Question 1

How do I install nvm-windows if I already have Node.js installed?

Accepted Answer

You should uninstall any existing Node.js versions first to avoid PATH conflicts. The installer can attempt to manage existing installations, but for simplicity, a clean uninstall is recommended to prevent issues.

Question 2

What's the difference between nvm-windows and the original nvm for Mac/Linux?

Accepted Answer

nvm-windows is specifically designed for Windows, uses a symlink-based approach written in Go, and requires admin rights, whereas the original nvm is for Unix-like systems and uses shell scripts without admin needs by default.

Question 3

Why does nvm-windows need admin rights to work?

Accepted Answer

It requires administrative privileges to create and modify symlinks in the system PATH, which is a Windows security feature to prevent unauthorized changes to system directories.

Question 4

How can I use Yarn with nvm-windows?

Accepted Answer

Install Yarn globally for each Node.js version using 'npm install -g yarn' after switching to that version, as global packages are not shared across versions, requiring separate installations.

Question 5

What should I do if my antivirus flags nvm-windows?

Accepted Answer

Most versions are code-signed to reduce false positives, but if issues persist, check the common issues wiki for workarounds, such as adding exceptions for the nvm directory or disabling real-time scanning temporarily.

Question 6

How do I upgrade nvm-windows to a new version?

Accepted Answer

Run the new installer, which will safely overwrite necessary files without affecting your Node.js installations, as long as you use the same installation and symlink folders as the original setup.

nvm for Windows

What is nvm for Windows?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

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Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions