# Can I delete old Node.js versions installed with nvm?

- URL: https://moreroom.app/folders/node-nvm-versions
- Item: Node.js versions (nvm)
- Location: `~/.nvm/versions/node` (items inside)
- Verdict: Review first — Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
- Comes back on its own: yes
- Official command: `nvm uninstall <version>`
- Source: MoreRoom rules catalogue (2026-10-17), by Yando Pte. Ltd.

## What is it?

nvm installs each Node.js version in its own folder under `~/.nvm/versions/node`, together with npm and every global package you installed while that version was active. Each version typically takes 100 to 300 MB, more with global packages, and old versions accumulate.

## What happens if you delete it?

`nvm install <version>` downloads a removed version again in under a minute, but global packages installed under it are lost and have to be reinstalled.

## How to remove it properly

Run `nvm ls` to see installed versions and the default, then `nvm uninstall <version>` for each one you no longer need; nvm refuses to remove the version currently in use. Moving the version folder to the Trash has the same effect.

## Before you delete it

Look for `.nvmrc` files in your projects and keep the versions they ask for, as well as your `default` alias.