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Webpack "UnhandledSchemeError ... node:" protocol import in CI

A module imports a Node built-in using the node: URI scheme (for example node:fs). Webpack does not resolve that scheme out of the box, so it raises UnhandledSchemeError during the build.

What this error means

The build fails with "UnhandledSchemeError: Reading from 'node:fs' is not handled by plugins (Unhandled scheme)" and a note that Webpack supports data:, file: and http(s): by default.

webpack
Module build failed: UnhandledSchemeError: Reading from "node:buffer" is not
handled by plugins (Unhandled scheme).
Webpack supports "data:" and "file:" URIs by default.
You may need an additional plugin to handle "node:" URIs.

Common causes

A dependency uses node: prefixed imports

Newer packages import core modules as node:fs or node:buffer; older Webpack 5 minors do not resolve that scheme.

A browser target pulling in Node built-ins

Bundling Node-only code for the web surfaces the scheme because there is no browser equivalent to map it to.

How to fix it

Upgrade Webpack so it resolves node:

Recent Webpack 5 versions handle the node: scheme for server targets. Upgrade to a version that supports it.

Terminal
npm install webpack@latest
npx webpack --version

Map node: imports with a NormalModuleReplacementPlugin

For a browser build, strip the prefix or point the import at a polyfill so Webpack can resolve it.

webpack.config.js
new webpack.NormalModuleReplacementPlugin(
  /^node:/,
  (resource) => { resource.request = resource.request.replace(/^node:/, ''); }
)

How to prevent it

  • Keep Webpack current so new URI schemes are supported.
  • Target the right platform so Node built-ins are not bundled for the browser.
  • Audit dependencies that switched to node: prefixed imports.

Frequently asked questions

What causes ""UnhandledSchemeError" node: import"?
Newer packages import core modules as node:fs or node:buffer; older Webpack 5 minors do not resolve that scheme.
How do I fix "UnhandledSchemeError" node: import?
Recent Webpack 5 versions handle the node: scheme for server targets. Upgrade to a version that supports it.

Related guides

References

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