Fixing Tailwind CSS V4 Issues On Windows: A Guide

Aug 13, 2025 by Omar Yusuf 50 views

Fixing Tailwind CSS v4 Compatibility Issues on Windows

Hey guys! Running into snags with Tailwind CSS v4 on Windows? You're not alone. This article will walk you through troubleshooting steps to get your development environment up and running smoothly. We'll cover common issues, error messages, and provide clear solutions so you can get back to building awesome stuff.

The Problem: Missing Lightningcss Module

So, you're trying to fire up your Next.js project with npm run dev and BAM! You're hit with this nasty error:

Build Error 
Error evaluating Node.js code 
./app/globals.css 
Error evaluating Node.js code 
Error: Cannot find module '../lightningcss.win32-x64-msvc.node' 
Require stack: 
- C:\Users\Rakshit\OneDrive\Desktop\open-lovable\node_modules\lightningcss\node\index.js 
- C:\Users\Rakshit\OneDrive\Desktop\open-lovable\node_modules\@tailwindcss\node\dist\index.js 
- C:\Users\Rakshit\OneDrive\Desktop\open-lovable\node_modules\@tailwindcss\postcss\dist\index.js 
- C:\Users\Rakshit\OneDrive\Desktop\open-lovable\.next\build\chunks\[turbopack]_runtime.js 
- C:\Users\Rakshit\OneDrive\Desktop\open-lovable\.next\postcss.js

This error usually pops up when Tailwind CSS v4, which depends on lightningcss, can't find the native module for your Windows system (specifically, lightningcss.win32-x64-msvc.node). It's a bit of a headache, but don't worry, we've got you covered!

This problem arises due to a missing native module for lightningcss, a core dependency in Tailwind CSS v4. This issue is particularly prevalent on Windows systems. When you attempt to start your application, the build process falters because it cannot locate the lightningcss.win32-x64-msvc.node file, which is essential for the CSS compilation. The error message clearly indicates a Cannot find module error, followed by a detailed stack trace that pinpoints the origin of the problem. The stack trace helps developers understand the sequence of module imports that led to the error, starting from the application's entry point in globals.css and traversing through the Tailwind CSS and lightningcss modules. This kind of error can be quite frustrating, especially when you're eager to dive into your project. The root cause often involves platform-specific binaries or compatibility issues with certain versions of Node.js or related packages. The error message includes important contextual information such as the file path where the error occurred (./app/globals.css) and the modules involved in the error chain (lightningcss, @tailwindcss, postcss). Understanding these details is crucial for diagnosing and addressing the issue effectively. For instance, this error might suggest that the lightningcss package was not installed correctly or that there is a mismatch between the installed version and the system's architecture. It could also indicate problems with the project's dependencies or configuration, which need to be carefully examined to find a solution. This native module is crucial for Tailwind CSS v4 to function correctly, and its absence throws a wrench in the works. This often occurs because the installation process might not have correctly fetched or linked this module, especially in certain environments.

Your Environment Matters

To give you a clear picture, here's a typical environment setup where this issue surfaces:

OS: Windows (it's a Windows-specific thing)
Node.js: Latest and greatest (but sometimes the newest isn't the greatest, right?)
Next.js: 15.4.3 with Turbopack (Turbopack is cool, but sometimes it adds complexity)
Tailwind CSS: v4.1.11 (this particular version is the troublemaker)

Solution Central: Let's Fix It!

Okay, let's dive into the solutions. We've got two main paths to take, and I'll lay them out for you:

Option 1: The Safe Bet - Downgrade to Tailwind CSS v3 (Recommended)

This is generally the recommended approach, especially if you're just trying to get things working. Tailwind CSS v3 is stable, reliable, and widely used. Think of it as the trusty old friend that always has your back. Downgrading is a straightforward process, and it's a solid way to avoid the v4 compatibility gremlins. The primary advantage of this approach is its stability and proven track record. Tailwind CSS v3 has been thoroughly tested and used in countless projects, making it a safe and reliable choice. Downgrading ensures a smoother development experience, especially if you're encountering compatibility issues with the newer v4. It also reduces the risk of encountering unexpected bugs or problems during your project's lifecycle. This is particularly beneficial for projects with tight deadlines or those requiring a high degree of stability. Moreover, the community support and available resources for Tailwind CSS v3 are extensive. You'll find a wealth of tutorials, documentation, and community forums to help you with any questions or issues you may encounter. This can be a significant advantage, especially if you're new to Tailwind CSS or need quick solutions to problems. In contrast, Tailwind CSS v4, while offering some exciting new features and performance improvements, is still relatively new and may not have the same level of community support or stability. By opting for the downgrade, you're choosing a path that is well-trodden and supported, reducing the likelihood of getting stuck with obscure bugs or compatibility issues. The downgrade process itself is relatively simple and involves a few straightforward steps, making it an accessible solution for developers of all skill levels.

Step-by-Step Downgrade

Uninstall the current Tailwind CSS and PostCSS packages:
```
npm uninstall tailwindcss @tailwindcss/postcss
```

Install Tailwind CSS v3 and its dependencies:

npm install [email protected] postcss autoprefixer --save-dev

Update your PostCSS config ( postcss.config.mjs ):

const config = {
  plugins: {
    tailwindcss: {},  // Changed from '@tailwindcss/postcss'
    autoprefixer: {},
  },
};

export default config;

Important: We're changing tailwindcss: { } from '@tailwindcss/postcss'. This is a key step!

Update your CSS directives (usually in app/globals.css ):

@tailwind base;
@tailwind components;
@tailwind utilities;

/* Replace the previous @import "tailwindcss"; */

Note: We're ditching the old `@import