Safe to Delete

Node Version Manager Cache (~/.nvm/.cache)

Space: 1 GB – 10 GB+ developer macOS, Linux, Windows
Quick Answer: The nvm .cache folder stores downloaded Node.js release tarballs and headers. Purging the nvm cache is completely safe.

Bottom Line: It is 100% safe to clear ~/.nvm/.cache. Node Version Manager (nvm) stores downloaded Node.js binary tarballs and source header archives. Deleting them reclaims gigabytes of disk space without uninstalling your active Node versions.

What is the nvm Cache Folder?

Located at ~/.nvm/.cache (or ~/.nvm/src), nvm caches Node.js release packages (node-v18.x.x.tar.gz, node-v20.x.x.pkg) whenever you run nvm install <version>.

Over years of development, old Node release installers accumulate in the cache directory.

Can You Delete the nvm Cache?

✅ Yes, completely safe to delete.

  • No runtime impact: Your installed Node binaries (nvm ls) and global npm packages remain 100% active.

How to Clear nvm Cache

nvm cache clear

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