Common Causes

1. Node.js is not installed properly – Installation may be incomplete or corrupted.

2. Environment variables are not set correctly – The system might not be locating Node.js.

3. npm is outdated or missing – The npm installation could be corrupted.

4. Multiple versions of Node.js causing conflicts – Older versions might be interfering.

5. Command Prompt/Terminal needs a restart – The session may not be updated with the correct path.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Node.js Installation

Run the following command to check if Node.js is installed:

node -v

If this returns an error, reinstall Node.js from nodejs.org.

2. Check npm Version

Ensure npm is installed correctly by running:

npm -v

If npm is missing, reinstall Node.js or install npm separately using:

npm install -g npm

3. Check and Update Environment Variables (Windows)

1. Open System Properties → Advanced → Environment Variables.

2. Locate Path under System variables.

3. Ensure it contains the correct Node.js path (e.g., C:\Program Files\nodejs\).

4. If missing, add it manually and restart the terminal.

4. Use nvm (Node Version Manager)

If you have multiple Node.js versions, use nvm to manage them:

nvm use stable

5. Restart the Terminal or System

After making changes, restart your terminal or system for the settings to take effect.

Conclusion

If npm is not recognizing Node.js, despite the correct path, follow the steps above to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Reinstalling, updating the environment variables, and using nvm are the most effective solutions. If problems persist, consider using nvm for managing Node.js versions efficiently.

Let me know in the comments if these steps helped or if you need further assistance!