Node Setup on Windows with nvm-windows

Updated on Mar 13, 2026

nvm-windows is a lightweight version manager for Node.js on Windows. After you install it once, you can install and switch between multiple Node versions with a few commands. Each Node installation includes npm, so you do not need to install npm separately.

Why use nvm-windows

• Keep multiple Node versions on one machine.
• Switch versions per project without reinstalling Node.
• Upgrade safely while keeping older versions available.

Prerequisites

• Windows machine with administrator rights for installation.
• Internet connection to download Node versions.

1. Download nvm-windows

Go to the official releases page:

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

Download the latest installer (nvm-setup.exe).

2. Install nvm-windows

Run nvm-setup.exe and complete the installer like any standard Windows application.

After the installation finishes, open a new terminal window (Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Terminal).

3. Verify the installation

Check that nvm is available:

sh

nvm version

If a version number is shown, nvm-windows is installed correctly.

4. Install Node.js

Install Node 24 (recommended for new projects):

sh

nvm install 24

Install Node 22 (LTS option):

sh

nvm install 22

nvm-windows installs npm together with Node.js.

5. Select the active Node.js version

Activate Node 24:

sh

nvm use 24

Confirm the active versions:

sh

node -v
npm -v

Common nvm-windows commands

List installed Node versions:

sh

nvm list

List Node versions available for installation:

sh

nvm list available

Install a specific exact version:

sh

nvm install 24.3.0

Switch to a specific exact version:

sh

nvm use 24.3.0

Remove an unused version:

sh

nvm uninstall 22.15.0

Example workflows

Use Node 24 for a new Kendo project:

sh

nvm install 24
nvm use 24
node -v

Switch to Node 22 for an older project:

sh

nvm use 22
node -v

Troubleshooting

If nvm is not recognized:

• Close all terminals and open a new one.
• Check that nvm-windows is installed in C:\Program Files\nvm (default path).
• Restart Windows if PATH changes were not picked up.

If node -v does not change after nvm use:

• Run the terminal as Administrator.
• Ensure another global Node installation is not overriding your PATH.

Next Steps

• Building Custom Kendo UI Scripts Locally
• Installing with NPM