Learning how to install Node.js on Ubuntu is a must-have skill for developers, DevOps engineers, and anyone building modern web apps, APIs, microservices, or real-time applications in 2025–2026. Node.js powers the backend of millions of projects — from startups using Express/NestJS to enterprises running scalable APIs, serverless functions (Vercel, AWS Lambda), and full-stack JavaScript stacks (MERN, MEAN).

Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic Beaver) is still widely used in production (especially legacy servers), and this guide shows you three proven methods to install Node.js:

  1. Default apt repositories — Fast & stable (v8.10 or newer via updates)
  2. NodeSource PPA — Latest LTS/current versions (recommended for most users)
  3. nvm (Node Version Manager) — Multiple versions side-by-side (best for developers)

You’ll also verify installation, install npm, test with a “Hello World” script, and learn to upgrade/uninstall.

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 18.04 LTS server or desktop
  • Non-root user with sudo privileges
  • Terminal access (SSH or local)
  • Internet connection

Method 1: Install Node.js on Ubuntu 18.04 Using Default apt (Quick & Stable)

This method uses Ubuntu’s official repositories — great for basic needs or production stability.

  1. Update package index
				
					sudo apt update

2. Install Node.js

				
					sudo apt install nodejs -y

3. Verify version

				
					node -v

Output (typical in 18.04):

				
					v8.10.0

4. Install npm (package manager)

				
					sudo apt install npm -y
npm -v

Output example:

				
					6.14.18

Done! You now have Node.js installed on Ubuntu 18.04 via apt.

Method 2: Install Latest Node.js on Ubuntu 18.04 Using NodeSource PPA (Recommended)

The default version is old (v8). NodeSource PPA gives you modern LTS (v18/v20) or current versions.

  1. Choose your version (2025–2026 recommendations):

    • LTS: setup_20.x or setup_18.x
    • Current: setup_current

    Example for Node 20 LTS:

				
					curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash -

2. Install Node.js

				
					sudo apt install nodejs -y

3. Verify

				
					node -v    # e.g., v20.17.0
npm -v     # e.g., 10.8.x

Success! You now have the latest stable Node.js on Ubuntu 18.04.

Method 3: Install Node.js on Ubuntu 18.04 Using nvm (Best for Developers)

nvm lets you switch versions instantly — perfect for testing, legacy projects, or running multiple Node versions.

  1. Install nvm
				
					curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh | bash

Close & reopen terminal (or run):

				
					source ~/.bashrc

2. Install latest LTS

				
					nvm install --lts
nvm use --lts
nvm alias default lts/*

Or specific version:

				
					nvm install 20
nvm use 20

3. Verify

				
					node -v
npm -v

Switch anytime:

				
					nvm install 18
nvm use 18
nvm ls                # list installed versions
nvm ls-remote         # see all available versions

Step 4 – Test Your Node.js Installation

Create a test file:

				
					nano hello.js

Paste:

				
					console.log("Hello from Node.js on Ubuntu!");
console.log("Node version:", process.version);
console.log("Platform:", process.platform);

Save & exit (Ctrl+O → Enter → Ctrl+X).

Run:

				
					node hello.js

Output:

				
					Hello from Node.js on Ubuntu!
Node version: v20.17.0
Platform: linux

Success!

Step 5 – Upgrade, Uninstall & Troubleshooting

Upgrade Node.js

  • Apt: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade nodejs
  • NodeSource: Re-run PPA setup script → sudo apt upgrade nodejs
  • nvm: nvm install node –reinstall-packages-from=current

Uninstall Node.js

  • Apt: sudo apt remove –purge nodejs npm && sudo apt autoremove
  • nvm: nvm uninstall <version> (e.g., nvm uninstall 20)

Common Issues on Ubuntu 18.04

  • E: Unable to locate package nodejs → Run sudo apt update first
  • Permission denied on npm global installs → Fix with:
				
					mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH

Add to ~/.bashrc and source ~/.bashrc.

How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu – FAQ (2025–2026)

  1. How do I install Node.js on Ubuntu 18.04?
     Best: NodeSource PPA → curl setup_20.x | sudo bash – → sudo apt install nodejs
  2. What’s the latest Node.js LTS in 2025–2026?
    v20 or v22 — use NodeSource or nvm to get it on 18.04
  3. How do I use multiple Node.js versions on Ubuntu?
    Use nvm: nvm install 18, nvm install 20, nvm use 20
  4. Is npm installed with Node.js?
    Yes — in NodeSource/nvm installs; separate in default apt
  5. How do I update Node.js on Ubuntu 18.04?
    NodeSource: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade nodejs nvm: nvm install node –reinstall-packages-from=current

Summary

You now know exactly how to install Node.js on Ubuntu 18.04: fast apt method, modern NodeSource PPA (latest versions), and nvm for version control — plus verification, first script, npm, and troubleshooting.

Mastering how to install Node.js on Ubuntu unlocks full-stack JavaScript development, APIs, web servers, automation, and more.

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