[BUG] install-strategy=linked: a fresh install reports "up to date" instead of "added N" #9623

Part of #9608.

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

This is not just a request to bump a dependency for a CVE

• This is not solely a request to bump a dependency for a CVE

Current Behavior

A fresh npm install under install-strategy=linked that actually creates the .store entries and symlinks prints up to date, audited N packages instead of added N packages. The packages are installed correctly; only the summary line is misleading, which can lead users and CI to believe nothing changed. The hoisted strategy prints added N packages.

Expected Behavior

A fresh install that materializes packages should report the number of packages added (e.g. added N packages) under the linked strategy, matching the hoisted strategy.

Steps To Reproduce

cd "$(mktemp -d)"
echo 'install-strategy=linked' > .npmrc
echo '{ "name": "cq", "version": "1.0.0", "dependencies": { "minimatch": "3.0.4" } }' > package.json
npm install
#   linked:  up to date, audited 5 packages          (it just created 4 store entries + a symlink)
#   hoisted: added 4 packages, and audited 5 packages

Environment

• npm: 12.0.0-pre.1 (latest)
• Node.js: v24.17.0
• OS Name: macOS (Darwin 25.5.0)
• System Model Name: MacBook (arm64)
• npm config:

install-strategy=linked