Install Node.js on Windows

The required runtime environment for the three major AI coding tools.

Important

Claude Code and Codex CLI both require Node.js 18+. If Node.js 18 or later is already installed, you can skip this section.

Verification command: node -v

Method 1: Official Installer (Recommended)

1. Visit the Node.js download page: https://nodejs.org/zh-cn/download
2. Download the LTS Windows Installer (.msi).
3. Run the installer and keep the default options.
4. The installer automatically configures the system PATH environment variable.

Node.js Download Page

Method 2: Package Manager

Winget

For Windows 11 or recent Windows 10 versions:

winget install OpenJS.NodeJS.LTS

Chocolatey

Install Chocolatey first, then run:

choco install nodejs-lts

Scoop

scoop install nodejs-lts

Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:

node --version
npm --version

If version numbers are displayed, such as v18.x.x or later, the installation is successful.

FAQ

“Not recognized as an internal or external command”

1. Reopen the terminal window.
2. Check whether the PATH environment variable includes the Node.js path.
3. Restart the computer and try again.

Installation failed

1. Run the installer as administrator.
2. Temporarily disable antivirus software and retry.
3. Check whether the system drive has enough free space.

Next Steps

✅ Environment ready!

You can now continue installing Claude Code, Codex CLI, Codex Desktop, or OpenCode.

• Install Claude Code
• Install Codex CLI
• Install Codex Desktop
• Install OpenCode