[BUG] VS Code extension fails to point node path causing "Error: Claude Code requires Node.js version 18 or higher to be installed"

[mentasuave01]

Preflight Checklist

• I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

node v24.9.0

What Should Happen?

It should find node like inside the terminal

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

open vscode
launch the extension

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

No response

Claude Code Version

2.0.3

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Other Linux

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

No response

[github-actions]

---

Found 3 possible duplicate issues:

1. [BUG] Claude Code requires Node.js version 18 or higher to be installed. #8410
2. [Bug] Node.js Version Detection Fails Despite Correct Runtime #8439
3. [FEATURE] Add VSCode extension setting to specify custom Node path #8704

This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.

• If your issue is a duplicate, please close it and 👍 the existing issue instead
• To prevent auto-closure, add a comment or 👎 this comment

🤖 Generated with Claude Code

---

[sandboxcode]

For me the recent Update vor VS Code und Claude Extension fixed this issue.

[projecthamburg]

facing the same issue in my mac/cursor. anyone got any fix?

[markgoho]

might be related to using nvm

[rafaelsalves]

With Visual Code opened:

• Press ⇧⌘P (Command Palette)
• Write Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH
• Restart Visual Code

[LIdro]

Fixed on Linux with nvm

The issue occurs because VS Code launched from the GUI doesn't inherit the PATH from nvm (which is set in ~/.bashrc).

Solution:

Add nvm to your ~/.profile:

Add to ~/.profile

export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && . "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"
[ -s "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion" ] && . "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion"

Create systemd environment config:

mkdir -p ~/.config/environment.d
echo 'PATH=$HOME/.nvm/versions/node/v22.16.0/bin:$PATH' > ~/.config/environment.d/node.conf

(Replace v22.16.0 with your Node.js version)

Log out and log back in. Claude Code should now work when launching VS Code from the GUI.

For me, i just restarted my machine for the hell of it. After all it has been like 4 months between restarts ;)

[dapperdandev]

I'm on Windows . For me, I had to use the local installation:

claude migrate-installer

Set up Claude Code - Local Installation

Follow the prompts, then close and re-open shells and VS Code.

Today's update probably played a role too.

[mentasuave01]

Fixed on Linux with nvm

The issue occurs because VS Code launched from the GUI doesn't inherit the PATH from nvm (which is set in ~/.bashrc).

Solution:

Add nvm to your ~/.profile:

Add to ~/.profile

export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm" [ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && . "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" [ -s "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion" ] && . "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion"

Create systemd environment config:

mkdir -p ~/.config/environment.d echo 'PATH=$HOME/.nvm/versions/node/v22.16.0/bin:$PATH' > ~/.config/environment.d/node.conf

(Replace v22.16.0 with your Node.js version)

Log out and log back in. Claude Code should now work when launching VS Code from the GUI.

For me, i just restarted my machine for the hell of it. After all it has been like 4 months between restarts ;)

This solves the issue on my end
Thank you @LIdro I own you a drink