feat(workspaces): add --include-workspace-root and explicit --no-workspacesfritzy/workspace-root

Adds a new config item that includes the workspace root. This also changes
--workspaces to a trinary, so that setting it to false will explicitly exclude
workspaces altogether.

PR-URL: https://github.com/npm/cli/pull/3890
Credit: @fritzy
Close: #3890
Reviewed-by: @wraithgar

72 files changed, 1221 insertions, 285 deletions

diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-audit.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-audit.md
index 9fa8c0fcc..58c614d79 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-audit.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-audit.md
@@ -313,8 +313,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -327,17 +327,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-dedupe.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-dedupe.md
index dcb2a98fe..377e17d81 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-dedupe.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-dedupe.md
@@ -247,8 +247,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -261,17 +261,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-diff.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-diff.md
index cf0bbec15..8d05df779 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-diff.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-diff.md
@@ -286,8 +286,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -300,17 +300,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 ## See Also
 
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-dist-tag.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-dist-tag.md
index 4ad68ff56..a4e0243aa 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-dist-tag.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-dist-tag.md
@@ -106,8 +106,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -120,17 +120,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-docs.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-docs.md
index 9f1387dae..970d17aa8 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-docs.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-docs.md
@@ -63,8 +63,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -77,17 +77,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-exec.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-exec.md
index 82908d65e..db2353662 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-exec.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-exec.md
@@ -164,8 +164,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -178,17 +178,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### Examples
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-explain.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-explain.md
index 4a8af2f70..5f05cac0f 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-explain.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-explain.md
@@ -85,8 +85,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-find-dupes.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-find-dupes.md
index e9dbac6d1..f7dc84f9c 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-find-dupes.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-find-dupes.md
@@ -174,8 +174,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -188,17 +188,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-fund.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-fund.md
index 83c0b13d8..606b0a188 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-fund.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-fund.md
@@ -122,8 +122,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-init.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-init.md
index 7355c7588..a608061a9 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-init.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-init.md
@@ -200,8 +200,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -214,17 +214,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-install-test.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-install-test.md
index c2f9ab3d2..c464e5bd0 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-install-test.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-install-test.md
@@ -241,8 +241,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -255,17 +255,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-install.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-install.md
index de7378718..a103845d1 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-install.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-install.md
@@ -625,8 +625,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -639,17 +639,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### Algorithm
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-link.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-link.md
index 5811a8b23..d4ef41ae9 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-link.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-link.md
@@ -325,8 +325,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -339,17 +339,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-ls.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-ls.md
index 528140bee..3b33f0a36 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-ls.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-ls.md
@@ -227,8 +227,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -241,17 +241,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-outdated.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-outdated.md
index 8eb5528c3..1b58a6afd 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-outdated.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-outdated.md
@@ -167,8 +167,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-pack.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-pack.md
index dda30512d..539459868 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-pack.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-pack.md
@@ -69,8 +69,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -83,17 +83,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### Description
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-pkg.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-pkg.md
index bf6a2df5d..beee9c1c4 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-pkg.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-pkg.md
@@ -223,8 +223,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -237,12 +237,20 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-prune.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-prune.md
index 7bd7ad131..658ab2610 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-prune.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-prune.md
@@ -103,8 +103,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -117,17 +117,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-publish.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-publish.md
index 946109de4..6958b1066 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-publish.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-publish.md
@@ -188,8 +188,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -202,17 +202,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-rebuild.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-rebuild.md
index 19684796f..75e71c60e 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-rebuild.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-rebuild.md
@@ -89,8 +89,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -103,17 +103,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-repo.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-repo.md
index c3c509e0b..cd47fde47 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-repo.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-repo.md
@@ -50,8 +50,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -64,17 +64,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-run-script.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-run-script.md
index e436bc27f..6dd602d03 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-run-script.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-run-script.md
@@ -152,8 +152,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -166,17 +166,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 #### `if-present`
 
 * Default: false
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-set-script.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-set-script.md
index e39b7a18c..869ceede0 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-set-script.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-set-script.md
@@ -44,8 +44,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -58,17 +58,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-uninstall.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-uninstall.md
index c04e1a7fd..824d0d876 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-uninstall.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-uninstall.md
@@ -85,8 +85,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -99,17 +99,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-unpublish.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-unpublish.md
index 1678bb305..13589a03e 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-unpublish.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-unpublish.md
@@ -107,8 +107,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -121,12 +121,20 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-update.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-update.md
index 57b9b91f9..ad02118e4 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-update.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-update.md
@@ -341,8 +341,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -355,17 +355,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### See Also
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-version.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-version.md
index a02bf5bb9..91ab0dee0 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-version.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-version.md
@@ -103,8 +103,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -117,17 +117,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### Description
diff --git a/docs/content/commands/npm-view.md b/docs/content/commands/npm-view.md
index af354deb8..9a1793f13 100644
--- a/docs/content/commands/npm-view.md
+++ b/docs/content/commands/npm-view.md
@@ -127,8 +127,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -141,17 +141,39 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 <!-- AUTOGENERATED CONFIG DESCRIPTIONS END -->
 
 ### Output
diff --git a/docs/content/using-npm/config.md b/docs/content/using-npm/config.md
index fb155ebcf..ddabe01d7 100644
--- a/docs/content/using-npm/config.md
+++ b/docs/content/using-npm/config.md
@@ -806,6 +806,20 @@ This is experimental, and not implemented by the npm public registry.
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### `include-workspace-root`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the `workspace` config, or
+all workspaces via the `workspaces` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 #### `init-author-email`
 
 * Default: ""
@@ -1769,8 +1783,8 @@ Valid values for the `workspace` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the `npm init` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -1783,12 +1797,20 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### `workspaces`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like `install` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the `node_modules` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the `node_modules` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the `workspace` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
diff --git a/lib/base-command.js b/lib/base-command.js
index 870c69acc..c5bd3fd94 100644
--- a/lib/base-command.js
+++ b/lib/base-command.js
@@ -7,8 +7,6 @@ class BaseCommand {
   constructor (npm) {
     this.wrapWidth = 80
     this.npm = npm
-    this.workspaces = null
-    this.workspacePaths = null
   }
 
   get name () {
@@ -75,7 +73,13 @@ class BaseCommand {
   }
 
   async setWorkspaces (filters) {
-    const ws = await getWorkspaces(filters, { path: this.npm.localPrefix })
+    if (this.isArboristCmd)
+      this.includeWorkspaceRoot = false
+
+    const ws = await getWorkspaces(filters, {
+      path: this.npm.localPrefix,
+      includeWorkspaceRoot: this.includeWorkspaceRoot,
+    })
     this.workspaces = ws
     this.workspaceNames = [...ws.keys()]
     this.workspacePaths = [...ws.values()]
diff --git a/lib/diff.js b/lib/diff.js
index 01658c466..b1a32705c 100644
--- a/lib/diff.js
+++ b/lib/diff.js
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ class Diff extends BaseCommand {
       'tag',
       'workspace',
       'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
     ]
   }
 
diff --git a/lib/dist-tag.js b/lib/dist-tag.js
index e32dcf61f..be44f39ff 100644
--- a/lib/dist-tag.js
+++ b/lib/dist-tag.js
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ class DistTag extends BaseCommand {
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
-    return ['workspace', 'workspaces']
+    return ['workspace', 'workspaces', 'include-workspace-root']
   }
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
diff --git a/lib/docs.js b/lib/docs.js
index 69a19c35c..51f8be388 100644
--- a/lib/docs.js
+++ b/lib/docs.js
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ class Docs extends BaseCommand {
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
-    return ['browser', 'registry', 'workspace', 'workspaces']
+    return [
+      'browser',
+      'registry',
+      'workspace',
+      'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
+    ]
   }
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
diff --git a/lib/exec.js b/lib/exec.js
index 8c64c2f24..d11947483 100644
--- a/lib/exec.js
+++ b/lib/exec.js
@@ -35,7 +35,13 @@ class Exec extends BaseCommand {
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
-    return ['package', 'call', 'workspace', 'workspaces']
+    return [
+      'package',
+      'call',
+      'workspace',
+      'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
+    ]
   }
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
diff --git a/lib/explain.js b/lib/explain.js
index 7d785d7bf..fc7f57891 100644
--- a/lib/explain.js
+++ b/lib/explain.js
@@ -46,8 +46,15 @@ class Explain extends ArboristWorkspaceCmd {
     const arb = new Arborist({ path: this.npm.prefix, ...this.npm.flatOptions })
     const tree = await arb.loadActual()
 
-    if (this.workspaceNames && this.workspaceNames.length)
+    if (this.npm.flatOptions.workspacesEnabled
+      && this.workspaceNames
+      && this.workspaceNames.length
+    )
       this.filterSet = arb.workspaceDependencySet(tree, this.workspaceNames)
+    else if (!this.npm.flatOptions.workspacesEnabled) {
+      this.filterSet =
+        arb.excludeWorkspacesDependencySet(tree)
+    }
 
     const nodes = new Set()
     for (const arg of args) {
diff --git a/lib/fund.js b/lib/fund.js
index 1e0fa1ecb..97139f5bb 100644
--- a/lib/fund.js
+++ b/lib/fund.js
@@ -92,6 +92,7 @@ class Fund extends ArboristWorkspaceCmd {
       return
     }
 
+    // TODO: add !workspacesEnabled option handling to libnpmfund
     const fundingInfo = getFundingInfo(tree, {
       ...this.flatOptions,
       log: this.npm.log,
diff --git a/lib/init.js b/lib/init.js
index e4bd20b72..e654793ec 100644
--- a/lib/init.js
+++ b/lib/init.js
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ class Init extends BaseCommand {
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
-    return ['yes', 'force', 'workspace', 'workspaces']
+    return ['yes', 'force', 'workspace', 'workspaces', 'include-workspace-root']
   }
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
@@ -54,6 +54,10 @@ class Init extends BaseCommand {
   }
 
   async initWorkspaces (args, filters) {
+    // if the root package is uninitiated, take care of it first
+    if (this.npm.flatOptions.includeWorkspaceRoot)
+      await this.init(args)
+
     // reads package.json for the top-level folder first, by doing this we
     // ensure the command throw if no package.json is found before trying
     // to create a workspace package.json file or its folders
diff --git a/lib/link.js b/lib/link.js
index febd90871..2437eb12e 100644
--- a/lib/link.js
+++ b/lib/link.js
@@ -185,6 +185,7 @@ class Link extends ArboristWorkspaceCmd {
         // atm but should be simple once we have a mocked registry again
         if (arg.name !== node.name /* istanbul ignore next */ || (
           arg.version &&
+          /* istanbul ignore next */
           !semver.satisfies(node.version, arg.version)
         )) {
           foundNodes.push(node)
diff --git a/lib/ls.js b/lib/ls.js
index 495b6348a..46cfb2462 100644
--- a/lib/ls.js
+++ b/lib/ls.js
@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@ class LS extends ArboristWorkspaceCmd {
     const production = this.npm.config.get('production')
     const unicode = this.npm.config.get('unicode')
     const packageLockOnly = this.npm.config.get('package-lock-only')
+    const workspacesEnabled = this.npm.flatOptions.workspacesEnabled
 
     const path = global ? resolve(this.npm.globalDir, '..') : this.npm.prefix
 
@@ -100,12 +101,18 @@ class LS extends ArboristWorkspaceCmd {
     if (this.workspaceNames && this.workspaceNames.length)
       wsNodes = arb.workspaceNodes(tree, this.workspaceNames)
     const filterBySelectedWorkspaces = edge => {
+      if (!workspacesEnabled
+        && edge.from.isProjectRoot
+        && edge.to.isWorkspace
+      )
+        return false
+
       if (!wsNodes || !wsNodes.length)
         return true
 
       if (edge.from.isProjectRoot) {
         return edge.to &&
-          edge.to.isWorkspace &
+          edge.to.isWorkspace &&
           wsNodes.includes(edge.to.target)
       }
 
diff --git a/lib/npm.js b/lib/npm.js
index 1a7b06a34..63c5ede8a 100644
--- a/lib/npm.js
+++ b/lib/npm.js
@@ -137,7 +137,19 @@ const npm = module.exports = new class extends EventEmitter {
 
     const workspacesEnabled = this.config.get('workspaces')
     const workspacesFilters = this.config.get('workspace')
+    if (workspacesEnabled === false && workspacesFilters.length > 0)
+      return cb(new Error('Can not use --no-workspaces and --workspace at the same time'))
+
     const filterByWorkspaces = workspacesEnabled || workspacesFilters.length > 0
+    // normally this would go in the constructor, but our tests don't
+    // actually use a real npm object so this.npm.config isn't always
+    // populated.  this is the compromise until we can make that a reality
+    // and then move this into the constructor.
+    impl.workspaces = this.config.get('workspaces')
+    impl.workspacePaths = null
+    // normally this would be evaluated in base-command#setWorkspaces, see
+    // above for explanation
+    impl.includeWorkspaceRoot = this.config.get('include-workspace-root')
 
     if (this.config.get('usage')) {
       this.output(impl.usage)
diff --git a/lib/outdated.js b/lib/outdated.js
index b3b630421..ab46b4536 100644
--- a/lib/outdated.js
+++ b/lib/outdated.js
@@ -62,7 +62,14 @@ class Outdated extends ArboristWorkspaceCmd {
 
     if (this.workspaceNames && this.workspaceNames.length) {
       this.filterSet =
-        arb.workspaceDependencySet(this.tree, this.workspaceNames)
+        arb.workspaceDependencySet(
+          this.tree,
+          this.workspaceNames,
+          this.npm.flatOptions.includeWorkspaceRoot
+        )
+    } else if (!this.npm.flatOptions.workspacesEnabled) {
+      this.filterSet =
+        arb.excludeWorkspacesDependencySet(this.tree)
     }
 
     if (args.length !== 0) {
diff --git a/lib/pack.js b/lib/pack.js
index 8fc89db1a..848f8afd5 100644
--- a/lib/pack.js
+++ b/lib/pack.js
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ class Pack extends BaseCommand {
       'pack-destination',
       'workspace',
       'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
     ]
   }
 
diff --git a/lib/publish.js b/lib/publish.js
index 9c747eb50..32e70129f 100644
--- a/lib/publish.js
+++ b/lib/publish.js
@@ -36,7 +36,15 @@ class Publish extends BaseCommand {
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
-    return ['tag', 'access', 'dry-run', 'otp', 'workspace', 'workspaces']
+    return [
+      'tag',
+      'access',
+      'dry-run',
+      'otp',
+      'workspace',
+      'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
+    ]
   }
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
diff --git a/lib/repo.js b/lib/repo.js
index e0172d01f..bf1d1e7ff 100644
--- a/lib/repo.js
+++ b/lib/repo.js
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ class Repo extends BaseCommand {
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
-    return ['browser', 'workspace', 'workspaces']
+    return ['browser', 'workspace', 'workspaces', 'include-workspace-root']
   }
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
@@ -48,7 +48,13 @@ class Repo extends BaseCommand {
   }
 
   async get (pkg) {
-    const opts = { ...this.npm.flatOptions, fullMetadata: true }
+    // XXX It is very odd that `where` is how pacote knows to look anywhere
+    // other than the cwd.
+    const opts = {
+      ...this.npm.flatOptions,
+      where: this.npm.localPrefix,
+      fullMetadata: true,
+    }
     const mani = await pacote.manifest(pkg, opts)
 
     const r = mani.repository
diff --git a/lib/run-script.js b/lib/run-script.js
index 1daaeb990..de847ff28 100644
--- a/lib/run-script.js
+++ b/lib/run-script.js
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ class RunScript extends BaseCommand {
     return [
       'workspace',
       'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
       'if-present',
       'ignore-scripts',
       'script-shell',
diff --git a/lib/set-script.js b/lib/set-script.js
index 24e4d8f20..185c4cc90 100644
--- a/lib/set-script.js
+++ b/lib/set-script.js
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ class SetScript extends BaseCommand {
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
-    return ['workspace', 'workspaces']
+    return ['workspace', 'workspaces', 'include-workspace-root']
   }
 
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
diff --git a/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js b/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js
index 590955a1e..62686f9b2 100644
--- a/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js
+++ b/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ const installedDeep = async (npm) => {
     depth,
     global,
     prefix,
+    workspacesEnabled,
   } = npm.flatOptions
 
   const getValues = (tree) =>
@@ -19,14 +20,18 @@ const installedDeep = async (npm) => {
       .sort((a, b) => (a.depth - b.depth) || localeCompare(a.name, b.name))
 
   const res = new Set()
-  const gArb = new Arborist({ global: true, path: resolve(npm.globalDir, '..') })
+  const gArb = new Arborist({
+    global: true,
+    path: resolve(npm.globalDir, '..'),
+    workspacesEnabled,
+  })
   const gTree = await gArb.loadActual({ global: true })
 
   for (const node of getValues(gTree))
     res.add(global ? node.name : [node.name, '-g'])
 
   if (!global) {
-    const arb = new Arborist({ global: false, path: prefix })
+    const arb = new Arborist({ global: false, path: prefix, workspacesEnabled })
     const tree = await arb.loadActual()
     for (const node of getValues(tree))
       res.add(node.name)
diff --git a/lib/utils/config/definitions.js b/lib/utils/config/definitions.js
index 3bb8a4210..c9806b3c2 100644
--- a/lib/utils/config/definitions.js
+++ b/lib/utils/config/definitions.js
@@ -918,6 +918,19 @@ define('include-staged', {
   flatten,
 })
 
+define('include-workspace-root', {
+  default: false,
+  type: Boolean,
+  description: `
+    Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+    When false, specifying individual workspaces via the \`workspace\` config,
+    or all workspaces via the \`workspaces\` flag, will cause npm to operate only
+    on the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+  `,
+  flatten,
+})
+
 define('init-author-email', {
   default: '',
   type: String,
@@ -2164,8 +2177,8 @@ define('workspace', {
 
     * Workspace names
     * Path to a workspace directory
-    * Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-      nested workspaces)
+    * Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+      workspaces within that folder)
 
     When set for the \`npm init\` command, this may be set to the folder of
     a workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it
@@ -2177,16 +2190,34 @@ define('workspace', {
 })
 
 define('workspaces', {
-  default: false,
-  type: Boolean,
+  default: null,
+  type: [null, Boolean],
   short: 'ws',
   envExport: false,
   description: `
-    Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+    Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
     workspaces.
+
+    Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like \`install\` to
+    ignore workspaces altogether.
+    When not set explicitly:
+
+    - Commands that operate on the \`node_modules\` tree (install, update,
+      etc.) will link workspaces into the \`node_modules\` folder.
+    - Commands that do other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate
+      on the root project, _unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in
+      the \`workspace\` config.
   `,
   flatten: (key, obj, flatOptions) => {
     definitions['user-agent'].flatten('user-agent', obj, flatOptions)
+
+    // TODO: this is a derived value, and should be reworked when we have a
+    // pattern for derived value
+
+    // workspacesEnabled is true whether workspaces is null or true
+    // commands contextually work with workspaces or not regardless of
+    // configuration, so we need an option specifically to disable workspaces
+    flatOptions.workspacesEnabled = obj[key] !== false
   },
 })
 
diff --git a/lib/version.js b/lib/version.js
index f3680fe8b..917a64747 100644
--- a/lib/version.js
+++ b/lib/version.js
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ class Version extends BaseCommand {
       'sign-git-tag',
       'workspace',
       'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
     ]
   }
 
diff --git a/lib/view.js b/lib/view.js
index 0124bfb7d..46b1b5edf 100644
--- a/lib/view.js
+++ b/lib/view.js
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ class View extends BaseCommand {
       'json',
       'workspace',
       'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
     ]
   }
 
diff --git a/lib/workspaces/arborist-cmd.js b/lib/workspaces/arborist-cmd.js
index cb6b66b8c..a75b351be 100644
--- a/lib/workspaces/arborist-cmd.js
+++ b/lib/workspaces/arborist-cmd.js
@@ -4,16 +4,21 @@
 
 const BaseCommand = require('../base-command.js')
 class ArboristCmd extends BaseCommand {
+  get isArboristCmd () {
+    return true
+  }
+
   /* istanbul ignore next - see test/lib/load-all-commands.js */
   static get params () {
     return [
       'workspace',
       'workspaces',
+      'include-workspace-root',
     ]
   }
 
   execWorkspaces (args, filters, cb) {
-    this.setWorkspaces(filters)
+    this.setWorkspaces(filters, true)
       .then(() => {
         this.exec(args, cb)
       })
diff --git a/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js b/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js
index 91b007455..3eb8e4865 100644
--- a/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js
+++ b/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js
@@ -5,11 +5,16 @@ const rpj = require('read-package-json-fast')
 
 // Returns an Map of paths to workspaces indexed by workspace name
 // { foo => '/path/to/foo' }
-const getWorkspaces = async (filters, { path }) => {
+const getWorkspaces = async (filters, { path, includeWorkspaceRoot }) => {
   // TODO we need a better error to be bubbled up here if this rpj call fails
   const pkg = await rpj(resolve(path, 'package.json'))
   const workspaces = await mapWorkspaces({ cwd: path, pkg })
-  const res = filters.length ? new Map() : workspaces
+  let res = new Map()
+  if (includeWorkspaceRoot)
+    res.set(pkg.name, path)
+
+  if (!filters.length)
+    res = new Map([...res, ...workspaces])
 
   for (const filterArg of filters) {
     for (const [workspaceName, workspacePath] of workspaces.entries()) {
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/config.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/config.js.test.cjs
index 0c57014de..ee121c28a 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/config.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/config.js.test.cjs
@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ exports[`test/lib/config.js TAP config list --json > output matches snapshot 1`]
   "ignore-scripts": false,
   "include": [],
   "include-staged": false,
+  "include-workspace-root": false,
   "init-author-email": "",
   "init-author-name": "",
   "init-author-url": "",
@@ -153,7 +154,7 @@ exports[`test/lib/config.js TAP config list --json > output matches snapshot 1`]
   "viewer": "{VIEWER}",
   "which": null,
   "workspace": [],
-  "workspaces": false,
+  "workspaces": null,
   "yes": null,
   "metrics-registry": "https://registry.npmjs.org/"
 }
@@ -218,6 +219,7 @@ if-present = false
 ignore-scripts = false 
 include = [] 
 include-staged = false 
+include-workspace-root = false 
 init-author-email = "" 
 init-author-name = "" 
 init-author-url = "" 
@@ -305,7 +307,7 @@ versions = false
 viewer = "{VIEWER}" 
 which = null 
 workspace = [] 
-workspaces = false 
+workspaces = null 
 yes = null 
 
 ; "global" config from {GLOBALPREFIX}/npmrc
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/dist-tag.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/dist-tag.js.test.cjs
index 21d9331db..f651f7b67 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/dist-tag.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/dist-tag.js.test.cjs
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ npm dist-tag ls [<pkg>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: dist-tags
 
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ npm dist-tag ls [<pkg>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: dist-tags
 
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ npm dist-tag ls [<pkg>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: dist-tags
 
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ npm dist-tag ls [<pkg>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: dist-tags
 
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ npm dist-tag ls [<pkg>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: dist-tags
 
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ npm dist-tag ls [<pkg>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: dist-tags
 
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/init.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/init.js.test.cjs
index 95abbe6c1..3eb75be5f 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/init.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/init.js.test.cjs
@@ -5,6 +5,10 @@
  * Make sure to inspect the output below.  Do not ignore changes!
  */
 'use strict'
+exports[`test/lib/init.js TAP npm init workspces with root > does not print helper info 1`] = `
+Array []
+`
+
 exports[`test/lib/init.js TAP workspaces no args > should print helper info 1`] = `
 Array [
   Array [
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/load-all-commands.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/load-all-commands.js.test.cjs
index 9f811a005..6efecf208 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/load-all-commands.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/load-all-commands.js.test.cjs
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ Options:
 [--json] [--package-lock-only]
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help audit" for more info
 `
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
 [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: ddp
 
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ Options:
 [--diff-no-prefix] [--diff-src-prefix <path>] [--diff-dst-prefix <path>]
 [--diff-text] [-g|--global] [--tag <tag>]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help diff" for more info
 `
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ npm dist-tag ls [<pkg>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: dist-tags
 
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ npm docs [<pkgname> [<pkgname> ...]]
 Options:
 [--no-browser|--browser <browser>] [--registry <registry>]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: home
 
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ Options:
 [--package <pkg>[@<version>] [--package <pkg>[@<version>] ...]]
 [-c|--call <call>]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: x
 
@@ -343,7 +343,7 @@ Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
 [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help find-dupes" for more info
 `
@@ -421,7 +421,7 @@ npm init [<@scope>/]<name> (same as \`npx [<@scope>/]create-<name>\`)
 Options:
 [-y|--yes] [-f|--force]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 aliases: create, innit
 
@@ -452,7 +452,7 @@ Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
 [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 aliases: i, in, ins, inst, insta, instal, isnt, isnta, isntal, add
 
@@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
 [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: it
 
@@ -522,7 +522,7 @@ Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
 [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: ln
 
@@ -542,7 +542,7 @@ Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--link]
 [--package-lock-only] [--unicode]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: la
 
@@ -592,7 +592,7 @@ Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--link]
 [--package-lock-only] [--unicode]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: list
 
@@ -661,7 +661,7 @@ npm pack [[<@scope>/]<pkg>...]
 Options:
 [--dry-run] [--json] [--pack-destination <pack-destination>]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help pack" for more info
 `
@@ -740,7 +740,7 @@ npm prune [[<@scope>/]<pkg>...]
 Options:
 [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--dry-run]
 [--json] [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help prune" for more info
 `
@@ -756,7 +756,7 @@ npm publish [<folder>]
 Options:
 [--tag <tag>] [--access <restricted|public>] [--dry-run] [--otp <otp>]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help publish" for more info
 `
@@ -772,7 +772,7 @@ npm rebuild [[<@scope>/]<name>[@<version>] ...]
 Options:
 [-g|--global] [--no-bin-links] [--ignore-scripts]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: rb
 
@@ -790,7 +790,7 @@ npm repo [<pkgname> [<pkgname> ...]]
 Options:
 [--no-browser|--browser <browser>]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help repo" for more info
 `
@@ -833,7 +833,7 @@ npm run-script <command> [-- <args>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces] [--if-present] [--ignore-scripts]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root] [--if-present] [--ignore-scripts]
 [--script-shell <script-shell>]
 
 aliases: run, rum, urn
@@ -880,7 +880,7 @@ npm set-script [<script>] [<command>]
 
 Options:
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help set-script" for more info
 `
@@ -1014,7 +1014,7 @@ npm uninstall [<@scope>/]<pkg>...
 Options:
 [-S|--save|--no-save|--save-prod|--save-dev|--save-optional|--save-peer]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 aliases: un, unlink, remove, rm, r
 
@@ -1064,7 +1064,7 @@ Options:
 [--no-package-lock] [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]]
 [--ignore-scripts] [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 aliases: up, upgrade, udpate
 
@@ -1083,7 +1083,7 @@ Options:
 [--allow-same-version] [--no-commit-hooks] [--no-git-tag-version] [--json]
 [--preid prerelease-id] [--sign-git-tag]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 alias: verison
 
@@ -1100,7 +1100,7 @@ npm view [<@scope>/]<pkg>[@<version>] [<field>[.subfield]...]
 
 Options:
 [--json] [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 aliases: v, info, show
 
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/ls.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/ls.js.test.cjs
index c3d0a8764..c550f447c 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/ls.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/ls.js.test.cjs
@@ -547,6 +547,12 @@ exports[`test/lib/ls.js TAP ls loading a tree containing workspaces > should lis
 
 `
 
+exports[`test/lib/ls.js TAP ls loading a tree containing workspaces > should not list workspaces with --no-workspaces 1`] = `
+workspaces-tree@1.0.0 {CWD}/tap-testdir-ls-ls-loading-a-tree-containing-workspaces
+\`-- (empty)
+
+`
+
 exports[`test/lib/ls.js TAP ls loading a tree containing workspaces > should print all tree and filter by dep within only the ws subtree 1`] = `
 workspaces-tree@1.0.0 {CWD}/tap-testdir-ls-ls-loading-a-tree-containing-workspaces
 \`-- d@1.0.0 -> ./d
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/outdated.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/outdated.js.test.cjs
index 9f589d013..15e815031 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/outdated.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/outdated.js.test.cjs
@@ -192,6 +192,10 @@ exports[`test/lib/outdated.js TAP workspaces > should display no results if ws h
 
 `
 
+exports[`test/lib/outdated.js TAP workspaces > should display only root outdated when ws disabled 1`] = `
+
+`
+
 exports[`test/lib/outdated.js TAP workspaces > should display parseable results filtered by ws 1`] = `
 
 {CWD}/test/lib/tap-testdir-outdated-workspaces/node_modules/cat:cat@1.0.1:cat@1.0.0:cat@1.0.1:a
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/publish.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/publish.js.test.cjs
index 7a7502e02..38457821a 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/publish.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/publish.js.test.cjs
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ npm publish [<folder>]
 Options:
 [--tag <tag>] [--access <restricted|public>] [--dry-run] [--otp <otp>]
 [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-[-ws|--workspaces]
+[-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
 
 Run "npm help publish" for more info {
   "code": "EUSAGE",
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js.test.cjs
index e0878c357..aaf59e6a2 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js.test.cjs
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ Array [
   "ignore-scripts",
   "include",
   "include-staged",
+  "include-workspace-root",
   "init-author-email",
   "init-author-name",
   "init-author-url",
@@ -832,6 +833,19 @@ Allow installing "staged" published packages, as defined by [npm RFC PR
 This is experimental, and not implemented by the npm public registry.
 `
 
+exports[`test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js TAP > config description for include-workspace-root 1`] = `
+#### \`include-workspace-root\`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the \`workspace\` config, or
+all workspaces via the \`workspaces\` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+`
+
 exports[`test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js TAP > config description for init-author-email 1`] = `
 #### \`init-author-email\`
 
@@ -1864,8 +1878,8 @@ Valid values for the \`workspace\` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the \`npm init\` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -1877,12 +1891,20 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 exports[`test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js TAP > config description for workspaces 1`] = `
 #### \`workspaces\`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like \`install\` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the \`node_modules\` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the \`node_modules\` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the \`workspace\` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 `
 
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/describe-all.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/describe-all.js.test.cjs
index d092ba02b..dc55893d0 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/describe-all.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/config/describe-all.js.test.cjs
@@ -680,6 +680,20 @@ This is experimental, and not implemented by the npm public registry.
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
 <!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
 
+#### \`include-workspace-root\`
+
+* Default: false
+* Type: Boolean
+
+Include the workspace root when workspaces are enabled for a command.
+
+When false, specifying individual workspaces via the \`workspace\` config, or
+all workspaces via the \`workspaces\` flag, will cause npm to operate only on
+the specified workspaces, and not on the root project.
+
+<!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
+<!-- see lib/utils/config/definitions.js -->
+
 #### \`init-author-email\`
 
 * Default: ""
@@ -1643,8 +1657,8 @@ Valid values for the \`workspace\` config are either:
 
 * Workspace names
 * Path to a workspace directory
-* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result to selecting all of the
-  nested workspaces)
+* Path to a parent workspace directory (will result in selecting all
+  workspaces within that folder)
 
 When set for the \`npm init\` command, this may be set to the folder of a
 workspace which does not yet exist, to create the folder and set it up as a
@@ -1657,12 +1671,20 @@ This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 #### \`workspaces\`
 
-* Default: false
-* Type: Boolean
+* Default: null
+* Type: null or Boolean
 
-Enable running a command in the context of **all** the configured
+Set to true to run the command in the context of **all** configured
 workspaces.
 
+Explicitly setting this to false will cause commands like \`install\` to
+ignore workspaces altogether. When not set explicitly:
+
+- Commands that operate on the \`node_modules\` tree (install, update, etc.)
+will link workspaces into the \`node_modules\` folder. - Commands that do
+other things (test, exec, publish, etc.) will operate on the root project,
+_unless_ one or more workspaces are specified in the \`workspace\` config.
+
 This value is not exported to the environment for child processes.
 
 <!-- automatically generated, do not edit manually -->
diff --git a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/npm-usage.js.test.cjs b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/npm-usage.js.test.cjs
index 0fd36c7c1..0e48cfa61 100644
--- a/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/npm-usage.js.test.cjs
+++ b/tap-snapshots/test/lib/utils/npm-usage.js.test.cjs
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--json] [--package-lock-only]
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help audit" for more info
 
@@ -314,7 +314,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
                     [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: ddp
                     
@@ -345,7 +345,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--diff-no-prefix] [--diff-src-prefix <path>] [--diff-dst-prefix <path>]
                     [--diff-text] [-g|--global] [--tag <tag>]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help diff" for more info
 
@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@ All commands:
                     
                     Options:
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: dist-tags
                     
@@ -376,7 +376,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [--no-browser|--browser <browser>] [--registry <registry>]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: home
                     
@@ -420,7 +420,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--package <pkg>[@<version>] [--package <pkg>[@<version>] ...]]
                     [-c|--call <call>]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: x
                     
@@ -464,7 +464,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
                     [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help find-dupes" for more info
 
@@ -532,7 +532,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [-y|--yes] [-f|--force]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     aliases: create, innit
                     
@@ -561,7 +561,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
                     [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     aliases: i, in, ins, inst, insta, instal, isnt, isnta, isntal, add
                     
@@ -604,7 +604,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
                     [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: it
                     
@@ -625,7 +625,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--ignore-scripts]
                     [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: ln
                     
@@ -643,7 +643,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--link]
                     [--package-lock-only] [--unicode]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: la
                     
@@ -687,7 +687,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--link]
                     [--package-lock-only] [--unicode]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: list
                     
@@ -748,7 +748,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [--dry-run] [--json] [--pack-destination <pack-destination>]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help pack" for more info
 
@@ -817,7 +817,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]] [--dry-run]
                     [--json] [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help prune" for more info
 
@@ -831,7 +831,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [--tag <tag>] [--access <restricted|public>] [--dry-run] [--otp <otp>]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help publish" for more info
 
@@ -845,7 +845,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [-g|--global] [--no-bin-links] [--ignore-scripts]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: rb
                     
@@ -861,7 +861,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [--no-browser|--browser <browser>]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help repo" for more info
 
@@ -898,7 +898,7 @@ All commands:
                     
                     Options:
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--if-present] [--ignore-scripts]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root] [--if-present] [--ignore-scripts]
                     [--script-shell <script-shell>]
                     
                     aliases: run, rum, urn
@@ -939,7 +939,7 @@ All commands:
                     
                     Options:
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     Run "npm help set-script" for more info
 
@@ -1055,7 +1055,7 @@ All commands:
                     Options:
                     [-S|--save|--no-save|--save-prod|--save-dev|--save-optional|--save-peer]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     aliases: un, unlink, remove, rm, r
                     
@@ -1099,7 +1099,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--no-package-lock] [--omit <dev|optional|peer> [--omit <dev|optional|peer> ...]]
                     [--ignore-scripts] [--no-audit] [--no-bin-links] [--no-fund] [--dry-run]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     aliases: up, upgrade, udpate
                     
@@ -1116,7 +1116,7 @@ All commands:
                     [--allow-same-version] [--no-commit-hooks] [--no-git-tag-version] [--json]
                     [--preid prerelease-id] [--sign-git-tag]
                     [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     alias: verison
                     
@@ -1131,7 +1131,7 @@ All commands:
                     
                     Options:
                     [--json] [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> [-w|--workspace <workspace-name> ...]]
-                    [-ws|--workspaces]
+                    [-ws|--workspaces] [--include-workspace-root]
                     
                     aliases: v, info, show
                     
diff --git a/test/lib/explain.js b/test/lib/explain.js
index f690aeb2c..ebec13619 100644
--- a/test/lib/explain.js
+++ b/test/lib/explain.js
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ const t = require('tap')
 const npm = {
   prefix: null,
   color: true,
-  flatOptions: {},
+  flatOptions: { workspacesEnabled: true },
   output: (...args) => {
     OUTPUT.push(args)
   },
@@ -301,3 +301,80 @@ t.test('workspaces', async t => {
     })
   })
 })
+
+t.test('workspaces disabled', async t => {
+  npm.localPrefix = npm.prefix = t.testdir({
+    'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+      name: 'workspaces-project',
+      version: '1.0.0',
+      workspaces: ['packages/*'],
+      dependencies: {
+        abbrev: '^1.0.0',
+      },
+    }),
+    node_modules: {
+      a: t.fixture('symlink', '../packages/a'),
+      b: t.fixture('symlink', '../packages/b'),
+      c: t.fixture('symlink', '../packages/c'),
+      once: {
+        'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+          name: 'once',
+          version: '1.0.0',
+          dependencies: {
+            wrappy: '2.0.0',
+          },
+        }),
+      },
+      abbrev: {
+        'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+          name: 'abbrev',
+          version: '1.0.0',
+        }),
+      },
+      wrappy: {
+        'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+          name: 'wrappy',
+          version: '2.0.0',
+        }),
+      },
+    },
+    packages: {
+      a: {
+        'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+          name: 'a',
+          version: '1.0.0',
+          dependencies: {
+            once: '1.0.0',
+          },
+        }),
+      },
+      b: {
+        'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+          name: 'b',
+          version: '1.0.0',
+          dependencies: {
+            abbrev: '^1.0.0',
+          },
+        }),
+      },
+      c: {
+        'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+          name: 'c',
+          version: '1.0.0',
+        }),
+      },
+    },
+  })
+
+  await new Promise((res, rej) => {
+    explain.npm.flatOptions.workspacesEnabled = false
+    explain.exec(['once'], err => {
+      t.equal(
+        err,
+        'No dependencies found matching once',
+        'should throw usage if dep not found when excluding ws'
+      )
+      res()
+    })
+  })
+})
diff --git a/test/lib/init.js b/test/lib/init.js
index 1cefb1fc9..f11ce356f 100644
--- a/test/lib/init.js
+++ b/test/lib/init.js
@@ -513,3 +513,26 @@ t.test('workspaces', t => {
 
   t.end()
 })
+t.test('npm init workspces with root', t => {
+  t.teardown(() => {
+    npm._mockOutputs.length = 0
+  })
+  npm.localPrefix = t.testdir({})
+  npm.flatOptions.includeWorkspaceRoot = true
+
+  // init-package-json prints directly to console.log
+  // this avoids poluting test output with those logs
+  console.log = noop
+
+  process.chdir(npm.localPrefix)
+  init.execWorkspaces([], ['packages/a'], err => {
+    if (err)
+      throw err
+
+    const pkg = require(resolve(npm.localPrefix, 'package.json'))
+    t.equal(pkg.version, '1.0.0')
+    t.equal(pkg.license, 'ISC')
+    t.matchSnapshot(npm._mockOutputs, 'does not print helper info')
+    t.end()
+  })
+})
diff --git a/test/lib/ls.js b/test/lib/ls.js
index 5f196501e..46dfd7fba 100644
--- a/test/lib/ls.js
+++ b/test/lib/ls.js
@@ -110,6 +110,7 @@ const config = {
   'package-lock-only': false,
 }
 const flatOptions = {
+  workspacesEnabled: true,
 }
 const npm = mockNpm({
   config,
@@ -1530,6 +1531,25 @@ t.test('ls', (t) => {
       })
     })
 
+    await new Promise((res, rej) => {
+      config.all = false
+      config.depth = 0
+      npm.color = true
+      npm.flatOptions.workspacesEnabled = false
+      ls.exec([], (err) => {
+        if (err)
+          rej(err)
+
+        t.matchSnapshot(redactCwd(result),
+          'should not list workspaces with --no-workspaces')
+        config.all = true
+        config.depth = Infinity
+        npm.color = false
+        npm.flatOptions.workspacesEnabled = true
+        res()
+      })
+    })
+
     // --all
     await new Promise((res, rej) => {
       ls.exec([], (err) => {
diff --git a/test/lib/npm.js b/test/lib/npm.js
index 7d6176247..1451cd879 100644
--- a/test/lib/npm.js
+++ b/test/lib/npm.js
@@ -292,6 +292,44 @@ t.test('npm.load', t => {
     await new Promise((res) => setTimeout(res))
   })
 
+  t.test('--no-workspaces with --workspace', async t => {
+    const dir = t.testdir({
+      packages: {
+        a: {
+          'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+            name: 'a',
+            version: '1.0.0',
+            scripts: { test: 'echo test a' },
+          }),
+        },
+      },
+      'package.json': JSON.stringify({
+        name: 'root',
+        version: '1.0.0',
+        workspaces: ['./packages/*'],
+      }),
+    })
+    process.argv = [
+      process.execPath,
+      process.argv[1],
+      '--userconfig', resolve(dir, '.npmrc'),
+      '--color', 'false',
+      '--workspaces', 'false',
+      '--workspace', 'a',
+    ]
+    const { npm } = mockNpm(t)
+    await npm.load()
+    npm.localPrefix = dir
+    await new Promise((res, rej) => {
+      npm.commands.run([], er => {
+        if (!er)
+          return rej(new Error('Expected an error'))
+        t.match(er.message, 'Can not use --no-workspaces and --workspace at the same time')
+        res()
+      })
+    })
+  })
+
   t.test('workspace-aware configs and commands', async t => {
     const dir = t.testdir({
       packages: {
diff --git a/test/lib/outdated.js b/test/lib/outdated.js
index 518436d0a..acd5c25e8 100644
--- a/test/lib/outdated.js
+++ b/test/lib/outdated.js
@@ -83,6 +83,10 @@ const globalDir = t.testdir({
   },
 })
 
+const flatOptions = {
+  workspacesEnabled: true,
+}
+
 const outdated = (dir, opts) => {
   logs = ''
   const Outdated = t.mock('../../lib/outdated.js', {
@@ -94,6 +98,7 @@ const outdated = (dir, opts) => {
     ...opts,
     localPrefix: dir,
     prefix: dir,
+    flatOptions,
     globalDir: `${globalDir}/node_modules`,
     output,
   })
@@ -562,6 +567,21 @@ t.test('workspaces', async t => {
   })
 
   await new Promise((res, rej) => {
+    flatOptions.workspacesEnabled = false
+    outdated(testDir, {}).exec([], err => {
+      if (err)
+        rej(err)
+
+      // TODO: This should display dog, but doesn't because arborist filters
+      // workspace deps even if they're also root deps
+      // This will be fixed in a future arborist version
+      t.matchSnapshot(logs, 'should display only root outdated when ws disabled')
+      flatOptions.workspacesEnabled = true
+      res()
+    })
+  })
+
+  await new Promise((res, rej) => {
     outdated(testDir, {
       config: {
         json: true,
diff --git a/test/lib/publish.js b/test/lib/publish.js
index df73b6863..6b0021db6 100644
--- a/test/lib/publish.js
+++ b/test/lib/publish.js
@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ t.test('should publish with libnpmpublish, passing through flatOptions and respe
   const npm = mockNpm({
     flatOptions: {
       customValue: true,
+      workspacesEnabled: true,
     },
   })
   npm.config.getCredentialsByURI = (uri) => {
diff --git a/test/lib/repo.js b/test/lib/repo.js
index e1ac90b1e..41bff2744 100644
--- a/test/lib/repo.js
+++ b/test/lib/repo.js
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 const t = require('tap')
-const { fake: mockNpm } = require('../fixtures/mock-npm.js')
+const { real: mockNpm } = require('../fixtures/mock-npm.js')
 const { join, sep } = require('path')
 
 const pkgDirs = t.testdir({
@@ -154,6 +154,7 @@ const pkgDirs = t.testdir({
       name: 'workspaces-test',
       version: '1.2.3-test',
       workspaces: ['workspace-a', 'workspace-b', 'workspace-c'],
+      repository: 'https://github.com/npm/workspaces-test',
     }),
     'workspace-a': {
       'package.json': JSON.stringify({
@@ -185,19 +186,17 @@ const openUrl = async (npm, url, errMsg) => {
   opened[url]++
 }
 
-const Repo = t.mock('../../lib/repo.js', {
+const { command, npm } = mockNpm(t, {
   '../../lib/utils/open-url.js': openUrl,
 })
-const flatOptions = {}
-const npm = mockNpm({ flatOptions })
-const repo = new Repo(npm)
+t.before(async () => {
+  await npm.load()
+})
 
 t.afterEach(() => opened = {})
 
 t.test('open repo urls', t => {
-  // XXX It is very odd that `where` is how pacote knows to look anywhere other
-  // than the cwd. I would think npm.localPrefix would factor in somehow
-  flatOptions.where = pkgDirs
+  npm.localPrefix = pkgDirs
   const expect = {
     hostedgit: 'https://github.com/foo/hostedgit',
     hostedgitat: 'https://github.com/foo/hostedgitat',
@@ -227,22 +226,19 @@ t.test('open repo urls', t => {
   const keys = Object.keys(expect)
   t.plan(keys.length)
   keys.forEach(pkg => {
-    t.test(pkg, t => {
-      repo.exec([['.', pkg].join(sep)], (err) => {
-        if (err)
-          throw err
-        const url = expect[pkg]
-        t.match({
-          [url]: 1,
-        }, opened, `opened ${url}`, {opened})
-        t.end()
-      })
+    t.test(pkg, async t => {
+      await command('repo', [['.', pkg].join(sep)])
+      const url = expect[pkg]
+      t.match({
+        [url]: 1,
+      }, opened, `opened ${url}`, {opened})
+      t.end()
     })
   })
 })
 
 t.test('fail if cannot figure out repo url', t => {
-  flatOptions.where = pkgDirs
+  npm.localPrefix = pkgDirs
   const cases = [
     'norepo',
     'repoobbj-nourl',
@@ -253,57 +249,65 @@ t.test('fail if cannot figure out repo url', t => {
   t.plan(cases.length)
 
   cases.forEach(pkg => {
-    t.test(pkg, t => {
-      repo.exec([['.', pkg].join(sep)], (err) => {
-        t.match(err, { pkgid: pkg })
-        t.end()
-      })
+    t.test(pkg, async t => {
+      t.rejects(
+        command('repo', [['.', pkg].join(sep)]),
+        { pkgid: pkg }
+      )
     })
   })
 })
 
-t.test('open default package if none specified', t => {
-  flatOptions.where = pkgDirs
-  repo.exec([], (er) => {
-    if (er)
-      throw er
-    t.equal(opened['https://example.com/thispkg'], 1, 'opened expected url', {opened})
-    t.end()
-  })
+t.test('open default package if none specified', async t => {
+  npm.localPrefix = pkgDirs
+  await command('repo', [])
+  t.equal(opened['https://example.com/thispkg'], 1, 'opened expected url', {opened})
 })
 
 t.test('workspaces', t => {
-  flatOptions.where = undefined
   npm.localPrefix = join(pkgDirs, 'workspaces')
 
-  t.test('all workspaces', (t) => {
-    repo.execWorkspaces([], [], (err) => {
-      t.notOk(err)
-      t.match({
-        'https://repo.workspace-a/': 1, // Gets translated to https!
-        'https://github.com/npm/workspace-b': 1,
-      }, opened, 'opened two valid repo urls')
-      t.end()
-    })
+  t.afterEach(() => {
+    npm.config.set('workspaces', null)
+    npm.config.set('workspace', [])
+    npm.config.set('include-workspace-root', false)
   })
 
-  t.test('one workspace', (t) => {
-    repo.execWorkspaces([], ['workspace-a'], (err) => {
-      t.notOk(err)
-      t.match({
-        'https://repo.workspace-a/': 1,
-      }, opened, 'opened one requested repo urls')
-      t.end()
-    })
+  t.test('include workspace root', async (t) => {
+    npm.config.set('workspaces', true)
+    npm.config.set('include-workspace-root', true)
+    await command('repo', [])
+    t.match({
+      'https://github.com/npm/workspaces-test': 1,
+      'https://repo.workspace-a/': 1, // Gets translated to https!
+      'https://github.com/npm/workspace-b': 1,
+    }, opened, 'opened two valid repo urls')
   })
 
-  t.test('invalid workspace', (t) => {
-    repo.execWorkspaces([], ['workspace-x'], (err) => {
-      t.match(err, /No workspaces found/)
-      t.match(err, /workspace-x/)
-      t.match({}, opened, 'opened no repo urls')
-      t.end()
-    })
+  t.test('all workspaces', async (t) => {
+    npm.config.set('workspaces', true)
+    await command('repo', [])
+    t.match({
+      'https://repo.workspace-a/': 1, // Gets translated to https!
+      'https://github.com/npm/workspace-b': 1,
+    }, opened, 'opened two valid repo urls')
+  })
+
+  t.test('one workspace', async (t) => {
+    npm.config.set('workspace', ['workspace-a'])
+    await command('repo', [])
+    t.match({
+      'https://repo.workspace-a/': 1,
+    }, opened, 'opened one requested repo urls')
+  })
+
+  t.test('invalid workspace', async (t) => {
+    npm.config.set('workspace', ['workspace-x'])
+    await t.rejects(
+      command('repo', []),
+      /workspace-x/
+    )
+    t.match({}, opened, 'opened no repo urls')
   })
   t.end()
 })
diff --git a/test/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js b/test/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js
index aa0d85ec1..f0e36faee 100644
--- a/test/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js
+++ b/test/lib/utils/completion/installed-deep.js
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ let globalDir = 'MISSING_GLOBAL_DIR'
 const _flatOptions = {
   depth: Infinity,
   global: false,
+  workspacesEnabled: true,
   get prefix () {
     return prefix
   },
diff --git a/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js b/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js
index 88993303b..622e603bc 100644
--- a/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js
+++ b/test/lib/utils/config/definitions.js
@@ -875,3 +875,20 @@ t.test('workspace', t => {
   t.match(flat.userAgent, /workspaces\/true/)
   t.end()
 })
+
+t.test('workspaces derived', t => {
+  const obj = {
+    workspaces: ['a'],
+    'user-agent': definitions['user-agent'].default,
+  }
+  const flat = {}
+  definitions.workspaces.flatten('workspaces', obj, flat)
+  t.equal(flat.workspacesEnabled, true)
+  obj.workspaces = null
+  definitions.workspaces.flatten('workspaces', obj, flat)
+  t.equal(flat.workspacesEnabled, true)
+  obj.workspaces = false
+  definitions.workspaces.flatten('workspaces', obj, flat)
+  t.equal(flat.workspacesEnabled, false)
+  t.end()
+})
diff --git a/test/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js b/test/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js
index 4ea055e02..0f51d95fc 100644
--- a/test/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js
+++ b/test/lib/workspaces/get-workspaces.js
@@ -86,6 +86,17 @@ t.test('get-workspaces', async t => {
     'should filter by package name'
   )
 
+  workspaces = await getWorkspaces(['a', 'b'], { path, includeWorkspaceRoot: true })
+  t.same(
+    clean(workspaces, path),
+    new Map(Object.entries({
+      x: '{PATH}',
+      a: '{PATH}/packages/a',
+      b: '{PATH}/packages/b',
+    })),
+    'include rootspace root'
+  )
+
   workspaces = await getWorkspaces(['./packages/c'], { path })
   t.same(
     clean(workspaces, path),