# NVM for Windows

> The Node.js version manager for Windows.

NVM for Windows is a separate project from nvm-sh. It is designed specifically for Windows and is maintained by Author Software Inc.

## Community Build

The NVM for Windows Community Build is free and open source under the MIT license. It is intended primarily for individual developers and user-controlled installations.

- No mandatory administrator privileges
- Version pinning
- Automatic installation of missing Node.js versions
- Faster parallel installations with native caching
- Authenticode-signed builds

[Download the latest Community Build](https://github.com/nvm-windows/nvm/releases).

## What is new in version 2

### Modern workflows without symlinks

Version 2 introduces a recommended shim mode that supports version pinning, automatic installation of missing versions, package-manager mismatch handling, Node.js and V8 permission controls, publisher trust, native event logging, and configurable cooldown periods. Link mode remains available for compatibility with existing scripts and tools.

### No mandatory administrator privileges

Version 2 does not require administrative privileges to install or use.

### Rewritten for speed

- Parallel downloads and installations
- Smaller 7zip archives
- Native extraction and caching
- Zig-based shims

### Automatic installation of missing versions

When the `auto_install` configuration property is enabled, NVM automatically installs a requested Node.js version if it is not already present. It can optionally prompt before installing a missing version.

### Version pinning

Select a Node.js version from the current directory using `.nvmrc`, `.node-version`, or `package.json` in shim mode.

### Default global modules

Configure modules such as TypeScript or ESLint to install automatically with new Node.js versions.

### Custom version aliases

Create memorable aliases for specific Node.js versions. Aliases can also be used in `.nvmrc` and other version-pinning files.

### Native Windows integrations

- Installed Node.js versions appear as bona fide applications in Windows and can be uninstalled from Windows Settings.
- Installation, configuration, and security events can be written to Windows Event Viewer.
- Native notifications appear in Windows Notification Center.
- User settings are stored in the Windows registry and can be changed with `nvm config`.

### AI agent-friendly output

Commands that produce output can return structured JSON for use by coding agents and other automation.

## Certified Builds for organizations

Commercial Certified Builds make NVM for Windows work within IT instead of around it. They provide the managed foundation for organizational deployment, with optional products for supply-chain evidence, SIEM-integrated logging, and centralized policy enforcement.

- **Cybersecurity:** Control approved Node.js versions and npm packages, and send installs, switches, and policy blocks to a SIEM.
- **Procurement:** Evaluate a Microsoft-verified publisher, site-wide licensing, security documentation, purchasing, and commercial terms.
- **Compliance:** Archive signed-build evidence, SBOMs, SLSA provenance, VEX reports, and audit logs.

[Explore Certified Builds, configure products, and view pricing](https://nvm-windows.com/certified).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is NVM for Windows open source?

Yes. The Community Build is freely available under the MIT license.

### Can an organization use the Community Build?

Yes, if its internal policies allow it. The Community Build is architected for user-controlled installations. Certified Builds are designed for IT-controlled installations and organizational management.

### Who needs Certified Builds?

Organizations that need managed deployment across teams or fleets, structured SIEM logging, centralized policy controls, or attested software supply-chain artifacts.

### Is NVM for Windows the same as nvm-sh?

No. NVM for Windows is a separate project, not a Windows port of nvm-sh. The projects have overlapping features and some similar commands, but NVM for Windows is designed specifically for Windows.

### Why is NVM for Windows associated with Author Software Inc.?

NVM for Windows was created by Corey Butler and was originally stewarded by Ecor Ventures LLC. With version 2, stewardship moved to Author Software Inc., which maintains the project and provides its commercial products. The open-source Community Build remains free.

## Links

- [Documentation](https://docs.nvm-windows.com)
- [GitHub repository](https://github.com/nvm-windows/nvm)
- [Community Build releases](https://github.com/nvm-windows/nvm/releases)
- [Certified Builds](https://nvm-windows.com/certified)
- [Customer portal](https://portal.author.io)
- [Author Software](https://author.io)