diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 60cb652122..bad705f715 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -16,20 +16,32 @@ Once you've created something amazing with Open MCT, showcase your work in our G
 Building and running Open MCT in your local dev environment is very easy. Be sure you have [Git](https://git-scm.com/downloads) and [Node.js](https://nodejs.org/) installed, then follow the directions below. Need additional information? Check out the [Getting Started](https://nasa.github.io/openmct/getting-started/) page on our website.
 (These instructions assume you are installing as a non-root user; developers have [reported issues](https://github.com/nasa/openmct/issues/1151) running these steps with root privileges.)
 
-1. Clone the source code
+1. Clone the source code:
 
- `git clone https://github.com/nasa/openmct.git`
+```
+git clone https://github.com/nasa/openmct.git
+```
 
-2. (Optionally) Install the correct node version using [nvm](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm) (`nvm install`)
-3. Install development dependencies. Note: Check the package.json engine for our tested and supported node versions.
+2. (Optional) Install the correct node version using [nvm](https://github.com/nvm-sh/nvm):
 
- `npm install`
+```
+nvm install
+```
 
-4. Run a local development server
+3. Install development dependencies (Note: Check the `package.json` engine for our tested and supported node versions): 
 
- `npm start`
+```
+npm install
+```
 
-Open MCT is now running, and can be accessed by pointing a web browser at [http://localhost:8080/](http://localhost:8080/)
+4. Run a local development server:
+
+```
+npm start
+```
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> Open MCT is now running, and can be accessed by pointing a web browser at [http://localhost:8080/](http://localhost:8080/)
 
 Open MCT is built using [`npm`](http://npmjs.com/) and [`webpack`](https://webpack.js.org/).