How to Install Node.js 14 on Windows: 3 Methods Explained

You can install Node.js 14 on Windows using the official MSI installer from the Node.js website, the nvm-windows version manager for flexible version switching, or by compiling from source using the vcbuild.bat script in the nodejs/node repository.

Node.js 14 reached End-of-Life in April 2023, but many legacy projects still require this specific version for compatibility. Whether you need to maintain older applications or test against historical LTS releases, the nodejs/node repository provides multiple installation paths for Windows users.

Method 1: Install Node.js 14 Using the Official MSI Installer

Downloading the Windows Installer

The simplest way to install Node.js 14 on Windows is through the pre-built MSI installer. According to the repository's README.md under the Download section, official binaries are hosted at nodejs.org. Navigate to the Node.js 14.21.3 release (the final v14 release) and download the Windows Installer (.msi) for your architecture (x64 or x86).

Running the Installation Wizard

Execute the downloaded .msi file to launch the setup wizard. The installer will:

• Prompt you to accept the license agreement
• Allow you to customize the installation directory (default is C:\Program Files\nodejs\)
• Optionally add Node.js to your system PATH (enabled by default)

Verifying the Installation

After installation completes, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:

node -v

# Output: v14.21.3

npm -v

# Output: 6.14.18

Method 2: Install Node.js 14 with nvm-windows (Version Manager)

Installing nvm-windows

For developers who need to switch between multiple Node.js versions, the community-maintained nvm-windows tool is the recommended approach. Download the latest installer from the coreybutler/nvm-windows releases page. Run the installer, which creates C:\Program Files\nvm and automatically configures your system PATH.

Installing and Activating Node.js 14

Open a new PowerShell or Command Prompt window and execute:

# Install Node.js 14.21.3

nvm install 14.21.3

# Switch to that version

nvm use 14.21.3

# Verify

node -v

# Output: v14.21.3

To list all installed versions, use nvm list.

Method 3: Build Node.js 14 from Source on Windows

Install Build Prerequisites

Building Node.js 14 from source requires Visual Studio 2022 (with Desktop development for C++ workload) and Python 3.x. The repository provides tools/msvs/install_tools/install_tools.bat to automate the installation of these dependencies. Run this script from an elevated Command Prompt:

tools\msvs\install_tools\install_tools.bat

Clone and Checkout the v14 Tag

Clone the nodejs/node repository and checkout the specific v14 release tag:

git clone https://github.com/nodejs/node.git
cd node
git checkout v14.21.3

Compile with vcbuild.bat

The Windows build is orchestrated by vcbuild.bat, documented in doc/contributing/maintaining/maintaining-the-build-files.md. Execute the build script:

vcbuild.bat release

This configures the build environment, invokes MSBuild, and produces the node.exe binary in out\Release\. Add this directory to your PATH or copy the executable to your preferred location:

out\Release\node -v

# Output: v14.21.3

Post-Installation Configuration Tips

After installing Node.js 14, consider these Windows-specific configurations:

• Manual PATH configuration: If the installer or nvm didn't update your PATH, add the directory containing node.exe to the system environment variable Path.
• SSL certificate handling: According to doc/node.1, Node.js uses the Windows OS certificate store for HTTPS connections. Ensure your system's root certificate store is up-to-date.
• Update npm: The bundled npm version in Node.js 14 may be outdated. Upgrade it with npm install -g npm@latest.

Summary

• MSI Installer: Best for single-version installations; download from the official Node.js site or the README.md Download section in the nodejs/node repository.
• nvm-windows: Ideal for managing multiple Node.js versions; installs Node.js 14.21.3 with simple nvm install and nvm use commands.
• Build from source: Use vcbuild.bat from the nodejs/node repository when you need custom builds or specific v14 patches not available in official releases.
• Verification: Always confirm installation with node -v and npm -v in PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install multiple versions of Node.js on Windows?

Yes. The recommended approach is using nvm-windows, which maintains separate directories for each Node.js version and dynamically updates your system PATH. Alternatively, you can install different versions to separate folders manually, but you must manually manage the PATH environment variable.

Why would I need to build Node.js 14 from source instead of using the MSI?

Building from source is necessary when you need a custom compilation with specific flags, when working with a patched version of v14 that hasn't been released as an MSI, or when you need to build a release candidate or specific commit from the nodejs/node repository. The vcbuild.bat script in doc/contributing/maintaining/maintaining-the-build-files.md automates this process.

How do I completely uninstall Node.js 14 from Windows?

For MSI installations, use Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps and uninstall "Node.js". You may also need to manually remove C:\Program Files\nodejs if remnants remain. For nvm-windows installations, run nvm uninstall 14.21.3. If you built from source, simply delete the repository folder and remove any PATH entries pointing to out\Release.

Is Node.js 14 still supported and safe to use?

Node.js 14 reached End-of-Life (EOL) on April 30, 2023, and no longer receives security updates or bug fixes from the Node.js project. While you can still install Node.js 14 using the methods described above, it is recommended to migrate to a supported LTS version (such as Node.js 18 or 20) for production applications.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}