Is there an alternative method to install Node.js that bypasses the installer's linking process if I repeatedly get the "failed to create nodejs exe link" error?

Yes, you can use the 'binary-only' or 'portable' version of Node.js. Download the `.zip` file for your operating system from the Node.js website (under 'Other Downloads'). Extract its contents to a folder of your choice (e.g., `C:\nodejs`). Then, manually add the path to this extracted folder (e.g., `C:\nodejs`) to your system's PATH environment variable. This method entirely skips the installer's link creation process.