How to Downgrade pnpm Easily

Want to downgrade pnpm to an older version? Follow this simple guide to switch pnpm versions step-by-step.

Why Downgrade pnpm?

You may need an older version of pnpm for:

• Compatibility with specific projects.
• Older Node.js versions.
• Issues with the latest pnpm release.

Methods to Downgrade pnpm

1. Downgrade Using pnpm

1. Run this command to install an older version:

   pnpm add -g pnpm@<version>
   

   Example for version 6.32:

   pnpm add -g [email protected]
   

2. Check the installed version:

   pnpm --version
   

2. Downgrade with Corepack

1. Enable Corepack (comes with Node.js 16.13+):

   corepack enable
   

2. Use Corepack to install a specific pnpm version:

   corepack prepare pnpm@<version> --activate
   

   Example:

   corepack prepare [email protected] --activate
   

3. Confirm the version:

   pnpm --version
   

3. Manual Uninstall and Reinstall

1. Find pnpm Install Location:

   echo $PNPM_HOME
   

2. Remove pnpm: On Linux/Mac:

   sudo rm -rf $PNPM_HOME
   

   On Windows, delete the folder manually.
3. Reinstall Specific Version:

   npm install -g pnpm@<version>
   

4. Use Node Version Manager (nvm)

1. Switch to another Node.js version:

   nvm install <node-version>
   nvm use <node-version>
   

2. Install pnpm for that Node.js version:

   npm install -g pnpm@<version>
   

Find pnpm Versions

Check available pnpm versions on the GitHub Releases page.

Quick FAQ

Can I downgrade pnpm without uninstalling?

Yes, use pnpm add -g or corepack prepare to directly switch versions.

How do I update pnpm again?

Run:

pnpm add -g pnpm@latest

Or:

corepack prepare pnpm@latest --activate

Does downgrading affect projects?

Only if the project needs features from a newer version. Check compatibility before downgrading.

Conclusion

Downgrading pnpm is easy with tools like Corepack, nvm, or manual commands. Choose the method that suits your system and projects best.