How to Check NPM Version? Explore Challenges and Tips to Troubleshoot Them

When you start a new JavaScript project, one of the first checks you should make is your NPM version. It might seem minor, but it can save you hours of troubleshooting and confusion. In many cases, an outdated or mismatched version of NPM creates unforeseen problems when installing or updating packages, so it’s wise to confirm that everything is in sync from the outset.

You may ask why a simple version check matters so much. Features, security improvements, and overall project stability often depend on the right release of NPM. 

In this blog, you’ll discover how to check NPM version on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You’ll find clear steps for handling multiple versions of Node.js and troubleshooting tips to prevent problems from spiraling out of control. Let's start with the most basic question – what is NPM, and why must you check it?

What Is NPM and Why Should You Check Your NPM Version?

When you work on JavaScript projects and applications, you rely on specific tools to keep everything running smoothly. One of those tools is NPM (Node Package Manager), which ensures that the libraries and modules you install remain organized and consistent with your project’s requirements. Because it’s such a key component of your workflow, you want to be certain that you’re using the right NPM version from the start.

Verifying your NPM version helps you stay on top of modern features, reduces conflicts with dependencies, and acts as a safeguard against security risks. 

In the sections below, you’ll learn how NPM operates behind the scenes and see why a simple version check can strengthen your JavaScript projects.

What Does NPM Exactly Do?

NPM does far more than install code libraries. It runs alongside Node.js and simplifies adding, updating, or removing any modules your application needs. It also streamlines version control so that your packages remain consistent. 

Here are its main roles:

• Install, Update, and Remove: It provides straightforward commands for adding new libraries, upgrading them to fresh releases, or removing ones you no longer need.
• Control Specific Package Versions: You can lock down certain version numbers to avoid unexpected compatibility issues when multiple developers work on the same project.
• Automate Tasks: It lets you run helpful commands through scripts. For instance, npm run build can bundle your app, while npm run test might run unit tests.
• Publish and Access Packages: You can publish your own packages to the public registry and pull in any libraries that other developers have shared.

Why Is Knowing Your NPM Version Important?

It’s easy to overlook NPM’s version after you install it. However, this detail matters if you want to maintain a reliable code base. An out-of-date NPM might create more conflicts in package management, and new releases often include important security updates. By checking your NPM version regularly, you’ll know exactly where your system stands and see if an update could help your project run more efficiently.

Below are the reasons you should keep your NPM version in check:

• Compatibility: Different applications can have distinct requirements, so matching your NPM version to the project avoids unexpected crashes and error messages.
• Access to Features: You benefit from the latest commands, performance improvements, and enhancements that only appear in newer NPM versions.
• Security Updates: Critical fixes often land in recent releases, so updating your NPM helps protect your code from vulnerabilities.
• Troubleshooting and Bug Fixes: Many setup issues are caused by outdated tools. Confirming that your NPM is up to date quickly narrows down the root of a problem.
• Community Standards: Development teams usually expect everyone to use current versions of core tools. When you keep pace, collaboration becomes smoother.
• Scalability: Large projects run more reliably on modern versions of NPM that handle dependencies with better speed and efficiency.

How Can You Check Your NPM Version on Different Operating Systems?

Verifying NPM on different platforms is usually simple. The main commands stay consistent across Windows, macOS, and Linux, though the specific terminal or command prompt might look a bit different. 

In the following sections, you’ll see how to check NPM version on each operating system and confirm that your setup is truly aligned with your project needs.

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

You might prefer this approach if you want a quick way to confirm your NPM version. A single command often does the job, and you can learn immediately whether you need to update anything. 

Different operating systems have slight variations in how you open the prompt, but the commands themselves stay consistent. It’s also smart to confirm that your Node.js release is compatible with your overall setup, especially if you plan to switch versions.

Take a look at these steps that detail how you can run the right commands on any platform:

Basic Commands to check NPM Version

You can run either of the following two commands to see your current NPM release:

npm -v

Or,

npm --version

Here’s how the output might look like when you run these commands:

8.15.0

1. How to Check NPM Version on Windows vs macOS/Linux?

On Windows, open Command Prompt or PowerShell. 

On macOS or Linux, open the Terminal. 

Then enter either of the two commands from above:

npm -v

Or,

npm --version

Your version number will appear in the console. 

2. How to Check NPM Version in Ubuntu?

If you are using Ubuntu, you may want to confirm your Node.js release alongside NPM by running the following command:

node -v

If you notice that you’re on version 6 and need version 4 (or any other release), you can switch versions through Node Version Manager (NVM). 

For example:

nvm install 4
nvm use 4

You’ll then have immediate access to the desired Node.js version as well as the matching NPM release.

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

How to Check NPM Version in CMD?

You can rely on CMD to handle your Node.js tasks in a familiar Windows environment. This method gives you a direct view of the NPM release that’s installed on your system. It can be helpful if you prefer a clear interface without additional layers or terminal-specific behaviors. Many developers also find that checking their version in CMD is an easy way to confirm that everything is properly set up on Windows.

Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Open CMD

Click the Start button, type “cmd,” and select the Command Prompt from the results. You may choose “Run as administrator” if your system permissions require it.

Step 2: Run the Command

You need to type in either of the following two commands and press Enter:

npm -v

Or,

npm --version

Step 3: View the Output

The window will display a number, such as:

8.15.0

This tells you exactly which NPM version is currently installed on your system.

How Do You Verify and Check NPM Version Using Node.js Installer Details?

When you download Node.js from its official website, it arrives with NPM included. This allows you to handle both installations in one step and confirm that everything is ready. It might be convenient if you prefer not to rely on extra tools or packages. Once the Node.js installer completes its work, you can confirm which NPM release you have without reconfiguring any settings.

Below are the steps that show you how to confirm your NPM version after installing Node.js:

Step 1: Download the Installer

Head to nodejs official website. Choose the setup file for your operating system and save it to your computer.

Step 2: Run the Setup

Double-click the downloaded file, then follow each prompt. Select any add-ons you need, and proceed until the installation completes.

Step 3: Check Your NPM Version

Open your terminal or command prompt once again. Enter either of the following two commands and press Enter.

npm -v

Or,

npm --version

Step 4: Scrutinize Sample output

You might see something like this:

8.5.5

This confirms the NPM release that was installed together with Node.js.

How to Check NPM Version Inside Scripts?

You might decide to check your NPM version programmatically if you’re running automated checks or if you want to log your tool details in production. This approach can also help ensure everyone on your team uses the correct release before running any tasks. 

There are several methods for doing this, each fitting a different workflow. Some rely on specific Node.js features, while others use built-in NPM commands.

Below are some ways you can verify your NPM version inside scripts:

1. Checking NPM Version Using child_process

You can call NPM from within a Node.js file. 

For example, you can run:

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

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

This script executes npm --version behind the scenes and returns something like this:

8.15.0

This output confirms your installed NPM release.

2. Checking NPM Using npm pkg Get Version

If your script runs in the same folder that contains your package.json, you can use the following command:

npm pkg get version

It reads details from the local configuration and prints the version field found in your package.json.

3. Checking NPM Version by Creating a Custom Script

You can add a script in package.json that runs npm -v by defining something like this:

{
  "scripts": {
    "check-npm": "npm -v"
  }
}

Then, you can execute this command:

npm run check-npm

You’ll see the output, such as:

8.15.0

Such an output will clarify that your system is set up correctly.

How to Check 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.

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

How to Check 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

How Do You Find the Version of Installed Packages or the Latest Registry Version?

You may occasionally wonder whether a particular library in your project is still the most recent one. Seeing which releases you already have installed can help you decide if it’s time to update or if everything is right where it should be. Confirming each package’s exact version is often a key step when you’re troubleshooting or trying out new features.

In the next sections, you’ll explore how to look up your installed packages and get the latest version details from the official NPM registry. This insight can help you keep your code in sync with the freshest releases.

Checking Installed Version of a Specific Package

You can run the following command to view the version you currently have:

npm list <package-name>

If you want a quick overview of everything in your project, try this command:

npm ls --depth=0

This command displays all installed packages at the top level, such as:

├── express@4.17.1
└── mongoose@5.11.8

For global installations, add the “-g” flag:

npm ls --depth=0 -g

Checking the Latest Version in the Registry

You can see what’s published online by using this command:

npm view <package-name> version

This command is sometimes referred to as the npm show <package-name> version. For example, if you type:

npm view express version

You might see this:

4.18.2

This tells you if there’s a more recent release than the one in your local environment.

Checking and Updating the NPM Version of Outdated Packages

You can identify packages that need an update by running this command:

npm outdated

This reveals a table showing the current version, the available version, and the required version. 

A sample output might include something like:

Package   Current  Wanted  Latest
express   4.17.1   4.17.1  4.18.2
mongoose  5.11.8   5.11.8  6.0.14

Once you identify outdated packages, you can bring those local packages up to date with this command:

npm update

This command respects the constraints set in your package.json. If a newer release is allowed, it will install the latest version. Once the process finishes, you can recheck your versions to confirm the upgrade.

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

How Can You Manage Multiple Node.js and NPM Versions?

You may discover that some projects work best with an older Node.js release while others need the newest one. This situation often arises when juggling different dependencies or library requirements. By keeping more than one version of Node.js (and its paired NPM) on your machine, you can switch smoothly without forcing all your work to conform to a single setup. 

The sections below explain how to handle multiple versions without cluttering your system or risking unexpected conflicts.

How to Use NVM to Switch Node.js and NPM Versions?

NVM (Node Version Manager) helps you switch between releases in a matter of seconds, and it handles NPM adjustments automatically. You will see that this tool is especially useful on macOS or Linux, though there are similar solutions for Windows as well.

Here are the key steps for installing and using NVM:

Step 1: Install NVM

Run the following command on macOS or Linux to install NVM via a curl script.

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

This script adds NVM to your profile settings. After installation, restart your terminal and type nvm --version to confirm.

Step 2: Switch Node.js Versions

Use simple commands to select the Node.js release you want. 

For instance, here’s a command you can type and enter if you prefer version 4:

nvm install 4
nvm use 4

You’ll see that your system now points to the chosen version. You can install other releases in a similar fashion, such as:

nvm install 16
nvm use 16

Each time you install a new version, NVM downloads it and configures your environment to reference the updated files.

Step 3: Monitor Effects on NPM

Every Node.js version carries its own NPM. Once you switch to a different Node.js release, you automatically switch to the matching NPM version. 

If you run npm -v, you might see:

8.15.0

If you move to another release, that number changes accordingly. This setup saves you from manually adjusting NPM each time you move between projects.

Also Read: Node JS Versions: Which One to Download?

What Are the Best Practices for Maintaining Your NPM Environment?

Even a solid setup can break down if you ignore ongoing upkeep. You’ll want to adopt proven methods that keep everything efficient and secure. By following a few guiding principles, you can avoid version conflicts, reduce errors, and maintain a more consistent workflow. 

Here are some of the most effective ways to maintain your NPM environment:

• Semantic Versioning (SemVer): You’ll notice most packages follow Major.Minor.Patch numbers (for example, 1.2.3). A caret symbol, like ^1.2.3, signals that any 1.x.x version is acceptable for installation. 

  This method makes it easier to see which releases will break existing features and which are safe to install.

• Using package-lock.json: You’ll find a file named package-lock.json in your project’s root folder. It captures the exact versions of every dependency in use. 

  This file ensures that each person on your team installs the same releases, preventing unexpected behavior when packages change.

• Regularly Updating Dependencies: When you run the command listed below, the console shows you which packages have upgrades waiting:

npm outdated

Then, the following command installs newer releases as long as they fit the constraints in your package.json. 

npm update

This practice keeps you current with vital patches and fresh improvements.

• Auditing Dependencies: Entering reveals known security concerns in your packages:

npm audit

Then, by running another command – listed below – you automatically patch issues that have a recognized solution:

npm audit fix

This minimizes vulnerabilities that could endanger your projects.

• Using npm dedupe: Running the following command scans your installed modules for duplicate packages, then merges them when possible: 

npm dedupe

This reduces overall disk space and keeps your dependency tree less cluttered.

• Avoiding Sudo on macOS/Linux: If you install global packages with root permissions, you may trigger awkward permission errors later. Instead, set a custom directory for global installations. For instance, you can create a new folder and point NPM there:

mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH

This setup lets you install and manage global packages under your username rather than system-wide directories.

Also Read: Installing Dev Dependencies with NPM: A Complete Guide 

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

Which Common NPM Issues Might You Face, and How Do You Troubleshoot Them?

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.

1. 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:

Step 1: Reinstall NPM 

Use the following common to reinstall NPM version:

npm install -g npm@latest

Step 2: Clear NPM Cache

If the problem continues, clear the NPM cache using the following command:

npm cache clean --force

Step 3: Reinstall Node.js

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

2. 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:

• Clear the cache using this command: npm cache clean --force
• Reinstall the failed package using this command: npm install <package-name>
• If the error is related to the network timeout, try this command: npm set timeout=60000

3. 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:

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

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

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

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

4. Handling Insufficient Disk Space

Large projects with many dependencies may fail due to insufficient disk space. 

Here’s how you can address this problem:

Solution 1: Remove unused global packages to make space using this command:

npm uninstall -g <package-name>

Solution 2: Remove old package versions using this command:

npm prune

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

5. Dealing with Dependency Conflicts

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

Here are the possible solutions:

Way 1: Eliminate redundant versions using the npm dedupe command.

npm dedupe

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

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

Way 3: Reinstall the dependencies using this simple command:

npm install

How Should You Update Your NPM Version?

Updating NPM plays a key role in keeping your projects safe and improving workflow. You may have noticed that older versions can lack important patches or run less efficiently, so it’s best to stay current. Updating only takes a few minutes, but it can prevent numerous issues later.

If you’ve decided to bring your setup up to date, try these steps:

Step 1: Run the Main Update Command

npm install -g npm

This fetches the latest global NPM release. On macOS or Linux, you might need extra privileges, so run:

sudo npm install -g npm

Step 2: Verify the Upgrade

Type and Enter this command:

npm -v

You’ll see a number, such as:

9.1.0

Such a number confirms that the process worked. If it hasn’t changed, you can retry the command or check for permission issues.

How Can upGrad Help You Master NPM Version Control?

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

Need further assistance in deciding which courses can help you understand NPM versions? Contact upGrad for personalized counseling and valuable insights. For more details, you can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center.

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