How to Resolve PowerShell Execution Policy Error for NPM Install

When attempting to run the npm install command in PowerShell and encountering a script execution policy error, it indicates that PowerShell's security settings are preventing the script from running. Here’s how to fix this issue.

Understanding the Error

The error message typically looks like this:

npm : File C:\Users\Forrest\AppData\Roaming\npm\npm.ps1 cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled on this system. For more information, see about_Execution_Policies at https:/go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=135170.

At line:1 char:1

+ npm install

+ ~~~

    + CategoryInfo          : SecurityError: (:) [], PSSecurityException

    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : UnauthorizedAccess

This message indicates that PowerShell's execution policy is set to a mode that restricts running scripts.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator:

   • Right-click the PowerShell icon and select "Run as Administrator."

2. Set the Execution Policy:

• Execute the following command to modify the policy
  
  Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
  
  
  
  
  
  
3. This sets the execution policy to RemoteSigned for the current user, enabling the execution of scripts that are either locally created or signed by a trusted publisher.

4. Confirm the Policy Change:

   • When prompted to change the execution policy, you can type A for "Yes to All" to approve changing the policy for all current commands.

5. Run the NPM Command Again:

• After adjusting the execution policy, try running npm install again. The command should proceed without the previous script execution error.