npm-prefix.js Not Recognized on Windows 11 After Installing Node.js

Below is one explanation and several workarounds that have helped others resolve a similar error.

What’s Happening

On Windows, the npm executable is actually a batch script (npm.cmd) that calls Node with various internal scripts (like npm-prefix.js). In your case the command line

  CALL "C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe" "C:\Program Files\nodejs\node_modules\npm\bin\npm-prefix.js"

is being misinterpreted because of how quoting (and sometimes spaces in paths) interact with Windows’ command interpreter. In many reports the issue has turned out not to be with Node.js itself but with the way the npm command script is built and how Windows is set up (for example, file associations or even the PATHEXT variable).

Potential Solutions

1. Use a No-Spaces PATH for Node/npm
   The installation under “C:\Program Files\nodejs” can sometimes cause problems. One workaround is to change npm’s global install prefix to a path without spaces. For example, open Command Prompt with administrator privileges and run:

   CMDCopied
   npm config set prefix "%APPDATA%\npm"

   This tells npm to install globals in a location that usually does not include spaces. (Make sure that the new prefix location is added to your PATH if it isn’t already.)

2. Force Windows to Recognize .js Files
   Windows uses the PATHEXT environment variable to know which file extensions are executable. Verify that “.JS” is included. In an administrator Command Prompt run:

   CMDCopied
   echo %PATHEXT%

   If .JS isn’t listed, add it via:

   CMDCopied
   setx PATHEXT "%PATHEXT%;.JS"

   Then open a new terminal window and try again.

3. Use Short Path Names
   Another workaround is to modify the npm command script so that it uses the short “8.3” name for “Program Files” (typically “PROGRA~1”). For example, editing the file

   C:\Program Files\nodejs\npm.cmd
   

   and replacing

   "C:\Program Files\nodejs\node.exe"
   

   with

   "C:\PROGRA~1\nodejs\node.exe"
   

   can sometimes let Windows properly resolve the command.

4. Reinstall Using an Alternative Setup
   If none of the above work, using a Node version manager for Windows (like nvm-windows) has helped some users avoid such path-related issues since nvm installs Node in a folder without spaces.

Summary

The error is most likely due to Windows misinterpreting quoted paths (especially with spaces) in the npm command scripts. Adjusting your npm prefix to a path without spaces, ensuring .JS files are executable (via PATHEXT), or using the short pathname workaround should resolve the issue.

Try these steps and see which one works best for your setup.