diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 617ce6d..27da6b5 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -23,9 +23,9 @@ jobs:
           node-version: 24
           registry-url: 'https://registry.npmjs.org'
 
-      # Ensure npm 11.5.1 or later is installed
+      # Stay on the latest npm 11 release
       - name: Update npm
-        run: npm install -g npm@latest
+        run: npm install -g npm@11
 
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: npm ci