Node.js Installation Guide

Claude Code, Gemini CLI, Codex CLI, and several other developer tools require Node.js. Complete this setup before installing those tools.

Windows

Download the current LTS installer for Windows.

Run the installer and keep the default options unless your environment requires otherwise.

choco install nodejs-lts

scoop install nodejs-lts

Download the macOS LTS installer from the Node.js download page.

Use your distribution's package manager or a Node.js version manager. The following NodeSource commands are common examples.

Ubuntu or Debian:

CentOS or RHEL:

Review third-party installation scripts before running them in a production or managed environment.

Open a new terminal and run:

The installation is successful when both commands print a version number.

If npm downloads are slow or time out from your network, you can switch to the mainland China mirror:

Verify the setting:

To restore the official npm registry later: