I installed node through nvm-windows but the command 'node-v' does not exist

2 min read 21-10-2024

I installed node through nvm-windows but the command 'node-v' does not exist

If you've recently installed Node.js using NVM (Node Version Manager) for Windows but are encountering an issue where the command node -v is not recognized, you’re not alone. This article will address the problem, provide troubleshooting steps, and offer additional insights to ensure your Node.js installation works smoothly.

The Problem Scenario

You’ve installed Node.js via NVM on a Windows machine, but when you try to check the version using the command node -v, you receive an error stating that the command does not exist. Here is the original issue presented:

node -v
# Error: 'node' is not recognized as an internal or external command,
# operable program or batch file.

Understanding the Issue

This issue generally arises from one of the following reasons:

NVM Not Installed Correctly: If NVM wasn’t installed properly, the command line may not recognize it.
Path Environment Variable: The path to the Node.js installation may not be set correctly in your system’s environment variables.
Node.js Version Not Installed: You may not have installed a specific version of Node.js yet.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are some practical steps to resolve this issue:

Verify NVM Installation: Open Command Prompt and type:
```
nvm --version
```
If NVM is installed correctly, this should return the installed version of NVM.
Install a Specific Version of Node.js: If NVM is working, you may need to install a specific version of Node.js:
```
nvm install <version>
```
For example:
```
nvm install 14.17.0
```
Set the Node.js Version: After installing, set the version you want to use:
```
nvm use <version>
```
For example:
```
nvm use 14.17.0
```
Check Environment Variables: If the previous steps don’t resolve the issue, check your system's PATH environment variable. It should include the directory where NVM and Node.js are installed (usually something like C:\Program Files\nodejs).
- Right-click on 'This PC' or 'My Computer' > Properties > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables.
- Find the Path variable and ensure it includes the correct paths to NVM and Node.js.
Reopen Command Prompt: After making changes to environment variables, close and reopen the Command Prompt to ensure it recognizes any changes.

Additional Tips

Using the Correct Command: Make sure you are typing node -v (not node-v). The correct syntax includes a space between node and -v.
NVM Version Control: Using NVM allows you to switch between different versions of Node.js seamlessly. Remember to check the currently active version with:
```
nvm list
```

Conclusion

If you've followed these steps and are still experiencing issues, consider reinstalling NVM or checking the official NVM for Windows GitHub repository for more troubleshooting resources.

Node.js is a powerful tool, and with NVM, managing multiple versions becomes easier. By ensuring you have the correct installation and environment setup, you can take full advantage of what Node.js has to offer for your development needs.

Useful Resources

By following this guide, you should be well on your way to resolving the issue of the node -v command not being recognized. Happy coding!