How to completely remove node.js from Windows

How to Completely Remove Node.js from Windows 😱

So, you tried uninstalling Node.js from your Windows machine but it's still haunting you like a ghost 👻? Fear not, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll show you the easiest and most effective ways to banish Node.js from your system for good. 🚫

The Common Issue 😫

A common issue when uninstalling Node.js on Windows is that remnants of the old version can linger in your system, causing confusion and compatibility issues. This is particularly frustrating when trying to install new modules using npm.

The Easy Solution 😎

To completely remove Node.js from Windows, follow these simple steps:

1. Uninstall Node.js - Open the Control Panel, navigate to "Programs" or "Programs and Features," find Node.js in the list, and uninstall it. This should remove most components of Node.js, but there may still be some remnants left behind.

2. Delete Node.js Folders - Next, we need to manually remove any remaining Node.js folders. These folders might contain configuration files or modules. Here's where to find them:

   • C:\Program Files\Nodejs
   • C:\Program Files (x86)\Nodejs
   • C:\Users\{User}\AppData\Roaming\npm
   • C:\Users\{User}\AppData\Roaming\npm-cache

   Replace {User} with your Windows username. Delete these folders if they still exist.

3. Edit Environment Variables - It's crucial to update your environment variables to remove any reference to Node.js. Here's how:

   • Press Win + R to open the "Run" dialog, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.

   • In the "System Properties" window, go to the "Advanced" tab and click on "Environment Variables."

   • In the "System Variables" section, find any variables starting with "NODE" or "NPM" and delete them.

   • Edit the "Path" variable and remove any references to Node.js or npm.

   • Finally, restart your machine to apply the changes.

4. Cleanup Registry Entries - The Windows Registry may still contain entries related to Node.js. Proceed with caution when making changes to the Registry:

   • Press Win + R to open the "Run" dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.

   • In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Node.js and delete the Node.js key.

   • Next, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Node.js and delete the Node.js key if it exists.

   • Finally, close the Registry Editor.

The Compelling Call-to-Action 💪

Congratulations! You've successfully exorcised Node.js from your Windows machine. Say goodbye to those pesky errors and welcome a fresh start! 🎉

But hey, don't leave just yet! If you found this guide helpful, why not share it with your tech-savvy friends? They might be struggling with the same issue and will thank you for the help. Hit that share button and spread the knowledge!

Got any questions or suggestions for future guides? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let's start a conversation. Happy coding! 🚀