How to Update Node.js to Latest Version {Linux, Windows, and macOS}

Introduction

Node.js is an open-source JavaScript runtime environment. Since Node.js has an active community of users, minor updates of the software come out every few weeks.

You may be using Node.js as a layer of the MEAN stack or in a different JS framework. Either way, make sure to update Node.js regularly to ensure system security.

There are several ways to install Node.js and NPM. Likewise, there are several ways to update your Node.js version, depending on the operating system running on your machine.

In this article, you will learn how to update to the latest Node.js version on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

3 Ways to Update Node.js to Latest Version on Linux Systems

There are different ways to update Node.js if you are using a Linux-based system. Although using the Node Version Manager is the easiest and most recommended option, you can also update with the local package manager or by downloading the binary packages.

Option 1: Update Node.js with NVM (Node Version Manager)

The best way to upgrade Node.js is with NVM, a practical tool for managing multiple Node.js versions.

1. Start by updating the package repository with the command:

sudo apt update

2. Install NVM using the curl command:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.38.0/install.sh | bash

Alternatively, you use wget and run the command:

wget -q0- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.38.0/install.sh | bash

3. Close and reopen the terminal for system to recognize the changes or run the command:

source ~/.bashrc

5. Then, verify if you have successfully installed NVM:

nvm --version

6. Before upgrading Node.js, check which version you have running on the system:

nvm ls

7. Now you can check for newly available releases with:

nvm ls-remote

8. To install the latest version, use the nvm command with the specific Node.js version:

nvm install [version.number]

Option 2: Update Node.js with NPM (Node Package Manager)

As an alternative, you can use Node’s official package manager to update Node.js. NPM is a tool for installing and managing package dependencies.

If you have Node on your system, you have NPM, as well. With the npm command, you can check running Node.js versions and install the latest release.

By adding the n module, you can interactively manage Node.js versions.

1. First, clear the npm cache:

npm cache clean -f

2. Install n, Node’s version manager:

npm install -g n

3. With the n module installed, you can use it to:

Install the latest stable version:

sudo n stable

Install the latest release:

sudo n latest

Install a specific version:

sudo n [version.number]

Option 3: Update Node.js with Binary Packages

Updating Node.js with binary packages is the least recommended option. However, if it is the only way you can upgrade to the latest Node.js version, follow the steps outlined below.

1. Navigate to Node’s official downloads page where you can find all available packages. There you can download the source code or pre-built installer for the LTS versions or the latest release.

2. You can either download the package from your browser or find the version number you need and add it to the wget command:

wget https://nodejs.org/dist/v14.17.0/node-v14.17.0-linux-x64.tar.xz

3. Next, install xz-utils used to extract the binary package:

sudo apt-get install xz-utils

4. Extract and install the package with the command:

sudo tar -C /usr/local --strip-components 1 -xJf node-v14.17.0-linux-x64.tar.xz

Update Node.js to Latest Version on Windows and macOS

Updating Node.js on Windows and macOS follows the same principles.

There are two simple ways to upgrade:

• Download the latest Node.js release from its official download page and install the new Node.js release.
• Install the n module and update Node.js inside the terminal window.

Option 1: Update Node.js on Windows and macOS with Installer

One way to update your Node.js is to go to its official download page and install the newest release. Bz doing so, the system should overwrite the older version with the updated one.

1. Navigate to the Node.js website and click on the latest stable version or the newest current release (with the latest features).

2. After deciding the version, click on the Windows or the macOS Installer, depending on the system you are using. The system downloads the package and stores it in the specified directory.

3. Once the download is complete, run the installer.

4. The Node.js Setup Wizard appears and guides you through the installation.

5. Accept the License Agreement by checking the box and click Next.

6. Choose the destination folder where you want to install Node.js.

7. Node.js allows you to select how you want to install the Node features. Change the way the features are installed by clicking on the icons in the tree.

8. With that, the latest Node.js is ready to install. Click Install to confirm, wait until the installation completes, and click Finish.

9. Check the Node.js version with the command:

node -v

Option 2: Update Node.js on Windows and macOS with NPM

If you want to upgrade Node.js from the command line, use the n model within the npm command. The n feature allows you to interact with different Node.js versions.

1. Before updating the Node.js release, check which version you are currently using with:

node -v

2. Next, clear npm cache with the command:

npm cache clean -f

3. Install n globally:

npm install -g n

4. Now that you have n installed, you can use the module to install the latest stable release of Node.js:

sudo n stable

Alternatively, you can install the Node.js release with the latest features:

sudo n latest

Or, install a specific version number with:

n [version.number]

Conclusion

The best part of open-source technology is its strong community of users constantly working on upgrading the software.

Node.js is a good example of such software as new versions come out regularly. Users can choose whether they want to work with the LTS (the long-term supported version) or the latest version with the newest features.

This article should have helped you update Node.js on any operating system.