How to install Python on Windows? - GeeksforGeeks (2024)

Python is a high-level programming language that has become increasingly popular due to its simplicity, versatility, and extensive range of applications. The process of How to install Python in Windows, operating system is relatively easy and involves a few uncomplicated steps.

This article aims to take you through the process of downloading and installing Python on your Windows computer. To Install Python on Linux or Mac visit the below link:

• Install Python on Linux
• Install Python on Mac

How to Install Python in Windows?

We have provided step-by-step instructions to guide you and ensure a successful installation. Whether you are new to programming or have some experience, mastering how to install Python on Windows will enable you to utilize this potent language and uncover its full range of potential applications.

To download Python on your system, you can use the following steps

Step 1: Select Version to Install Python

Visit the official page for Python https://www.python.org/downloads/ on the Windows operating system. Locate a reliable version of Python 3, preferably version 3.10.11, which was used in testing this tutorial. Choose the correct link for your device from the options provided: either Windows installer (64-bit) or Windows installer (32-bit) and proceed to download the executable file.

Step 2: Downloading the Python Installer

Once you have downloaded the installer, open the .exe file, such as python-3.10.11-amd64.exe, by double-clicking it to launch the Python installer. Choose the option to Install the launcher for all users by checking the corresponding checkbox, so that all users of the computer can access the Python launcher application.Enable users to run Python from the command line by checking the Add python.exe to PATH checkbox.

After Clicking the Install Now Button the setup will start installing Python on your Windows system. You will see a window like this.

Step 3: Running the Executable Installer

After completing the setup. Python will be installed on your Windows system. You will see a successful message.

Step 4: Verify the Python Installation in Windows

Close the window after successful installation of Python. You can check if the installation of Python was successful by using either the command line or the Integrated Development Environment (IDLE), which you may have installed. To access the command line, click on the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar. Then click on Command Prompt.

python --version

You can also check the version of Python by opening the IDLE application. Go to Start and enter IDLE in the search bar and then click the IDLE app, for example, IDLE (Python 3.10.11 64-bit). If you can see the Python IDLE window then you are successfully able to download and installed Python on Windows.

Getting Started with Python

Python is a lot easier to code and learn. Python programs can be written on any plain text editor like Notepad, notepad++, or anything of that sort. One can also use an Online IDE to run Python code or can even install one on their system to make it more feasible to write these codes because IDEs provide a lot of features like an intuitive code editor, debugger, compiler, etc. To begin with, writing Python Codes and performing various intriguing and useful operations, one must have Python installed on their System.

You can refer to this article to learn more about Python – Python Tutorial

How to install Python on Windows? – FAQs

How to Install Python on Windows?

To install Python on Windows, you need to download the Python installer from the official Python website and run it on your system. The installation process is straightforward and includes options to add Python to your system PATH.

What Are the Steps to Install Python 3 on Windows?

Steps to Install Python 3 on Windows:

1. Download the Installer:
   • Visit the official Python website: python.org.
   • Go to the Downloads section and click on “Download Python 3.x.x” (the latest version).
2. Run the Installer:
   • Locate the downloaded installer file (python-3.x.x.exe) and run it.
3. Select Installation Options:
   • Check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” at the bottom of the installer window.
   • Choose “Install Now” for a standard installation or “Customize Installation” to choose specific features and installation location.
4. Customize Installation (Optional):
   • If you chose “Customize Installation,” select optional features like pip, tcl/tk, and documentation.
   • Choose the installation location or accept the default.
5. Complete the Installation:
   • The installer will copy the necessary files and set up Python on your system.
   • Once the installation is complete, you can close the installer.

How to Verify Python Installation on Windows?

Steps to Verify Python Installation on Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
2. Check Python Version:
   • Type python --version and press Enter.
   • You should see the installed Python version, e.g., Python 3.x.x.
3. Check pip Version:
   • Type pip --version and press Enter.
   • This verifies that pip, the Python package installer, is also installed correctly.

What Are Environment Variables for Python on Windows?

Environment Variables for Python on Windows:

Environment variables are used to configure the environment in which processes run. For Python, you often need to set the PATH environment variable so that you can run Python and pip from the command line. This ensures that Python executables and scripts can be accessed from any command line prompt without specifying their full path.

How to Configure Python Path on Windows?

Steps to Configure Python Path on Windows:

1. Add Python to PATH During Installation:
   • When running the Python installer, ensure you check the box that says “Add Python to PATH.”
2. Manually Add Python to PATH:
   • Open the Start menu, search for “Environment Variables,” and select “Edit the system environment variables.”
   • In the System Properties window, click on the “Environment Variables” button.
   • Under “System variables,” find the Path variable and click “Edit.”
   • Click “New” and add the path to the Python installation directory (e.g., C:\Python39) and the Scripts directory (e.g., C:\Python39\Scripts).
   • Click “OK” to close all windows.
3. Verify PATH Configuration:
   • Open Command Prompt.
   • Type python and press Enter to start the Python interpreter. If Python starts, the PATH is configured correctly.
   • Type exit() to exit the Python interpreter.
   • Type pip and press Enter to verify that pip can be called from the command line.