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Check Playwright from the project directory, using the package manager and language binding that your application uses. In a Node.js project, run npx playwright --version (or the equivalent Yarn or pnpm command). Then check browser binaries separately with npx playwright install --list. A reported package version proves that the CLI resolves Playwright; it does not prove that Chromium, Firefox, or WebKit binaries are installed.
The two checks you need
Playwright has two independently installed parts: the language package and the version-specific browser binaries. Check both when diagnosing a setup.
| Check | Command or method | What it establishes |
|---|---|---|
| CLI/package version | npx playwright --version, yarn playwright --version, or pnpm exec playwright --version |
The project-context CLI resolves and reports a Playwright version. |
| Browser binaries | npx playwright install --list |
Browsers known to Playwright installations on the machine. |
| Cache location | Inspect the active cache and PLAYWRIGHT_BROWSERS_PATH |
Where binaries are being searched for; useful when another process uses a different environment. |
Playwright’s browser documentation states: “Each version of Playwright needs specific versions of browser binaries to operate.” Therefore, a package upgrade can require downloading browser revisions again.
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Check a Node.js project
1. Open the correct project directory
Open a terminal in the directory containing the project’s manifest and lockfile. Running from another directory can resolve a different dependency, including a globally available or unrelated installation.
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2. Use the project’s package manager
Choose the command matching the lockfile:
npx playwright --version
# or
yarn playwright --version
# or
pnpm exec playwright --versionA result such as a Playwright version number confirms that the command can resolve Playwright in that project context. It does not verify browser executables.
3. List the browser binaries
npx playwright install --listReview the output for the browser your tests launch. If the required browser is not listed, install the default set:
npx playwright installOr install only a required browser:
npx playwright install chromiumUse the same project context for installation and for running tests. If you update Playwright, repeat the browser check because the new package may require different revisions.
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The command you should expect depends on the project’s intended API. Playwright Test projects commonly install @playwright/test; projects using the browser automation library directly may use a different Playwright package. Inspect the dependency manifest and lockfile rather than assuming that one package name fits every project.
Inspect the manifest
- Open
package.jsonand look underdependenciesanddevDependencies. - Check the lockfile used by the project to see the resolved version.
- Run the version command through that project’s package manager so the result matches the application’s dependency graph.
If no appropriate package is present, install the package required by the project’s API with its package manager, then run the version and browser-list checks again.
Check Playwright in Python
Activate the same Python virtual environment used by your application. The Python binding’s browser workflow is separate from Node.js commands.
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- Activate the project’s virtual environment.
- Confirm the Python Playwright package is installed in that environment using your normal package inspection process.
- Use the Playwright command from that environment to install or list browsers. The official examples include
python -m playwright installfor installation. - Run your application from the same activated environment.
python -m playwright installIf an application reports a missing executable after installation, verify that the shell, process supervisor, container, or CI job is using the same virtual environment and browser cache.
Check Playwright in .NET
.NET projects use the script generated for the project’s build output rather than a Node.js CLI. The exact path contains your target framework and configuration. A typical PowerShell command is:
pwsh bin/Debug/netX/playwright.ps1 installReplace netX with the project’s actual target framework. To list browser installations, use the generated script’s list option:
pwsh bin/Debug/netX/playwright.ps1 install --listRun the script from the build output belonging to the project you are executing; a script from another build can represent a different Playwright version.
When the version check succeeds but tests fail
“Executable doesn’t exist” or browser missing
The package is present, but the corresponding browser binary is absent or unavailable to the running process. Run the browser list command, then install the required browser. For Node.js:
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npx playwright install chromiumFor supported Linux environments, operating-system libraries may also be missing. Playwright provides a separate dependency command, and a combined form:
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npx playwright install-deps
npx playwright install --with-depsUse the combined option where supported and appropriate for your environment; it installs browsers and required system dependencies.
Browser listed, but the application still cannot find it
Check whether the application sets PLAYWRIGHT_BROWSERS_PATH. This variable can redirect Playwright to a custom or hermetic cache, so the shell in which you listed browsers may not be using the same location.
- Windows default cache:
%USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalms-playwright - macOS default cache:
~/Library/Caches/ms-playwright - Linux default cache:
~/.cache/ms-playwright
Compare the variable and effective user between your terminal, test runner, service, container, and CI job. A project-local or custom cache must be populated in the environment that launches Playwright.
Command not found or no version printed
First confirm the working directory and package manager. Then inspect the manifest for the intended Playwright package. If it is absent, install it with the project’s package manager. If it is present but the command still fails, reinstall dependencies using the lockfile and retry from the project directory.
Different version than expected
This usually indicates a different dependency context: the wrong directory, a different lockfile, a global command, or a different virtual environment/build output. Use npx, Yarn, or pnpm from the project, activate the Python environment, or run the generated .NET script associated with the build you execute.
A practical diagnostic sequence
- Identify the application language and project directory.
- Use the matching project command to print the Playwright version.
- Record the version shown; this is the package version resolved by that context.
- List browsers with the matching binding or generated script.
- Install the missing browser revision, not merely the package.
- Check
PLAYWRIGHT_BROWSERS_PATH, the operating-system user, and the cache location if the list and runtime disagree. - On supported Linux systems, install system dependencies when the browser exists but cannot start.
- Rerun the application from the same environment used for the checks.
Performance and CI considerations
Browser downloads are version-specific and can be substantial, so cache the Playwright browser directory in continuous-integration systems when your provider supports caching. Invalidate that cache when the Playwright version changes; reusing an old cache can leave the package and browser revision mismatched.
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For hermetic builds, set PLAYWRIGHT_BROWSERS_PATH deliberately and ensure the install step and test step use the same value. For shared machines, listing browsers as the same user that runs tests avoids false positives caused by another user’s cache.
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FAQ
Does a version number prove Chromium is installed?
No. It confirms the CLI package resolves. Use the browser-list command to check binaries.
Why did upgrading Playwright break an existing setup?
Playwright versions require specific browser revisions. Install the browsers again for the upgraded version.
Can I use a Node.js command for a Python or .NET project?
Use the command supplied by the project’s binding: Python’s module command or the generated .NET PowerShell script. A Node.js command may inspect an unrelated installation.
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What should I check in a container?
Verify the install and test stages share the same user, cache path, environment variable, and operating-system dependencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a version number prove Chromium is installed?
No. It confirms the CLI package resolves. Use the browser-list command to check binaries.
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Why did upgrading Playwright break an existing setup?
Playwright versions require specific browser revisions. Install the browsers again for the upgraded version.
Can I use a Node.js command for a Python or .NET project?
Use the command supplied by the project’s binding: Python’s module command or the generated .NET PowerShell script. A Node.js command may inspect an unrelated installation.
What should I check in a container?
Verify the install and test stages share the same user, cache path, environment variable, and operating-system dependencies.
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