Enviroment setup prerequiste

Introduction

This page walks you through a hands-on, GUI-style installation of Node.js on Windows — the kind of instructions that say “click Yes”, “choose folder”, and “Next → Next → Install”. It assumes you want the LTS (Long Term Support) build for stability. Each step includes an image placeholder so you can drop in screenshots later.

Note: If you use macOS or Linux, see the short notes at the end of this page (they’re quick CLI/pkging notes). This page focuses on the Windows installer UX.

Before you start

  • Download the LTS version from https://nodejs.org — LTS is recommended for most projects.
  • Choose 64-bit unless you have a specific reason to use 32-bit.
  • You will need administrator privileges to install to the default Program Files folder.
  • Close terminal windows after installation so the new PATH is picked up.

Step-by-step (Windows MSI installer)

1. Download Node.js (LTS)

  1. Open your browser and go to: https://nodejs.org/
  2. Click the button (Windows Installer .msi).
    nodejs-download

2. Run the installer

  1. Double-click the downloaded .msi file (usually in your Downloads folder).

3. Welcome screen

  1. The installer shows a welcome panel. Click Next to continue.
    nodejs-welcome

4. License agreement

  1. Read (or skim) the license.
  2. Select I accept the terms in the License Agreement and click Next.
    Image placeholder:
    nodejs-license

5. Choose destination folder

  1. The installer suggests a default folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\nodejs\).
  2. If you want a custom location click Change… and pick a folder; otherwise accept the default and click Next.
    Tip: Install to Program Files unless you have a good reason not to.
    nodejs-choose-folder

6. Custom setup / Components

  1. Keep Node.js runtime and npm package manager selected (they are by default).
  2. Ensure the option to Add to PATH is enabled (usually automatic).
  3. Optionally enable any extras like documentation or context menu entries.
  4. Click Next.
    alt text

7. Install

  1. Click Install to begin.
  2. Wait while files are copied. If UAC prompts again, click Yes.

8. Finish

  1. When the installer completes, click Finish.
  2. Optionally check any post-install toolboxes the installer offers (for example “Automatically install required tools” — optional).
    Image placeholder:
    Node_finish

9. Verify installation

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell (open a new window).
  2. Run:
    node -v
npm -v