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

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.

Each Node.js installed with nvm, with its global packages. The most recently used is kept; check .nvmrc files before removing others.

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.

Use the tool’s official command: nvm uninstall <version>

• MoreRoom keeps the newest 1 and suggests the older ones.

Before you delete it

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

How MoreRoom helps

MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.

When the tool is installed, MoreRoom runs its official command for you (nvm uninstall <version>) instead of deleting files — and tells you that this step can’t be undone.