# 4.1.11 install question

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [10 July 2026 11:14 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444 "2026-07-10T11:14:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [10 July 2026 11:14 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/1 "2026-07-10T11:14:58Z")

</div>

Sorry, but I'm wanting to stick to the `4` series as most of my existing Pies are _OLD_ and I don't want to update to the latest release if it is 64 bit and they aren't.

Yes, this is a new Pi (5 with 8GB ram) but......  
To keep things consistent over my network.....

I went thorough and was asked the questions.

"Theme" and I picked `DARK`.

(Guess what.)

It isn't.

Burns my eyes.

How do I get the `dark` theme working in the editor?

I've looked at the `settings.js` file. I see the `dark` set.

Help please.

To share:  
(part of the settings file)

```auto
/ *******************************************************************************
 * Editor Settings
 * - disableEditor
 * - editorTheme
 ****************************************************************************** /

    /** The following property can be used to disable the editor. The admin API
     * is not affected by this option. To disable both the editor and the admin
     * API, use either the httpRoot or httpAdminRoot properties
     */
    //disableEditor: false,

    /** Customising the editor
     * See https://nodered.org/docs/user-guide/runtime/configuration#editor-themes
     * for all available options.
     */
    editorTheme: {
        /** The following property can be used to set a custom theme for the editor.
         * See https://github.com/node-red-contrib-themes/theme-collection for
         * a collection of themes to chose from.
         */
        theme: "dark",

        /** To disable the 'Welcome to Node-RED' tour that is displayed the first
         * time you access the editor for each release of Node-RED, set this to false
         */
        //tours: false,

        palette: {
            /** The following property can be used to order the categories in the editor
             * palette. If a node's category is not in the list, the category will get
             * added to the end of the palette.
             * If not set, the following default order is used:
             */
            //categories: ['subflows', 'common', 'function', 'network', 'sequence', 'parser', 'storage'],
        },

```

The edit screen I get/see.

 ![Screenshot from 2026-07-10 21-17-11](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/uploads/nodered/original/3X/a/9/a9eaf8b6a7a3838c7ede44e9ec96fe526854cd2f.png)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [10 July 2026 12:36 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/2 "2026-07-10T12:36:35Z")

</div>

But Andrew, haven't you posted loads of editor screen captures showing dark mode?

Is this light theme on a new install?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [10 July 2026 12:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/3 "2026-07-10T12:59:58Z")

</div>

I have never used any but the default light theme, but I did try following the advice at [https://nodered.org/docs/user-guide/runtime/configuration#editor-themes](https://nodered.org/docs/user-guide/runtime/configuration#editor-themes).  
It turned **all** my nodes a burning pink colour.

Then I tried installing node-red-contrib-themes/theme-collection, now I get a startup warning `[warn] [@node-red-contrib-themes/theme-collection] Node module cannot be loaded on this version. Requires: >=5.0` (so why did it install on v4 then?)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [10 July 2026 18:23 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/4 "2026-07-10T18:23:18Z")

</div>

Hi.

I am sorry that I have started 2 threads just now. But they are kinda different.  
Well: they are.

This thread:  
Yes, I have a brand spanking new Pi 5. (8GB).

I installed node-red for reasons mentioned in the other thread.

As said earlier:  
I want to keep all my pies as compatible as possible and most of the others are 3 B+ and the like.  
(No 4's and ONLY THIS ONE 5)

I read somewhere that the new release is 64 bit or something and specifically needs things I don't think a 3(b)+ would support.

So I installed 4.1.11  
Went through the Q/A during install.  
`Do you want Pi specific nodes?` (etc)  
Then it got to some new stuff which I kinda like/d.  
All my other machines run 4.0.9 and I got caught with this `project` thing popping up each time I go to the editor.  
(It was discussed and anyway....)

`Do you want projects enabled?` (or something like that.) Wow! Love it!  
`What theme do you want?` and a list. I chose `dark`.

And so on.

It installed and I loaded the editor.

☹  
Not a dark theme.

Though it didn't bother me with the project export thing.  
(But maybe because there wasn't anything in the editor at that time.)

I'm going through bad times with software installation just now and want to check it is not me that is stuffing it up.

The install script asked, I answered/chose and I didn't gt what I chose.

Just wanting to check.

Thanks.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [11 July 2026 20:48 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/5 "2026-07-11T20:48:00Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> I read somewhere that the new release is 64 bit or something and specifically needs things I don't think a 3(b)+ would support.

As I understand it, the 3b will run NR 5 provided you have the 64 bit version of the pi OS installed. To check, run  
`dpkg-architecture`  
It will tell you whether you have the 32 or 64 bit OS installed.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [11 July 2026 21:53 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/6 "2026-07-11T21:53:33Z")

</div>

I started to check then remembered:

BUSTER!

**AND**

This machine runs Ubuntu 22.04

So my entire network is now using an outdated O/S.  
(Well, the machines on it at least)

Updating would be a HUGE thing to do and one I don't want to do.

But I digress - kinda.

The question is that I installed 4.1.11 on Trixie on the NEW Pi. 54 bit, 8GB memory.

When I set the theme to DARK, it didn't work.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 07:57 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/7 "2026-07-12T07:57:00Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> This machine runs Ubuntu 22.04
> 
> So my entire network is now using an outdated O/S.

Ubuntu 22.04 is supported till April 2027, and if you register it for ESM (Extended Security Maintenance?), which is free for up to three machines per personal individual, then you get security updates for another five years.

I think 22.04 was available in 32 and 64 bit so my suggested check is still valid.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 07:58 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/8 "2026-07-12T07:58:50Z")

</div>

I think we are digressing from the question.

I have a brand new Pi. 64 Bit trixie installed.

I installed NR 4.1.11 and picked DARK THEME in the install process.

I'm not getting it.

Why?  
😕

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 09:03 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/9 "2026-07-12T09:03:35Z")

</div>

What have you got for the theme in settings.js?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 09:04 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/10 "2026-07-12T09:04:37Z")

</div>

Isn't that enough in the first post?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 09:11 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/11 "2026-07-12T09:11:30Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Why?  
> 😕

I think it's because node-red-contrib-themes/theme-collection has recently been modified to require Node-red v5.  
Look in the startup log:

```auto
[warn] [@node-red-contrib-themes/theme-collection] Node module cannot be loaded on this version. Requires: >=5.0

```

You could try checking what version of the theme collection is installed on one of your other Pies (from package.json), and force installation of that version on your Pi 5.

I feel that clinging to previous versions of the OS or Node-red for the sake of consistency across your devices is just storing up troubles for the future.

Your Pi 3Bs should be capable of running Node-red 5, as long as you have the 64 bit OS installed.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 09:20 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/12 "2026-07-12T09:20:56Z")

</div>

I may power the machine up in a moment.

Ok, I kind of like what you said.

The _rub_ for me is this:  
I have something like node.js at about 18.

I ran the install script for 4.1.11

So given I told it to install 4.x and the theme required 5.x why would the install script prompt me for a non-supported option?

--

> [@jbudd](#):
>
> I feel that clinging to previous versions of the OS or Node-red for the sake of consistency across your devices is just storing up troubles for the future.

That is for the EXISTING machines.

This is for a brand new machine.

Please put the existing Pi 3B+ (and others) out of the scope.  
I (regrettably) mentioned it because someone said to update to Version 5 on the OTHER machines.  
That is outside the scope of this thread.

So - please - back to the question.

Side question:  
Is version 5 compatible with 4.x?  
As most of my machines are 4.x and if I install 5.x on the NEW machine am I making a problem?

I'd go into the other stuff, but it is not helping **this** question.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 09:33 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/13 "2026-07-12T09:33:49Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> Side question:  
> Is version 5 compatible with 4.x?  
> As most of my machines are 4.x and if I install 5.x on the NEW machine am I making a problem?

As I understand it, the changes from Node-red 4 to 5 mainly affect the _appearance_ of the editor.  
This has scope for confusion, for example the buttons to control which sidebars are shown have moved from the top of the page to the bottom.  
However, there should be no compatibility issues when you copy a flow from NR4 to 5 or vice versa.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 09:35 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/14 "2026-07-12T09:35:24Z")

</div>

I may have to update the new machine's version from 4.1.11 to 5.

But it doesn't answer the original question WRT the theme.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Colin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/colin/32/17040_2.png) [@Colin](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Colin)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 11:23 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/15 "2026-07-12T11:23:46Z")

</div>

> [@Trying\_to\_learn](#):
>
> But it doesn't answer the original question WRT the theme.

Possibly the script should not give you that option if you are installing an old version of node red. Whether it is worth the effort of fixing it is debatable.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 11:30 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/16 "2026-07-12T11:30:08Z")

</div>

Ok.

That goes a long way to resolution.

I'll accept it as _the answer_ as it would seem 4.x is kinda dead in the water.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dceejay](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/dceejay/32/38_2.png) [@dceejay](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dceejay)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 14:07 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/17 "2026-07-12T14:07:48Z")

</div>

> [@jbudd](#):
>
> Your Pi 3Bs should be capable of running Node-red 5, as long as you have the 64 bit OS installed.

Pi 3 with 32 bit PiOS can still run nodejs24 and Node-RED v5 (or v4)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 14:20 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/18 "2026-07-12T14:20:55Z")

</div>

Thanks for clarifying.

I was confused by the script's output _specific to x86 processors_

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Trying\_to\_learn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/trying_to_learn/32/28400_2.png) [@Trying\_to\_learn](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Trying_to_learn)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 20:55 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/19 "2026-07-12T20:55:30Z")

</div>

So I am running BUSTER - please don't go there - on some Pi3's.  
(Some B+ others.... not sure.)

I can run NR 5.x?

If so I may update them all to 5.x across the board.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dceejay](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex026/user_avatar/discourse.nodered.org/dceejay/32/38_2.png) [@dceejay](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dceejay)\
**Post date:** [12 July 2026 20:57 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444/20 "2026-07-12T20:57:22Z")

</div>

I’ll try it tomorrow and let you know

[Next page](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/4-1-11-install-question/101444.md?page=2)