Hey everyone, I’m having trouble with npm on my new Windows 11 setup. I installed Node.js from their website, but when I try to use npm, I get this weird error:
CALL "C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe" "C:\Program Files\nodejs\node_modules\npm\bin\npm-prefix.js" is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
Node works fine (v22.13.0), but npm is acting up. I’ve tried uninstalling and reinstalling, checking paths, and messing with environment variables. No luck so far.
Anyone run into this before? How’d you fix it? I just want to get my React project going, but I’m stuck. Help!
From my experience, this problem usually stems from an incorrect PATH setting. I solved it by verifying that the Node.js installation folder is properly added to the system’s PATH. Make sure the directory (typically C:\Program Files\nodejs) appears in the environment variables. I also recommend running the Command Prompt as an administrator and updating npm globally by executing the appropriate command.
If issues persist, consider using a node version manager like nvm for Windows to handle multiple Node versions. Restart your command prompt after making any changes.
I feel your pain, MiaDragon42. I ran into a similar headache when setting up Node on my new Windows 11 machine. What finally worked for me was a complete reset of the npm setup. Here’s what I did:
- Uninstalled Node.js completely
- Cleaned out all npm-related folders (check AppData and ProgramFiles)
- Rebooted my system (yes, the old ‘turn it off and on again’ trick)
- Downloaded the latest Node.js LTS version
- Installed with all default options
- Opened a new command prompt and ran ‘npm --version’
This process cleared out any conflicting installations or leftover files that might have been causing issues. After that, npm commands started working like a charm.
If that doesn’t do the trick, you might want to check if you have any conflicting Node versions hanging around. Sometimes old installations can mess things up. Good luck with your React project!
hey, i had a similar problem. try running the command prompt as admin and then do this:
npm cache clean --force
npm install -g npm@latest
that fixed it for me. if it doesn’t work, maybe check ur firewall settings? sometimes they mess with npm. good luck!