How to Install Python on Windows

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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If you are eager to dive into the world of programming, especially Python, the very first step is to install Python on your computer. Python is an incredibly powerful, versatile, and beginner-friendly programming language. Installing Python on the Windows operating system may seem challenging if you are new to it, but the process is quite simple. This detailed guide will comprehensively guide you through each step, ensuring you have a working Python installation ready for your coding adventures.

Why Python for Windows?

Before proceeding with the installation instructions, it is important to understand why Python is a preferred choice, especially when working with Windows OS. Python is open-source and freely available, offers a vast standard library, has extensive community support, and is platform-independent but can be easily configured on Windows. Moreover, it allows you to complete both small and large-scale projects and integrates well with other programming languages and tools.

Steps to install Python on Windows

The process of installing Python involves downloading the installer from the official Python website, running the installation, and configuring it on your system. We will explain these steps in detail below.

Step 1: Download the Python Installer

The first step is to get the Python installer. Here's how to do this:

1. Visit the official Python website: Open your favorite web browser and go to the official Python website, https://www.python.org.
2. Go to the download section: On the homepage, you will find the "Downloads" section. By default, the website detects your operating system and offers the appropriate version of Python for it. Since you are installing on Windows, you will see the "Download Python [version number]" button.
3. Choose a Python version: The latest version is always recommended for new installations, but be sure to check if a specific version is required for your project or compatibility with third-party libraries. If you are unsure, download the latest stable release.
4. Start the download: Click the "Download" button to begin the downloading process. An ".exe" installer file will download to your computer. Its size is relatively small, so it should download quickly.

Step 2: Run the Python Installer

Once you have downloaded the installer file, the next step is to execute it to install Python on your system. Follow these steps to install:

1. Locate the installer file: Go to the "Downloads" folder or the directory where the installer was saved.
2. Launch the installer: Double-click the installer file to launch it. You may be asked by User Account Control (UAC) for permission to make changes to your computer, click "Yes" to proceed.
3. Modify installation options:
   • Add Python to PATH: Before proceeding, check the box that says "Add Python [version number] to PATH." This is important because it allows you to run Python from the command prompt without having to specify the full location of the Python executable.
   • Select Install Now or Customize Installation: You can choose "Install Now" with the default settings, or you can select the "Customize Installation" option to choose various optional features, location, and advanced options.
4. Begin the installation: After customizing (if necessary), proceed with the installation by clicking the "Install Now" or "Next" button. The installer will copy all the necessary files to your system.
5. Finish the installation: After the installation is complete, you will see the message "Setup was successful". You can also select "Disable path length limitation" to avoid potential problems with the maximum path length in Windows.

Step 3: Verify the installation

Now that Python is installed, it is important to confirm that the installation was successful and is working correctly. This involves checking the version of Python and executing a simple command.

1. Open the Command Prompt: On your Windows computer, search for "cmd" or "Command Prompt" and open it.
2. Check the Python version: In the command prompt, type:

   python --version

   You will see the recently installed Python version number.
3. Run a simple command. Make sure Python works by executing a basic command. Type:

   python

   You should enter a Python interactive shell, represented by the ">>>" prompt. You can type simple Python code, such as:

   print("Hello, World!")

   If it displays "Hello, World!" then Python is working correctly.
4. Exit the Python shell: To exit the Python shell, simply type:

   exit()

   and press Enter, or use Ctrl + Z and then press Enter.

Step 4: Install additional Python packages

After confirming the installation, you may want to install additional Python packages needed for your project. Usually, "pip" is installed by default with Python, which is a package manager used to fetch packages from the Python Package Index (PyPI). Here's how:

1. Check Pip version: First, confirm the installation of Pip by typing in the command prompt:

   pip --version

   You should check the pip version.
2. Install packages: Use pip to install packages. For example, if you want to install the popular "requests" library for HTTP requests, type:

   pip install requests

   Pip will handle downloading and installing the packages.
3. Verify installed packages: To view a list of installed packages, execute:

   pip list

Troubleshooting & common issues

Sometimes errors may occur during or after installation. Here are some common problems and their troubleshooting steps:

• Python command not found: This error can appear if Python is not added to the PATH. Make sure you have checked "Add Python to PATH" during installation, or adjust the environment variables manually.
• Pip not recognized: If the pip command fails, it may not be installed correctly. Try reinstalling or repairing the Python installation.
• Permission errors: If permission errors appear during installation, run the installer as administrator or install Python for all users.

Conclusion

Installing Python on a Windows machine is an essential preliminary task that lays the groundwork for countless hours of productive coding. Python's simplicity, combined with its versatility, makes this process particularly rewarding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you've equipped your system with Python and are now ready to explore Python's vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks. Remember, whether you're scripting utilities, performing data analysis, or exploring web development, Python serves as a powerful and indispensable tool.

Now that you have installed and configured Python on Windows, you can seamlessly begin your journey to learn, develop, and innovate with Python. Enjoy the world of programming!

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