Fixing the “Scripts Disabled” Error in PowerShell: A Beginner’s Guide 🛠️

Error:

nvm : The term ‘nvm‘ is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was
included, verify that the path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:1

• nvm install 16
• ~~~
  • CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (nvm:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
  • FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException

Hey there, future coding wizard! 🌟 So, you’ve started working with Node.js and tried running a script using npm, only to hit a frustrating wall:

File C:\Program Files\nodejs\npm.ps1 cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled on this system.

Ugh, right? Don’t worry, though—this is super common, and you can fix it in just a few steps! Let’s break it down and get you back to coding in no time. 🚀

Why Is This Happening?

PowerShell is being cautious. It has a built-in feature called the execution policy to protect your system from running harmful scripts. By default, this is set to “Restricted,” which blocks all scripts, even the safe ones like npm.ps1.

While the intention is good, we’ll tweak this setting slightly to allow your scripts to run without compromising security.

What’s the Fix?

It’s super simple! Just follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Admin

1. Press Win + X on your keyboard.
2. Choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
3. Click Yes if a confirmation box pops up.

2. Check Your Current Script Policy

Before making any changes, see what the current policy is. Type this command in PowerShell:

Get-ExecutionPolicy

You’ll probably see something like:

Restricted

This means no scripts are allowed. Time to loosen it up a bit! 😎

3. Change the Policy to Allow Scripts

Run the following command to change the policy:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

• What This Does:
  • Allows scripts you create or download locally to run.
  • Protects you by requiring any scripts downloaded from the internet to be signed.

You’ll see a prompt asking if you’re sure. Type Y and hit Enter.

4. Double-Check the Change

Let’s confirm everything is set up correctly. Run this command:

Get-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser

You should see:

RemoteSigned

Boom! 🎉 You’re good to go.

5. Run Your NPM Command Again

Now try your script again:

npm run start

No more errors—just smooth sailing. 🌊

FAQs (For the Curious Minds)

Q: What does “RemoteSigned” mean?

It’s a balanced level of security:

• Local scripts (e.g., created or installed on your computer) will run.
• Scripts from the internet need to be signed by a trusted source.

Q: Do I need to do this every time?

Nope! This change sticks unless you reset it manually. Just focus on coding.

Q: Can I undo this later?

Absolutely! If you ever want to go back to the default settings:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser -ExecutionPolicy Restricted

Key Takeaways

• PowerShell is just trying to protect your system, but developers need more flexibility.
• By changing the policy to RemoteSigned, you get the best of both worlds—security and functionality.
• You’re one step closer to mastering Node.js and making cool stuff. 🎨💻

Now go ahead and crush those scripts! 💪 If you hit another snag, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy coding! 🌈