolatey website, select the individual as shown in the picture.

• Open Windows PowerShell and run as administrator. Now run the command and then press enter. 

Get-ExecutionPolicy 

• On running this command, you will get a message as Restricted. Once you get the message as Restricted, continue and then run another command and press enter. 

Set-Execution Policy All Signed

• You will get a screen with execution policy changes. Select the A (Yes to all) option and then press Enter.

• Copy and paste the command mentioned below: 

Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -
Force; [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol =
[System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -
bor 3072; iex ((New-
Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))

To check whether you have installed it well, open the command prompt below: 

choco -version 

If you have installed it well, you will see the display of the Chocolatey version you have installed on the screen as below:

Boom! Chocolatey is now successfully installed in your system. 

How to Uninstall Chocolatey?

If you decide you no longer want Chocolatey on your system, follow these steps:

Step 1: Delete the Chocolatey installation folder:

rd /s /q C:\ProgramData\chocolatey

Step 2: Remove Chocolatey from the PATH:

• Open System Properties → Environment Variables.
• In “System variables,” edit the Path variable.
• Remove any entries related to Chocolatey (like C:\ProgramData\chocolatey\bin).
• Then, restart your computer to check.

Also Read: Installing Dev Dependencies with npm: Beginners Guide

Now that you know what Chocolatey is, let’s see the exact steps to install Node.js and npm using Chocolatey.

How to Install Node.js and NPM Using Chocolatey?

Using Chocolatey that you have just installed, now we can install Node.js in windows system. Open the command prompt as the administrator and put in the Chocolatey command prompt as mentioned below:  

Choco install -y nodejs.install 

To confirm if it has installed correctly on the computer, you need to execute the command below on the computer command prompt, as an administrator: 

node --version 

If you have followed the steps correctly, the installation would have been successful and the message below will display on your screen after the installation has been completed. 

After installing the Node.js, the Node Package Manager NPM automatically gets installed in the system. Run the command below to check the installation of NPM. The displayed message below verifies that the installation of NPM is successful.

How to Write Your First Program on Node.js? 

Now that you have successfully downloaded and installed node.js in your system, let’s learn how to write a program using node.js  

Follow the steps to write your first program. 

• Step 1: Create a folder and name it. (Here we have created a folder named Node Programs.
• Step 2: Open any code editor of your choice (here we are using Visual Studio Code).

• Step 3: Click on the file menu and open the folder you just created.

• Step 4: Once you open the folder, create a file and name it. (Here we have created a file named as welcome.js)

• Step 5: Write your program and save it using (Ctrl + S).
• Step 6: Start debugging using the shortcut f5.

And that’s it! You have successfully created your first project using node.js. 

(Goodbye-COVID-19 was the message we wanted to print and it is running successfully). 

How to Uninstall Node.js? 

Uninstalling node.js needs a manual process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to uninstall node.js from your system.  

• Step 1: Go to the file location where you have stored node.js

• Step 2: Select the node.js row and right-click on it. Out of the three options available, click on uninstall.

•  Step 3: After clicking on the uninstall option, the uninstalling starts.

Once done, you will successfully uninstall node.js from your system.

Are you ready to unlock the power of coding? Discover the endless possibilities with Python programming. Join us and learn Python programming in a unique and engaging way. Start your coding journey today! 

Even with careful installation, you might encounter some common issues. Let’s review these problems and how to resolve them quickly.

Troubleshooting Common Node.js and Chocolatey Installation Issues

Sometimes, installing Node.js or Chocolatey on Windows can be difficult. Here are some common problems and easy ways to fix them.

1. Node.js Is Not Recognized in the Command Prompt

 You type node -v in Command Prompt but get an error saying 'node' is not recognized as an internal or external command.

Why?
This usually means Windows can’t find Node.js because its folder isn’t added to your system’s PATH environment variable.

How to fix it:

• Restart your computer (this often updates PATH changes).
• If that doesn’t help, manually add Node.js to PATH:
  • Open Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings> Environment Variables.
  • Find and select the Path variable under "System variables," then click Edit.
  • Add the folder where Node.js is installed (usually C:\Program Files\nodejs\).
  • Save and restart your Command Prompt.

2. NPM Command Not Found After Installation

 You try running npm but see an error like 'npm' is not recognized.

Why?
npm should install automatically with Node.js, but sometimes it isn’t appropriately added to PATH.

How to fix it:

• Ensure you installed Node.js from the official installer and selected the npm option.
• Check if the Node.js install folder (with npm) is in your PATH variable — same steps as above.
• Try reinstalling Node.js if needed.

3. Permission Or Admin Rights Issues During Installation
The installer or Chocolatey scripts fail, showing errors about permissions or access denied.

Why?
You need administrator privileges to install software and run scripts like Chocolatey’s installer.

How to fix it:

• Always run Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator (right-click > Run as Administrator).
• You might need to ask your IT department for help if you're on a work or school PC.

4. Chocolatey Command Not Found After Installation
You installed Chocolatey, but when you type choco, Windows says it’s unrecognized.

Why?
Chocolatey’s folder may not be added to your PATH, or the installation may not have been completed correctly.

How to fix it:

• Check that C:\ProgramData\chocolatey\bin is in your system PATH.
• Restart your terminal or computer after installing.
• Reinstall Chocolatey if the problem continues.

5. Node.js Or NPM Version Is Outdated
You installed Node.js, but see an older version when you check node -v or npm -v.

Why?
Multiple versions might be installed, or your PATH is wrong.

How to fix it:

• Run where node and where npm in Command Prompt to see all versions.

Uninstall older versions via Control Panel > Programs, or clean up your PATH variable so the correct one is first.

Wrapping up!

You learned how to install Node.js and NPM on Windows using the MSI installer available on the official Node.js website. You also discovered how to set up the essential modules required to run a Node.js application.

You now know how to install Node.js using different methods. That’s everything you need to begin your Node.js journey. Feel free to use any terminal you’re comfortable with as you build and experiment.

If you're ready to sharpen your programming skills and create robust applications, here are some additional upGrad programs that can help you upskill and put your learning into action.

• Advanced Generative AI Certification Course
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Core Java Basics

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, connect with upGrad’s career counseling for personalized guidance. You can also visit a nearby upGrad center for hands-on training to enhance your digital marketing skills and open new career opportunities!

Step into the world of tech with our popular software engineering courses, crafted to give you the skills and confidence to excel in any software role.

Explore our Popular Software Engineering Courses

Build your expertise with in-demand software development skills through our courses, designed to keep you competitive and ready for today’s tech challenges.

In-Demand Software Development Skills

References:
https://w3techs.com/technologies/details/ws-nodejs