How to Install Node.js on Windows - step by step

Node.js is a popular open-source JavaScript runtime that allows you to run JavaScript code outside of a web browser. If you're a developer looking to get started with Node.js, you'll need to install it on your machine first. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of installing Node.js on a Windows system.

Step 1: Download the Node.js installer

To install Node.js on a Windows system, you need to download the installer from the official Node.js website. The website offers two versions of Node.js: the LTS (Long Term Support) version and the current version. The LTS version is recommended for most users, as it's more stable and receives security updates for a longer period of time. However, if you need the latest features and don't mind the occasional instability, you can download the current version.

To download Node.js, follow these steps:
  • Go to https://nodejs.org.
  • Click on the "Download" button on the homepage.
  • Select the version of Node.js you want to download (LTS or current).
  • Once you've selected a version, the website will automatically download the installer file for you.
  • With the installer downloaded, you're ready to move on to the next step: running the installer.
Step 2: Run the installer

After downloading the Node.js installer, the next step is to run it on your Windows system. The installation process is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps.

To run the installer, follow these steps:
  • Locate the downloaded installer file on your computer.
  • Double-click on the file to start the installation process.
  • The installer will display a welcome screen to guide you through the installation process.
  • Click on the "Next" button to proceed with the installation.
  • By clicking "Next," you'll move on to the next screen, which will prompt you to accept the license agreement for Node.js.

Step 3: Accept the license agreement
  • Read the license agreement and click the checkbox to accept it. Then click "Next".
Step 4: Choose the installation directory
  • Choose the directory where you want to install Node.js. 
  • The default directory is usually fine, so you can just click "Next".
Step 5: Choose the components to install
  • You'll see a list of components that you can install along with Node.js. 
  • If you're not sure what to choose, leave the default options checked and click "Next".
Step 6: Choose the start menu folder
  • Choose the folder where you want to create shortcuts for Node.js in the Start menu. 
  • The default folder is usually fine, so you can just click "Next".
Step 7: Install
  • Click "Install" to start the installation process. 
  • You'll see a progress bar that will show you how much time is remaining.
Step 8: Finish
  • Once the installation is complete, click "Finish" to exit the installer. 
Congratulations, you've successfully installed Node.js on your Windows machine!

Step 9: Verify the installation

To verify that Node.js is installed correctly, 
Open your command prompt or PowerShell window and type the following command:
 > node -v 

This should output the version number of Node.js that you just installed. 
For example, if you installed Node.js LTS version 14.17.0, you should see something like this:
 > v14.17.0

Conclusion
In this blog, we've shown you how to install Node.js on Windows in a few simple steps. Now that you have Node.js installed on your machine, you can start building server-side applications with JavaScript. There are plenty of resources available online to help you get started. Happy coding! 

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