Node.js is one of the most popular JavaScript runtime environment platforms, and it is actually my personal favorite amongst others, like Deno, Bun, and QuickJS. Node.js allows me to build server-side applications using JavaScript. And, just like any software, I need to keep my Node version up-to-date to maximize security and performance.
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In this blog, I’ll share how I update Node versions using Mac, Windows, and Linux. I'll also give some tips to make the process as smooth as possible. But first, I’ll cover why updating Node is so essential.
If you’re new to Node.js, I recommend brushing up on JavaScript first — check out our free intro guide to JavaScript, and then come back here.
Table of Contents
- Why is it important to keep Node up-to-date?
- How to Update Node on Mac and Windows
- How to Update Node Versions on Linux
- Tips to Upgrade Node.js to the Latest Version
Why is it important to keep Node up-to-date?
Node.js is an open-source platform that allows developers like me to run JavaScript code on the server side, outside of a browser. Its source code is freely available for anyone to view. New features, bug fixes, and security updates are released regularly.
Here’s why it’s important to keep my Node up-to-date:
- Better security. Updates patch known security vulnerabilities. Running an outdated version leaves my application exposed to potential attacks, which is a risk I’m not willing to take.
- New features. Each update brings new features that I can use to improve my applications. Staying current ensures I have access to the best tools Node.js has to offer.
- Better performance. Newer versions of Node.js are faster, more efficient, and better optimized. They run programs smoothly, fix existing bugs, and even reduce memory usage — making everything I build work better.
- Smooth Development Workflow: Updating Node.js ensures my environment aligns with industry standards, reducing the likelihood of unexpected errors or bugs. It keeps my workflow efficient and my tools aligned with the latest practices.
I now know how important it is to update my Node, so how do I actually update it? Let's look at updating Node on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
How to Update Node on Mac and Windows
There are a couple of methods I like to use when updating Node.js on my Mac and Windows computers. Personally, I rely on npm or download the latest version manually and install it myself. Let me walk you through both approaches so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Using npm
As a developer, I already have Node Package Manager (npm) installed on my device. (If you don’t, follow this guide to install npm.) Here’s how I update my Node.js using npm.
1. Check the Current Node.js version. I start by opening the terminal and checking my current Node.js version with this command:node -v
2. Clear the npm cache. To reduce the chances of issues during the update, I clear the npm cache using:
npm cache clean --force
3. Install the `n` package. Next, I install `n`, which is a package published to the npm registry. It serves as a Node version manager and makes updating Node easy. I run:
npm install -g n
4. Update to the latest Node.js version. Once `n` is installed, I update Node.js to the latest version by running:
n latest
5. Verify the update. Finally, I confirm the update by rechecking my Node.js version with:
node -v
Additionally, I sometimes check if any of my installed packages are outdated using the following command. This will list any packages that need updating:
npm outdated
And that’s it! This method keeps my system running the latest and most secure version of Node.js.
Pro tip: After an update, issues often stem from incompatible dependencies. Deleting the node_modules folder and running npm install to reinstall dependencies has solved countless problems for me.
Manual Download
In my early years of coding, when I wasn't very familiar with using the command line, my go-to method for updating my version of Node was manually downloading the latest version from the official website.
On the official website, I get to choose the version of the node I would like to install. I always go with the latest version, and depending on the operating system I am currently working on, I choose my operating system.
Once I’ve downloaded the package, I will simply follow the instructions to install the package.
From there, I should be able to run the command node -v on my terminal to verify that the latest stable version of Node is installed.
I’ve found that, while this method works, it's more friendly for those who are new to coding. Typically, I find it more convenient to have npm installed on my device already (for a myriad of other reasons besides updating Node), so I can update by entering a couple of commands into the terminal.
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I also want to mention that there might be some potential issues when going down the manual download path, especially when there is an existing node version. Potential issues include:
- Overwriting the Current Version: If I have certain projects that depend on the previous version, this update might break compatibility. A way I can resolve this issue is by using a node package manager (nvm). With nvm, I can always choose the node version I would like to use in a project by using this command:
nvm use 23
This switches the node version to 23 for my current terminal session.
- PATH Conflicts: Installing Node.js manually can often update the file PATH; if there are multiple versions, there is a chance the wrong version takes precedence.
A version manager prevents PATH conflicts by managing PATH dynamically for the current session or project.
- Global Modules: Global npm modules installed with the existing Node.js version may no longer work or may require reinstallation with the new version. To fix this, I simply reinstall the global modules by using this command.
npm install -g <module-name>
How to Update Node Versions on Linux
Updating my Node.js version on Linux is quite different from how it is done on my macOS and Windows. I will have to use a package manager like NVM (Node Version Manager) instead of npm, or I can opt for using APT (Advance package tool).
Using nvm
nvm is one of my go-to tools because it allows me to manage multiple Node.js versions on my system. It’s incredibly handy for switching between versions when working on different projects. Here’s how I use nvm to update Node:
1. Check if nvm is already installed:
nvm --version
If it’s not installed, no worries! I install it with this command:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh | bash
2. Check the current version of Node on my system:
node -v
3. Update Node to the latest version:
nvm install node --reinstall-packages-from=node
4. Verify the update:
node -v
This method not only updates Node.js but also ensures my packages are seamlessly transferred to the new version.
Pro tip: After updating, some tools might not recognize the new Node version due to cached environment settings. Running nvm use [version] or restarting my terminal can help ensure everything is pointing to the correct version.
Using apt
For Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu, I sometimes use apt to update Node.js. It’s quick and easy:
1. Check my current Node.js version:
node -v
2. Install the latest version of Node.js:
sudo apt-get install nodejs
3. Verify the update:
node -v
These are just a few ways I use to update Node on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Keep in mind that it's important to keep current with the latest version of Node, not only for security reasons but also to get access to new features and bug fixes.
Tips to Upgrade Node.js to the Latest Version
Stay updated on Node releases.
To the best of my knowledge, there’s no built-in way I can use it to notify me when new Node versions are released. So, keeping an eye on the Node release notes for new updates or software changes is my best bet. Here are some ways I use to stay in the know about these:
- The latest version will always be available on the Node website, with changes detailed on the Node.js blog. I can check these resources regularly.
- I subscribe to newsletters like Node Weekly to stay in the loop.
- Since Node.js is open source, I can also watch the Node GitHub repository for updates to the package.
- I also follow Node.js on X and LinkedIn, where they post about new releases.
Plan to update regularly.
I recommend setting regular reminders to check for Node releases, even small ones, and update when appropriate. In cases of minor updates, updating my version immediately isn’t always necessary. However, for major releases or security patches, I prioritize the upgrade. It’s better to stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities than deal with issues later.
Use a node version manager.
Many developers, myself included, would recommend using a node version manager (nvm), which lets us switch between node versions quickly.
As WordPress developer Ahsan Ijtiba shares, “To maintain and update a Node.js app in web development, using a version manager like Node Version Manager (nvm) or fnm is highly recommended. These tools allow you to install multiple versions of Node.js and switch between them as needed, ensuring that you can work with different versions without conflicts.”
Review the changelog before updating.
Whenever I update, I always check the release notes on the Node.js blog. It’s like a roadmap that helps me anticipate deprecated features or breaking changes that could affect my projects. Breaking changes are updates that modify or remove existing functionality, which can cause older code to stop working as expected. For example, a function I rely on might be removed or behave differently after an update.
That’s why it’s essential to review release notes — some updates might require changes in your existing projects to ensure compatibility. Think of it as reading the manual before swapping out your car’s engine — it’s worth the time to prevent unexpected issues.
The Node.js blog publishes posts for each new release that detail improvements. I review this documentation before installing new package versions to learn about any deprecated features or possible breaking changes that might affect my application.
Test new releases.
I test new features or bug fixes in a development environment and test suite before deploying them to production. It isn’t a given that my program will always work as intended post-update, so this helps to ensure that everything functions properly before making any changes live.
Deploy the update gradually.
I often use a “canary release” strategy when deploying updates. By rolling out updates to a small group of users first, I can catch any issues before they impact everyone. It’s a safety net that’s saved me more than once. If an application malfunction occurs as a result of a Node.js update, this practice contains the damage and gives me time to address the issue before a wider rollout.
Monitor the update rollout.
Even after an update goes live, I keep an eye on performance metrics and user feedback. If I notice any unusual behavior, it’s often tied back to the recent upgrade, and I can address it quickly.
I monitor my application’s performance for unexpected behavior using Application Performance Monitoring tools, staying aware of any negative user feedback, and monitoring my application for unusual website metrics (e.g., lower-than-usual signup rates on a membership-based application).
Check the community.
I always check forums, GitHub, or developer communities to see how others are handling recent Node.js updates. Others have likely identified potential issues before me and can advise whether or not updating Node is ideal at the current moment.
Keeping Node Updated
From its easy-to-use environment, modern features, and constant updates, Node is a popular choice for developing applications. Keeping my version of Node updated is important to get the best performance, security, and features out of it. With multiple options available, such as Mac, Windows, and Linux, updating Node is accessible and can be done quickly with a few steps.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in January 2024 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
An Introduction to JavaScript
Learn the basics of one of the world's most popular programming languages. This guide covers:
- What JavaScript Is
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Data Types, Variables, and Operators
- And More!
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