npm ERR! cb.apply is not a function - Solutions

The npm ERR! cb.apply is not a function error is a common issue that typically occurs due to compatibility problems between npm and Node.js versions, or corruption in npm's internal modules. This comprehensive guide covers the root causes and provides effective solutions for different operating systems.

Root Cause

This error most commonly stems from:

• npm version conflicts: Using npm < 6.x with Node.js 12+ or 14+
• Corrupted npm modules: Issues with graceful-fs or other core npm dependencies
• Node.js version incompatibilities: Mismatch between npm and Node.js versions
• Installation problems: Corrupted global npm installation

Solution 1: Update npm and Node.js

The most reliable solution is to ensure you have compatible versions of npm and Node.js.

Using Node Version Manager (nvm)

Install/Update Node.js

# Install the latest LTS version
nvm install --lts

# Use the LTS version
nvm use --lts

# Set LTS as default
nvm alias default 'lts/*'

Check Versions

# Verify installations
node -v
npm -v

Manual Installation

Download the latest Node.js LTS version from the official website, which includes a compatible npm version.

Solution 2: Clear npm Cache and Reinstall

For Windows, macOS, and Linux users experiencing this error:

Windows

# Clear npm cache
npm cache clean --force

# Navigate to AppData directory
cd %APPDATA%

# Delete npm folders (backup if needed)
rmdir /s npm
rmdir /s npm-cache

macOS/Linux

# Clear npm cache
npm cache clean --force

# Find global modules directory
npm root -g

# Remove problematic modules (example path)
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/lib/node_modules/npm
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/lib/node_modules/npx

After cleaning, reinstall npm:

# Reinstall npm globally
npm install -g npm@latest

Solution 3: Fix Graceful-fs Issues

The error often relates to the graceful-fs module. Here's how to address it:

Global Fix

# Reinstall graceful-fs globally
npm install -g --force graceful-fs

Specific Path Fix

# If error mentions a specific path
rm -rf /usr/local/lib/node_modules/npx/node_modules/npm/node_modules/graceful-fs

Solution 4: Complete Reinstallation (Advanced)

For persistent issues, consider a complete Node.js and npm reinstallation.

Ubuntu/Debian

# Remove existing installations
sudo apt-get remove --purge nodejs npm
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/node
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/npm

# Clean up any remaining files
sudo apt-get autoremove

# Reinstall
sudo apt-get install nodejs npm

# Create symlinks if necessary
sudo ln -s /usr/bin/node /usr/local/bin/node
sudo ln -s /usr/bin/npm /usr/local/bin/npm

Using NVM for Clean Installation

# Install NVM
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.0/install.sh | bash

# Install latest Node.js LTS
nvm install --lts
nvm use --lts

Solution 5: Project-Specific Fixes

If the error occurs in a specific project:

# Remove node_modules and reinstall
rm -rf node_modules
rm package-lock.json
npm install

# Update package-lock.json
npm install

Platform-Specific Solutions

Windows with NVM

# Switch to a compatible Node.js version
nvm install 14.18.2
nvm use 14.18.2

macOS with Homebrew

# Update Homebrew and upgrade Node.js
brew update
brew upgrade node

Verification

After applying any solution, verify the fix:

# Check versions
node -v
npm -v

# Test npm functionality
npm install

Prevention

To avoid this error in the future:

• Keep Node.js and npm updated to compatible versions
• Use version managers like nvm for better environment control
• Regularly clear npm cache: npm cache clean --force
• Avoid mixing installation methods (apt-get, direct download, nvm)

WARNING

Always backup important data before deleting directories or performing system-level changes. Some solutions require administrative privileges.

When to Seek Further Help

If none of these solutions work, consider:

• Checking the specific error logs at the path mentioned in your error message
• Searching for your exact Node.js and npm version combination issues
• Creating an issue on the Node.js GitHub repository

Most cases of the cb.apply is not a function error can be resolved by ensuring compatibility between npm and Node.js versions, with the solutions above covering the majority of scenarios across different operating systems.