How to Check NPM Version: A Comprehensive Guide to Different Methods and Importance in 2025

Do you know why JavaScript is the go-to language for 63.61% of web developers worldwide? One key reason for its popularity is its compatibility across all systems. This compatibility is made possible by NPM version control.

NPM version control is not only crucial for managing versions but also enhances functionality, reduces errors, and ensures scalability for future projects. It provides the robustness that contributes to JavaScript’s widespread popularity.

If you’re new to JavaScript development and curious about how to check the NPM version, this blog has you covered. Learn various methods for checking the NPM version and discover best practices to manage it effectively. Let’s get started!

What is NPM and its Installation? A Brief Overview

NPM (Node Package Manager) is a tool that helps manage JavaScript packages and dependencies in Node.js projects.

NPM manages dependencies by interacting with a project's package.json file. It installs, updates, and removes packages from the node_modules directory, ensuring compatibility and version control.

The main function of NPM is to control dependencies in Node.js. Other key features of NPM include the following.

• Package Management: Install, update, and uninstall libraries.
• Version Control: Ensures the use of specific package versions to avoid conflicts.
• Scripts: Automates tasks via npm run commands.
• Registry Access: Downloads and publishes packages to the public NPM registry.

Now that you understand NPM, let’s explore how to check the NPM version.

How to Check NPM Version Installed? Methods and Importance

Knowing the version of NPM allows you to check compatibility with your project's requirements. It will help you verify that you’re using the correct environment for development.

Here are the different ways to check the NPM version.

How to Check the NPM Version Using the Command-Line Interface (CLI)

Open the command prompt or terminal on your system and type the following command.

npm --version

Output:

The system will return a version number (e.g., 8.15.0). This is the installed version of NPM on your system.

How to Check the NPM Version Using the NPM-V Command

Open the command prompt or terminal window and type npm -v. The command will quickly retrieve the NPM version by querying the Node.js installation. It will provide the same output as npm --version.

Here’s the command.

npm -v

Example of Output:

8.15.0

How to Check the NPM Version Using Version Control

NPM has tools to manage versions for both the NPM installation and project dependencies. Here are the codes for different aspects of version control.

1. To list outdated packages

Command:

npm outdated

Output:

The output will show dependencies requiring updates, their installed versions, and the latest available versions.

2. To update dependencies

Command: 

npm update

Output:

The command will install the latest versions as per the package.json constraints.

3. To specify versions in package.json

Command:

"dependencies": {
  "express": "^4.17.1"
}

Also Read: package.json vs package-lock.json: Major Differences

How to Check the NPM Version Installed on Windows

To check the version of NPM installed on Windows, open Command Prompt (CMD), press Win + R. Type cmd, and press Enter. Run the following command.

npm -v

Example of Output:

8.15.0

Also Read: How to Install Node.js and NPM on Windows? [Step-by-Step]

How to Check the NPM Version Installed Using the Node.js Console

You can check the NPM version directly from the Node.js console using the following steps.

Step 1: Open your command prompt or terminal.

Step 2: Start the Node.js console using the following command.

node

Step 3: Execute the following command in the console.

require('child_process').execSync('npm -v').toString();

Example of Output:

'8.15.0\n'

Also Read: Top 45+ Nodejs Project Ideas for Beginners and Professionals

How to Check the NPM Version with package.json File

The NPM version required for your project can be verified by checking the engines field in package.json. Here are the required steps.

Step 1: Open the package.json file in your project directory

Step 2: Look for the engines section. Here’s a sample code of the engines section.

{
  "engines": {
    "npm": ">=8.0.0"
  }
}

Step 3: The number mentioned in the section is the minimum NPM version required for the project.

How to Check the NPM Version Using Scripts

You can use the child_process module to check the NPM version in the Node.js script programmatically. Here’s the code snippet for the process.

const { execSync } = require('child_process');

const npmVersion = execSync('npm -v').toString().trim();
console.log(`Installed NPM version: ${npmVersion}`);

Example of Output:

NPM version: 8.15.0

How to Check the NPM Version Using a Code Editor

You can use a code editor like VS Code to check the NPM version of Node.js. Here are the steps you can follow.

Step 1: Open VS Code and create a new .js file.

Step 2: Use the following code.

const { execSync } = require('child_process');

const npmVersion = execSync('npm -v').toString().trim();
console.log(`NPM version: ${npmVersion}`);

Step 3: Save the file and run it using the terminal in VS Code.

node filename.js

Step 4: The terminal will show the NPM version.

Example of Output:

NPM version: 8.15.0

Also Read: How to Install Specific Version of NPM Package?

Curious to know the importance of the installed NPM version? Check the following section.

Key Importance of Knowing the Installed NPM Version

Knowing the installed version of NPM directly impacts the functionality and reliability of your JavaScript projects. It helps you create projects that are compatible and can be expanded in the future.

Here are specific reasons for knowing the installed NPM version.

Learn NPM version control effectively with a Full Stack Development course. Enroll in the Full Stack Development Bootcamp to fast-track your learning.

Now that you understand why knowing the installed NPM version is important, let’s look at how to resolve some common NPM issues.

Troubleshooting Common NPM Issues

As a developer, you may encounter issues while working with NPM, especially when checking its version or managing dependencies. Here are some ways to address the common issues in NPM.

• Addressing Broken NPM Installations

If the NPM installation is broken, it can prevent basic commands from running. This issue mainly arises due to corrupted files during an update or installation. Here’s how you can address this issue.

1. Reinstall NPM using the following command.

npm install -g npm@latest

2. If the problem continues, clear the NPM cache.

npm cache clean --force

3. If you want to get a fresh version of NPM, reinstall Node.js

• Resolving Random Errors

Misconfigured dependencies or network issues can cause random errors such as npm ERR! code ELIFECYCLE or ENOTFOUND. Here’s the solution to this issue.

1. Clear the cache

npm cache clean --force

2. You can reinstall the failed package.

npm install <package-name>

3. Try this method if the error is related to the network timeout.

npm set timeout=60000

• Fixing Permissions Errors

You may encounter permission errors when NPM tries to access restricted directories, especially on LINUX systems. Here’s how you can overcome this problem.

1. While installing packages globally, do not use sudo. Instead, configure a local package directory. 

mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'

2. You must update your PATH variable to include the local directory.

export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH

• Handling Insufficient Disk Space

Large projects with many dependencies may fail due to insufficient disk space. Here’s how you can address this problem.

1. Remove unused global packages to make space.

npm uninstall -g <package-name>

2. Remove old package versions

npm prune

3. Make sure your disk has enough space for node_modules.

• Dealing with Dependency Conflicts

You may face this problem when multiple dependencies need incompatible versions of the same package. Here are the possible solutions.

1. Eliminate redundant versions using the npm dedupe command.

npm dedupe

2. You can update package.json to resolve version conflicts.

"dependencies": {
"react": "^17.0.0",
 "react-dom": "^17.0.0"
}

3. Reinstall the dependencies.

npm install

Now that you’ve learned how to address key NPM issues, let’s explore the best practices for installing and managing NPM versions.

Best Practices for Managing Installations in NPM Versions

Properly managing NPM versions and installations will help in maintaining a stable and efficient development workflow. Here are some of the best practices you can follow.

• Understanding Semantic Versioning

Semantic versioning (SemVer) can help you understand how updates to a package affect your project. 

Example: An NPM version mentioned as ^1.2.3 is in the following format.

Major version (1): Breaking changes.

Minor version (2): New features, backward-compatible.

Patch version (3): Bug fixes, backward-compatible.

• Utilizing package-lock.json

The package-lock.json file makes sure that there are consistent dependency versions across environments.

Example: If a member of your team installs dependencies, the package-lock.json ensures they receive the same versions, avoiding conflicts. 

• Regularly Updating Dependencies

If you do not update dependencies regularly, it can lead to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.

Example: Check outdated packages using npm outdated. Update dependencies using npm update. 

• Auditing Dependencies

Use the built-in auditing tool in NPM to identify and fix vulnerabilities in packages.

Example: Run the audit command using npm audit. Fix the vulnerabilities using npm audit fix.

• Managing Multiple Node and NPM Versions

Different projects may need different Node.js and NPM versions. Use tools like nvm (Node Version Manager) to switch between versions.

Example: Install nvm using the following command.

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.3/install.sh | bash

Switch Node.js versions using the following command.

nvm install 16
nvm use 16

Now that you understand the best practices for managing NPM versions, let’s explore how to deepen your knowledge about NPM version control.

How Can upGrad Assist You in Checking Your Installed NPM Version?

Understanding NPM versions is essential for maintaining stable, efficient, and secure development environments. Proper version management ensures compatibility, simplifies dependency updates and reduces vulnerabilities in your projects.

Developing skills like semantic versioning, dependency resolution, and using tools like nvm to handle multiple Node.js versions can greatly enhance your ability to manage projects effectively.

If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in version control and development practices, upGrad offers comprehensive courses in JavaScript, Node.js, and related technologies to help you gain hands-on experience and expertise.

Here are some of the courses offered by upGrad in related technologies.

• JavaScript Basics from Scratch
• Node.js For Beginners
• Advanced JavaScript for All

Similar Read:

• What are Global Objects in Node JS?
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• Node JS vs Python: Difference Between Node JS and Python [2024]
• Node JS Free Online Course with Certification [2025]
• Node JS Versions: Which One to Download?
• How to Create Index.js File in Node?

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References:
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