How to Install NPM on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re learning JavaScript or diving into frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue, you’ll quickly come across NPM (Node Package Manager). It’s an essential tool for managing packages, libraries, and dependencies in the JavaScript ecosystem.

But if you’re on Windows 11, you might be wondering: How do I install NPM easily and correctly?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about installing NPM on Windows 11 — step by step. By the end, you’ll have NPM up and running, ready to install packages and kick off your projects.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

NPM comes bundled with Node.js — you don’t install it separately.
You can install Node.js + NPM using the official installer or a version manager like nvm-windows.
Verify installation with node -v and npm -v in Command Prompt.
Updating NPM ensures you get the latest features and bug fixes.

What is NPM and Why Do You Need It?

Think of NPM like an app store for JavaScript developers. It lets you:

Install JavaScript libraries (React, Express, Lodash, etc.).
Manage project dependencies.
Run scripts for building, testing, and deploying apps.

Without NPM, building modern web apps would be much harder.

Step 1: Download Node.js (Includes NPM)

Since NPM comes bundled with Node.js, you’ll need to install Node first.

Go to the official website: https://nodejs.org.
Choose the LTS (Long-Term Support) version for most stability.
Download the Windows Installer (.msi).

💡 Tip: Avoid the Current release unless you specifically need the newest features.

Step 2: Install Node.js on Windows 11

Run the Node.js installer you downloaded.
Follow the setup wizard:
- Accept the license agreement.
- Choose an install location (default works fine).
- Make sure “Install npm package manager” is checked.
- Click Next through optional features.
- Click Install.
Once finished, click Finish.

Step 3: Verify NPM Installation

To confirm that NPM installed correctly:

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Type:

This shows the Node.js version.

Then type:

This shows the NPM version.

✅ If both commands return version numbers, you’re good to go!

Step 4: Update NPM (Optional but Recommended)

Sometimes the NPM version bundled with Node.js is outdated. To update:

Then check with:

Step 5: Install Packages with NPM

Now that you have NPM, you can start installing packages.

For example, to install Express (a Node.js web framework):

To install globally (usable across projects):

Alternative: Use NVM for Windows

If you work on multiple projects, you may need different Node versions. That’s where nvm-windows (Node Version Manager) helps.

Download it from: nvm-windows GitHub.
Install it like a regular program.
Use commands like:

NPM comes bundled automatically.

Troubleshooting NPM Installation on Windows 11

If something doesn’t work, here are common fixes:

Problem	Solution
`npm` not recognized	Add Node.js path to Environment Variables.
Permission errors	Run Command Prompt as Administrator or use `--force`.
Old version installed	Update Node.js or run `npm install -g npm@latest`.
Proxy issues	Configure with `npm config set proxy http://proxy:port`.

Step-by-Step Recap

Download Node.js from nodejs.org.
Install Node.js (NPM included).
Verify with node -v and npm -v.
Update NPM for latest version.
Start installing packages or use nvm-windows if you need multiple Node versions.

Conclusion

Installing NPM on Windows 11 is straightforward since it comes bundled with Node.js. With just a few steps, you can have your development environment ready for modern JavaScript projects.

👉 Whether you’re building with React, running Express servers, or experimenting with Vue, having NPM installed is your first step into the powerful JavaScript ecosystem.

FAQs

1. Does NPM come with Node.js?
Yes, NPM is bundled automatically when you install Node.js.

2. How do I update Node.js on Windows 11?
Download the latest installer from nodejs.org or use nvm-windows to manage versions.

3. Can I install NPM without Node.js?
No, NPM requires Node.js since they’re packaged together.

4. What’s the difference between global and local NPM installs?

Local: Installs in the project folder.
Global: Available system-wide.

5. Is NPM free to use?
Yes, NPM is open-source and free for all developers.