How to Fix NPM Install Hangs or Is Very Slow: Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction

As developers, we’ve all faced the frustrating issue where npm install hangs or runs very slowly, delaying our projects. This can happen due to various reasons, including network issues, outdated cache, or problems with your Node.js environment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple steps to resolve these issues and speed up your npm install process.

Common Causes of Slow or Hanging NPM Install

Several factors could cause NPM installs to slow down or hang:

• Network Issues: Slow internet connections or firewalls blocking certain domains.
• Outdated Cache: NPM caches dependencies, and sometimes the cache gets corrupted or outdated.
• Large Dependency Tree: A project with a lot of dependencies can slow down the install process.
• Registry Problems: NPM may be connecting to a slow or unreliable registry.
• Old Node.js or NPM Version: Using an outdated version of Node.js or NPM can cause performance issues.

How to Fix NPM Install Hangs or Is Very Slow

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A slow or unstable internet connection can cause NPM installs to hang. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and try running the install command again. If you’re behind a corporate proxy or firewall, configure NPM to use the correct proxy settings:

npm config set proxy http://proxy.company.com:8080

If you don’t have a proxy, disable it by running:

npm config delete proxy

2. Clear the NPM Cache

Sometimes, an outdated or corrupted cache can cause issues. You can clean the cache by running:

npm cache clean --force

This command will clear the cache and can resolve many issues related to slow installations.

3. Use a Faster NPM Registry

The default NPM registry may be slow in some regions. To speed up the install process, you can use a mirror of the NPM registry, like the Yarn registry or the Alibaba registry. You can change the registry by running:

npm config set registry https://registry.npm.taobao.org

This can significantly speed up the process if the default registry is slow for you.

4. Update Node.js and NPM

Outdated versions of Node.js or NPM can cause slow installs. Check your current versions using:

node -v

npm -v

If they’re outdated, you can update them to the latest stable versions:

npm install -g npm@latest

It’s also recommended to update Node.js to the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version.

5. Use Parallel Installation

NPM installs can be slow when it installs dependencies sequentially. You can speed up the process by enabling parallel installation. To do this, you can use the –legacy-peer-deps option or switch to using Yarn, which has faster package resolution and installation times:

npm install --legacy-peer-deps

Alternatively, if you’re open to using Yarn, you can install Yarn globally and use it instead of NPM:

npm install -g yarn

yarn install

6. Check the Package.json File

Sometimes, issues in the package.json file can cause problems with the install process. Ensure that all dependencies are correctly defined, and there are no conflicting versions. Use the following command to check for any vulnerabilities or issues:

npm audit fix

This will fix known issues with your dependencies that might be slowing down the installation.

7. Use a Local Mirror or Proxy

For teams or developers working in the same environment, setting up a local mirror of the NPM registry can drastically reduce installation times by caching dependencies. You can set up a local mirror using services like Verdaccio.

Conclusion

Slow or hanging npm install commands can be frustrating, but the issue is usually fixable. By checking your internet connection, clearing the cache, using a faster registry, and updating your Node.js and NPM versions, you can significantly improve installation speed. Additionally, using parallel installs or switching to Yarn can further optimize the process.

Try these methods and see how much faster your NPM install becomes. If the problem persists, check for issues in your package.json file or use a local registry for a quicker solution. Let us know in the comments if these steps helped you or if you have other tips for speeding up NPM installations!