nvm-windows

How to use NVM-windows to switch node versions without requiring admin rights each time?


The build plan of my application includes a legacy component which relies on an older version of node than the rest. How can I switch node versions using NVM-windows without requiring admin rights each time?

Currently my build scripts get interrupted by a windows prompt halfway through, they can't be run unattended.

nvm use ... # this opens a windows prompt for admin rights

Solution

  • NVM-windows can be used without requiring admin rights after setting it up as follows:

    1. Uninstall NVM-windows and/or nodejs if they are already present
    2. Download and run the latest NVM-windows installer (or install it manually without admin rights)
    3. For the NVM installation path, choose a folder within the user directory
    4. For the Node.js symlink path, choose a path within the user directory as well and complete the installation
    5. Enable "Developer Mode" in Windows 10+

    Developer Mode allows NVM to manage symlinks without admin privileges.