Install Node.js on Windows

Required runtime for the three main AI coding tools.

Important

Claude Code, CodeX, and Gemini CLI all require Node.js 18+. If Node.js 18 or later is already installed, you can skip this page. Check with node -v.

Method 1: Official Installer (Recommended)

1. Visit the Node.js website: https://nodejs.org/en/download
2. Download the LTS Windows Installer (.msi)
3. Run the installer with the default options
4. The installer will configure the system PATH automatically

Method 2: Package Manager

Winget

For Windows 11 or recent Windows 10 versions:

winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS

Chocolatey

Install Chocolatey first, then run:

choco install nodejs-lts

Scoop

scoop install nodejs-lts

Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:

node --version
npm --version

If version numbers are shown, such as v18.x.x or later, installation succeeded.

FAQ

"Not recognized as an internal or external command"

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

Installation Failed

• Run the installer as administrator
• Temporarily disable antivirus software and retry
• Check whether the system drive has enough space

Next Steps

Environment Ready

You can now install Claude Code, CodeX, or Gemini CLI.

• Back to Windows Node.js setup
• Install Claude Code
• Use CC-Switch