Puppeteer browser folder exists but executable is missing
The browser's cache folder exists, but its expected executable is missing.
The browser’s cache folder exists, but its expected executable is missing.
Error message
The browser folder ({value}) exists but the executable ({value}) is missing
{value} is replaced by the value shown in your error message.
How this error happens
A partial extraction can leave a browser cache folder without its expected executable. The installer sees the folder, but it is not a complete usable installation.
The failing command assumes an earlier interrupted download left an incomplete browser folder.
npx puppeteer browsers install
How to fix
Install into a separate writable cache to confirm the problem without deleting the existing cache.
PUPPETEER_CACHE_DIR=/absolute/path/new-browser-cache \
npx puppeteer browsers install
Things to keep in mind
Use the same cache location for runtime launch. If the new installation works, repair only the identified incomplete entry after confirming that no running browser uses it. Do not delete the entire cache.