Node Version Manager (NVM) for Windows

If you work with JavaScript, you've probably dealt with multiple projects requiring different Node.js versions. Installing each version manually is tedious and time-consuming. That's where Node Version Manager (NVM) comes in.

NVM is a tool that lets you install, manage, and switch between different Node.js versions easily. Instead of being stuck with one global version, you can quickly switch versions depending on your project needs.

This guide will walk you through installing and configuring NVM on Windows.

This tutorial is for Windows only. But if you're a Linux user, I already made a guide for Debian below:

Node Version Manager (NVM) Tutorial Linux.

Requirements

Laptop/PC with Windows OS (10/11)
Internet Connection
Web browser

NVM Installation

Download NVM Setup

Download from Corey Butler’s repository here.
Scroll to the bottom, find “Install Now” or go directly to the Releases.
Download the latest nvm-setup.exe.

Download NVM Setup

Install NVM

Run the installer from File Explorer > Downloads.

File Explorer Smart Screen Account Control

Accept the agreement and click “Next”.

Agreement

Use the default installation paths.

NVM Installation Folder Active Version

For notification settings, stick with the default.

Notification Setting

Wait for installation.
Finish (don’t tick “Open with PowerShell”).

Finish

Validate by running this command in Command Prompt:

nvm -v

nvm -v

NVM is now installed and ready to use.

Node.js Installation

Now you can install Node.js versions using NVM.

Install Node.js

nvm install <node-version>

Example:

nvm install 22.15.0

Or for latest LTS:

nvm install lts

nvm install

Activate Node Version

nvm use 22.15.0

You might encounter an error here:

nvm use error

It’s because of spaces in the username path I use e.g., Windows User.

If you don't have the same problem you could skip the next part and go for the "Reactivate Node.js"

Fix NVM Node.js Activation Error

Move the nvm folder from your earlier default nvm installation path:
```
C:\Users\<space username>\AppData\Local\nvm
```
to:
```
C:\nvm
```

If you forgot where the nvm installation take place, type this command in command prompt:

nvm root

NVM Root Path

If AppData is hidden, enable "Hidden items" from View tab.

NVM Moved

Edit C:\nvm\settings.txt:

root: C:\nvm

settings.txt

Open Environment Variables, update all nvm-related paths to C:\nvm.

Environment Variable Environment Path Change

Click OK to save.

Reactivate Node.js

nvm use 22.15.0

nvm use rerun

Then check Node.js:

node -v

Node Checking

Node.js is now active and ready to use.

Useful NVM Commands

nvm ls                      # list installed Node versions
nvm list available          # show available versions online
nvm use <node-version>      # switch version
nvm alias default <version> # set default version
nvm uninstall <version>     # remove a version

Summary

You now have NVM installed and configured on Windows. You can easily switch between different Node.js versions for your projects. Use nvm list to see installed versions and nvm use <version> to switch between them as needed.