# How to Install Node.js 14 on Windows: 3 Methods Explained > Install Node.js 14 on Windows easily with our guide covering the MSI installer, nvm-windows, and compiling from source. Get Node.js 14 up and running fast. - Repository: [Node.js/node](https://github.com/nodejs/node) - Tags: how-to-guide - Published: 2026-02-15 --- **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`](https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/main/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: ```powershell 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: ```powershell # 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: ```cmd 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: ```cmd 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`](https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/main/doc/contributing/maintaining/maintaining-the-build-files.md). Execute the build script: ```cmd 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: ```cmd 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`](https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/main/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`](https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/main/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.