How to Update Node.js and NPM to the Latest Version?

Keeping Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager) updated is essential for ensuring you have the latest features, security updates, and performance improvements. This article will guide you through the steps to update Node.js and npm to the latest version on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

This article delves into the steps for updating both Node.js and NPM. While the process might seem daunting initially, following these steps ensures a smooth and effective update using NPM.

Table of Content

  • Using NVM
  • Check if nvm is installed successfully
  • Using Node.js Installer on Windows and macOS
  • Using npm to Update npm
  • Using Homebrew on macOS

Using NVM

After installing nvm, the following can be done to update the Node version to the latest version

nvm install <version>

Check the list of available Node.js versions in the system using the following command.

nvm list 

To use the desired version, use the following command:

nvm use <version>

Update npm: To update NPM, use the following command

npm install -g npm

Output: 

Check if nvm is installed successfully

Open a new terminal
nvm -v

To install the latest version of the node, use the following command.

# nvm install node
or
# nvm install --lts
or
# nvm install

Check all the available versions of the node on the system:

# nvm ls

Use a particular version

# nvm use 

Update npm to latest version:

# npm install -g npm 

Using Node.js Installer on Windows and macOS

Step 1: Download Installer by Visiting Node.js official website.

Step 2: Run Installer by Opening the downloaded installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 3: Verify Installation

node -v

Using npm to Update npm

Update npm

npm install -g npm@latest

Step 3: Verify latest Installation update

node -v

Using Homebrew on macOS

Step 1: Install Homebrew by Visiting brew.sh and follow the installation instructions.

Step 2: brew update

brew update

Step 3: Install Node.js

brew install node

Step 4: Update Node.js

brew upgrade node

Step 5: Verify latest Installation update

node -v

Also Read

JavaScript is best known for web page development but is also used in various non-browser environments. You can learn JavaScript from the ground up by following this JavaScript Tutorial and JavaScript Examples.