if it is a Windows machine go to C:\Program Files\nodejs. Then rename that folder to C:\Program Files\nodejsx. After that please check "nvm use v.v.v."

When this happen:

C:\Windows\System32>nvm use 16.13.0
exit status 145: The directory is not empty.

Just make sure, the nodejs folder is empty, check C:\Program Files\nodejs or C:\Program Files (x86)\nodejs, otherwise delete the content. Then try again nvm use XXXX (xxxx is the version)

I just fixed it by uninstalling Node.js from the Settings -> Apps menu. According to the https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows/pull/615 pull request, nvm cannot change the version because it's conflicting with the normally installed Node.js version. Try deleting Node.js from the Apps settings menu.

I meet same issue. I have resolved as:

Make sure you delete all old nodejs.

step 1:uninstall nodejs and remove node_home and npm_home;

step 2: download nvm and Install it. My OS is win, so link is : https://github.com/coreybutler/nvm-windows/releases. if your OS is MAC or Linux, you can use brew or apt install utils to install.

step3: open cmd.exe, run it as "administrator", checking NVM_HOME and NVM_SYMLINK example:

NVM_HOME=D:\dev\node\nvm
NVM_SYMLINK=D:\dev\node\nodejs

Note:make sure nvm home and nvm symlink need in diff forlder.

if not set , your must set manual and add path:

%NVM_HOME%
%NVM_SYMLINK%

open a new cmd.exe terminal, and make sure these is OK.

step 4: Open new terminal prompt:

run 'nvm on'
run 'nvm list'
run 'nvm install 14'
run 'nvm use 14.18.2'
run 'node --version'

enjoy it.