npm-prefix.js is not recognized as an internal or external command in Windows 11

[Jaiganesh1607]

Node.js Version

v22.13.0

NPM Version

10.9.2

Operating System

Windows 11

Subsystem

Other

Description

Question:
I recently installed Node.js from the official Node.js website. However, when I try to check the version of npm or perform any npm-related operations, I encounter the following error:

CALL "C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe" "C:\Program Files\nodejs\node_modules\npm\bin\npm-prefix.js" is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Minimal Reproduction

1. Installed node.js from official website using windows installer.
2. Tried to check version of npm.

Output

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[gadha02]

I have the same error. How you resolved this issue?

[avivkeller]

Hi! Can you try installing via one of the other installation methods listed on the site? choco, for example? What happens then?

[yutian1993]

I got the same error with install node by custom path, when install nodejs, you also get node->lib dir, the node_modules is there, just move the node_modules simply into nodejs bin path can solve the error.

[avivkeller]

No response from OP, closing as stale. Assuming the comment above resolved the issue

[Jaiganesh1607]

i uninstalled and reinstalled node.js a bunch of times and during one installation it worked out fine.

[pushkardeep]

what about using docker ??