How to Update Node.js Versions On Linux, MacOS and Windows

Keeping your Node.js version up to date is essential for security, performance, and access to the latest features.

New releases often include bug fixes, optimizations, and improvements that can enhance your development workflow.

If you are running a Linux system, there are several ways to update Node.js. This guide will walk you through multiple methods, including using a package manager, Node Version Manager (nvm), NodeSource distribution binaries, and manually downloading the latest version.

By the end of this article, you'll have the latest version of Node.js running smoothly on your system-without breaking your existing projects.

Let's get started!

Check Your Current Node.js Version

Before updating Node.js, it's important to check which version you currently have installed. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal or command prompt:

  node -v

This will display the installed Node.js version, e.g., v22.11.0.

Understanding Node.js Release Lines: LTS vs. Current

Node.js follows a predictable release schedule with two main tracks:

LTS (Long-Term Support): Recommended for most users, especially for production environments. LTS versions receive security updates and bug fixes for an extended period. The LTS version at the moment is v22.
Current: Includes the latest features and improvements but may introduce breaking changes. It's ideal for developers who want early access to new capabilities. The current version at the moment, and until April 2025, is v23.

To determine whether your installed version is still actively maintained, visit the Node.js release schedule.

Linux Updates

Method 1: Updating Node.js Using NodeSource Binary Distributions

Updating Node.js on Linux can be done efficiently using the NodeSource binary distributions, which provide a simple and reliable way to install and manage Node.js versions. NodeSource is the recommended way to install Node.js on Linux as it offers the most up-to-date and stable releases, including LTS and Current versions.

Using NodeSource Binaries

NodeSource provides official binary distributions for Node.js, allowing you to easily install or upgrade to the latest version of Node.js on your Linux machine.

Add the NodeSource Repository

To update Node.js, you first need to ensure that the NodeSource repository is set up for the version you want to install. Follow the steps below to add the NodeSource repository and install or update Node.js:

For the Latest Node.js Version:

Run the following command to add the NodeSource repository for the latest version of Node.js:

  curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_current.x | sudo -E bash -

For the Latest LTS Version:

If you prefer to install the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version, use the LTS setup script instead:

  curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -

For a specific version:

If you want to install a specific version, for example v23, you can run the following command:

  curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_23.x -o nodesource_setup.sh

Run the setup script with sudo:

  sudo -E bash nodesource_setup.sh

Install Node.js or N Solid Runtime

Note: When using NodeSource, you have the option to install either the standard Node.js Binaries or the N Solid Runtime.

Node.js Binaries are the official Linux packages for Node.js, offering a reliable, secure, and up-to-date way to install and manage Node.js versions across various Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, and Amazon Linux.
N Solid Runtime is an enterprise-grade version of Node.js that includes advanced security features, real-time performance monitoring, and enhanced diagnostics, making it ideal for teams focused on security and operational insights.

If you need only the Node.js runtime, follow the Node.js installation steps. If you're looking for additional security and performance monitoring capabilities, installing N Solid is recommended.

Node.js:

sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

This will install the latest version of Node.js (either LTS or Current, depending on the script you ran).

N Solid:

sudo apt-get install -y nsolid

This command will install the latest stable version with enterprise-grade monitoring and security capabilities.

Verify the Installation

After installation, you should verify that Node.js has been updated successfully. Use the following command to check the version:

For Node.js: node -v

For N Solid: nsolid-v

Install Additional Dependencies (Optional)

If you're working with native modules or need additional build tools (like make or gcc), you may want to install the build-essential package:

  sudo apt-get install -y build-essential

This package includes the necessary tools to compile and install Node.js native modules, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Removing Old Versions

If you're using NodeSource and have multiple Node.js versions installed, you can remove older versions to free up space. To do this, you can use the following command:

  sudo apt-get remove --purge nodejs

Method 2: Updating Node.js Using NVM (Node Version Manager)

For users who work on multiple Node.js projects requiring different versions, nvm is the best solution.

Installing NVM (If Not Installed)

First, check if nvm is installed:

  command -v nvm

If not, install it using:

  curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.5/install.sh | bash 
  source ~/.bashrc # or ~/.zshrc

Updating Node.js with NVM

Once nvm is installed, you can update Node.js:

Check available versions:

  nvm list-remote | tail -n 10

Install the latest version:

  nvm install node

Use the latest version:

  nvm use node

Set it as the default:

  nvm alias default node

Method 3: Manually Downloading and Installing Node.js

If you prefer to manually install the latest version, you can do so from the official Node.js website.

Steps to Manually Update Node.js

Download the latest Node.js binary:

  curl -fsSL https://nodejs.org/dist/latest/node-v23.8.0-linux-x64.tar.xz-o node.tar.xz

Extract the file:

  tar -xf node.tar.xz

Move the extracted files to /usr/local:

  sudo mv node-v20.8.0-linux-x64/usr/local/nodejs

Update your system's PATH:

  echo 'export PATH=/usr/local/nodejs/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
  source ~/.bashrc

Verify the installation:

  node -v

Choosing the Best Update Method

If you want official binary distributions, use Method 1 (NodeSource Binaries), the best choice overall.
If you work with multiple Node.js versions, nvm (Method 2).
If you prefer a manual approach, follow Method 3.

By using NodeSource binaries, you can keep your Node.js version up-to-date on Linux with minimal effort, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches. This method is the recommended and most reliable approach for Linux users looking to update Node.js.

Update Node.js Versions on MacOS

macOS users have multiple options for updating Node.js, but the most efficient methods are using Node Version Manager (nvm) or Homebrew. Other options include n or downloading the official installer from Node.js.

Method 1: Updating Node.js Using Homebrew

Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS that allows you to easily install and update software. Though it doesn't allow switching between multiple versions easily.

Steps to Update Node.js with Homebrew

Update Homebrew to ensure you have the latest package definitions:

  brew update

If Node.js is not installed, run:

  brew install node

If you already have Node.js and want to upgrade:

  brew upgrade node

Verify the update:

  node -v

If you installed Node.js via Homebrew, this method is the simplest and most recommended approach.

Method 2: Updating Node.js Using NVM (Node Version Manager)

NVM is an excellent tool for managing multiple Node.js versions, allowing you to switch between them as needed.

Installing NVM (If Not Installed)

First, check if nvm is installed:

  command -v nvm

If it's not installed, install it using:

  curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.5/install.sh |
  bash
  source ~/.bashrc # or ~/.zshrc

Reload your shell:

  source ~/.zshrc # For Zsh users
  source ~/.bashrc # For Bash users

Verify that nvm is installed:

  command -v nvm

Updating Node.js with NVM

Once nvm is installed, update Node.js as follows:

Install the latest version:

  nvm install node

Install the latest LTS version:

  nvm install node-lts

Switch between versions:

  nvm use <version>

List installed versions:

  nvm list

Set a default version:

  nvm alias default <version>

Verify the update:

  node -v

This method is ideal for developers working on multiple projects that require different Node.js versions.

Using n (Alternative to nvm)

n is another tool for managing Node.js versions, though it requires global npm installation.

Install n

  npm install -g n

Install the Latest Node.js Version

  sudo n latest

Install the latest LTS version:

  sudo n lts

Method 3: Updating Node.js by Manually Downloading

For users who prefer a graphical interface, you can download the latest Node.js version from the official Node.js website.

Visit the website and download the macOS Installer (.pkg).
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Verify the installation:

  node -v

  npm -v

Final Verification

After updating, confirm that Node.js is running the latest version:

  node -v

  npm -v

Choosing the Best Update Method

If you installed Node.js via Homebrew, use Method 1.
If you need to manage multiple Node.js versions, use Method 2 (NVM).
If you prefer a manual approach, use Method 3.

Update Node.js Versions on Windows

Method 1: Using the Node.js Installer (Recommended for Beginners)

One of the easiest ways to update Node.js on Windows is by using the official Node.js installer.

Steps:

Download the Latest Version:

Go to the official Node.js website.
Choose either the LTS (Long-Term Support) version for stability or the Current version for the latest features.
Click the Windows Installer (.msi) download link.

Run the Installer:

Double-click the downloaded .msi.msi file.
Follow the installation wizard. It will detect and upgrade your existing Node.js installation.

Verify the Update:

Once installed, reopen Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:

  node -v

Ensure it displays the updated version.

Method 2: Using Node Version Manager for Windows (nvm-windows)

For developers who frequently switch between Node.js versions, nvm-windows (Node Version Manager for Windows) is a more flexible solution.

Installing nvm-windows:

Uninstall Existing Node.js (optional):

Open Add or Remove Programs in Windows.
Find Node.js, click Uninstall, and follow the steps.

Install nvm-windows:

Download the installer from the nvm-windows GitHub releases page.
Run the .exe file and follow the setup instructions.

Verify Installation:

Open a new Command Prompt and run:

  nvm -v

If installed correctly, it will return the version of nvm-windows.

Updating Node.js Using nvm-windows:

Once nvm-windows is installed, you can easily manage multiple Node.js versions.

List Available Versions:

  nvm list available

This command shows the latest Node.js versions available for installation.

Install a New Version:

  nvm install v22.11.0

(Replace v22.11.0 with the latest stable version.)

Use the New Version or switch to a specific version:

  nvm use <version>

(Replace <version> with the version you installed.)

To Install the latest version:

  nvm install latest

  nvm use latest

To install the latest LTS version:

  nvm install lts

  nvm use lts

Verify the Update:

  node -v

Set a default version:

  nvm alias default <version>

Method 3: Updating via Chocolatey (For Power Users)

Chocolatey is a package manager for Windows that allows you to install and manage software using the command line.

Installing Chocolatey:

If you don’t have Chocolatey installed, open PowerShell as an administrator and run:

  Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force;
  [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol =
  [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; iex ((New-Object
  System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://community.chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))

Updating Node.js Using Chocolatey:

Once Chocolatey is installed, you can update Node.js with a single command:

  choco upgrade nodejs

This command downloads and installs the latest stable version of Node.js. To verify the installation, run:

  node -v

Method 4: Using Winget (Windows Package Manager)

Winget is a built-in package manager in Windows 10 and 11 that allows you to update software from the command line.

Updating Node.js with Winget:

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator.
Run the following command to update Node.js:

  winget upgrade --id OpenJS.NodeJS -e --source winget

Verify the update:

  node -v

Updating npm Separately

When updating Node.js, npm is usually updated automatically. However, if you need to update npm separately, run:

  npm install -g npm

Then, check the npm version:

  npm -v

Choosing the Best Update Method

Updating Node.js on Windows is essential for maintaining security, performance, and compatibility with modern JavaScript features.

You can update it using different methods:

Node.js Installer – Easiest for beginners
nvm-windows – Best for managing multiple versions
Chocolatey – Ideal for power users
Winget – Simple and built into Windows

Choose the method that best fits your workflow and enjoy the latest features of Node.js!

If you're managing multiple projects, nvm-windows is a fantastic choice, while Chocolatey and Winget are great for quick updates.

For developers and organizations seeking enhanced security, performance monitoring, and reliability, N|Solid is the best solution. N|Solid is an enterprise–grade platform built on Node.js, offering real-time insights, vulnerability scanning, and advanced diagnostics to ensure your applications run securely and efficiently. With features like built-in CVE monitoring and proactive alerts, N|Solid helps teams stay ahead of security risks, even as the Node.js ecosystem evolves. It’s an invaluable tool for teams navigating the challenges of upgrading and maintaining Node.js applications.

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