Install Node.js on Windows

Essential runtime for AI coding tools

Important

Claude Code and CodeX require Node.js 18+ runtime. If you already have Node.js 18 or later installed, you can skip this section. Verify with: node -v

Method 1: Official Installer (Recommended)

1. Visit the Node.js website: https://nodejs.org/en/download
2. Download the LTS (Long Term Support) Windows Installer (.msi)
3. Run the installer and complete the setup with default settings
4. The installer will automatically configure the system PATH environment variable

Method 2: Package Managers

Using Winget

Windows 11 or latest Windows 10:

winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS

Using Chocolatey

Requires Chocolatey to be installed first:

choco install nodejs-lts

Using Scoop

scoop install nodejs-lts

Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:

node --version
npm --version

If version numbers are displayed (e.g., v18.x.x or higher), the installation was successful.

Troubleshooting

"Not recognized as an internal or external command"

• Reopen the terminal window
• Check that the PATH environment variable includes the Node.js path
• Restart your computer and try again

Installation Fails

• Run the installer as Administrator
• Disable antivirus software and retry
• Ensure sufficient disk space on the system drive

Next Steps

Environment setup complete! You can now proceed to install Claude Code or CodeX.

• Install Claude Code
• Use CC-Switch Tool