[BUG] `npm update --dry-run` is bloken

[zdm]

Is there an existing issue for this?

• I have searched the existing issues

This issue exists in the latest npm version

• I am using the latest npm

Current Behavior

1. It update node_modules/.package-lock.json event if --dry-run option is provided.
2. It produce text and json output if --dry-run is specified.

Expected Behavior

I am expecting that no changes will be performed in dry-run mode.

I am expecting clear json output.

Steps To Reproduce

1. Run npm up --dry-run --json
2. See text + json output
3. Run npm up --dry-run --json once more
4. See nothing, this is because .package-lock.json was updated

Environment

• npm: 11.12.1
• Node.js: v24.14.1
• OS Name:
• System Model Name:
• npm config:

; copy and paste output from `npm config ls` here

[kchindam-infy]

Closing: this looks to be similar if not a duplicate of an existing issue #8565 . If you believe your instance is unique, please provide further clarifying details.Please feel free to open the issue persists again

[zdm]

Mentioned issue is related to json output.
My issue is also about --dry-run make unexpected updates.

I have no permissions to re-open issue.

[zdm]

@kchindam-infy Could you please reopen it?

[cjanssen]

Can confirm this as well using version 11.8.0. Any call to npm with --dry-run results in changes occuring in the node_modules/.package_lock. Subsequent calls of the same dry run command return 'up to date.'