Node.js Installation Guide

Installing Node.js and npm

Step-by-step instructions for installing Node.js and npm on Mac and Windows.

Node.js lets you run JavaScript on your computer, and npm is its built-in package manager for installing tools and libraries. Both are installed together in a single download.

Estimated time: 5–10 minutes

Mac

Step 1: Download the installer

  1. Go to nodejs.org/en/download

  2. Scroll past the code block to the bottom of the page

  3. Click macOS Installer (.pkg)

    Note: The default architecture shown works for most Macs. If you have an older Intel Mac, change the architecture dropdown accordingly.

    Node.js download page showing the installer option

  4. The file will appear in your Downloads folder when it’s finished

Step 2: Run the installer

  1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the .pkg file you just downloaded
  2. Click Continue on each screen, then click Install
  3. You may be asked to enter your Mac password — this is normal
  4. When you see “The installation was successful”, click Close

Step 3: Verify the installation

  1. Open Terminal — press Command + Space, type Terminal, and press Enter
  2. Type the following and press Enter: 
    node --version
  3. You should see something like v24.x.x printed
  4. Then type the following to confirm npm is also installed: 
    npm --version
  5. You should see a version number like 11.x.x

Windows

Step 1: Download the installer

  1. Go to nodejs.org/en/download

  2. Scroll past the code block to the bottom of the page

  3. Set the dropdowns to Windows and x64, then click Windows Installer (.msi)

    Note: x64 works for most Windows computers. If you have an ARM-based device, change the architecture dropdown accordingly.

    Node.js download page showing the Windows installer option

  4. The file will appear in your Downloads folder when it’s finished

Step 2: Run the installer

  1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the .msi file you just downloaded
  2. Click Next on each screen, accepting the default options
  3. Click Install and wait for the installation to finish
  4. When complete, click Finish

Step 3: Verify the installation

  1. Press the Start button, search for Command Prompt, and open it
  2. Type the following and press Enter: 
    node --version
  3. You should see something like v24.x.x printed
  4. Then type the following to confirm npm is also installed: 
    npm --version
  5. You should see a version number like 11.x.x

If you see an error: Close and reopen Command Prompt and try again — the installer may need a fresh terminal session to take effect.