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'npm' is not recognized after downloading your app? Install Node.js LTS

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Source checked 3 Oct 2026 · Published 4 Oct 2026 · Last reviewed 4 Oct 2026 · By Ctrl+Z Therapy (how we test)

The short answer

npm is installed together with Node.js, so "'npm' is not recognized" usually means Node.js isn't installed yet. Get it from the official Node.js website and pick the LTS version (version 24 on 3 Oct 2026); npm's own docs say to be sure to install the version labeled LTS. Then close your old terminal, open a new one and run npm install again.

What to do

  1. Download Node.js from nodejs.org and choose the LTS version.
  2. Close your open terminal windows and open a new one.
  3. Run npm install again in your app's folder.
  4. Still an error? Paste the exact message into your AI tool. It's the best clue.

Source

Checked on 3 Oct 2026. Prices, limits and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them.

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