How to Install Python on Windows: Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you are wondering how to install Python on Windows, the process is straightforward. In 2026, the official Python project recommends using the Python Install Manager, available from Python.org or the Microsoft Store. After installing it, open Windows Terminal or PowerShell, verify that Python works, check that package management is available, and run a simple test program.

You do not need programming experience to install Python. Just install the correct version, follow the setup steps, and confirm that Python runs successfully. Once that is done, your Windows PC is ready for Python development.

Table of Contents

What You Need Before Installing Python

Before starting, make sure you have:

A Windows computer.
A working internet connection.
Permission to install applications on the computer, if required.
Enough free storage space for Python and your future projects.
A basic text editor or code editor if you want to start programming immediately.

You do not need an expensive computer to learn Python. A normal Windows laptop is generally enough for learning the language, writing scripts, building small applications, practicing programming exercises, and working with many beginner-level projects.

If you are learning Python because you want to understand practical applications of the language, you can also read our guide on What Is Python Used For? 10 Real-World Uses of Python in 2026.

Which Python Version Should You Install in 2026?

For a new installation, use a current stable Python release unless a course, employer, or specific project requires another version.

As of August 2026, the current Python documentation lists Python 3.14.6 as the latest Python 3.14 maintenance release. Python 3.14 was first released in October 2025, with subsequent maintenance releases published during 2026. ([python.org](https://www.python.org/doc/versions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

The important rule is simple: do not install Python from an unknown download website just because it appears in a search result. Use the official Python distribution or a trusted Windows distribution method.

The official documentation for using Python on Windows explains the current installation options and supported Windows versions. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Method 1: Install Python Using the Official Python Install Manager

This is the modern approach recommended in the current Python documentation.

Step 1: Open the Official Python Download Page

Go to the official Python downloads page.

Look for the current Windows installation option and download the Python Install Manager.

The Python documentation explains that the Install Manager can also be installed through the Microsoft Store, and the two official versions are identical. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Step 2: Install the Python Install Manager

Open the downloaded installer and follow the instructions displayed by Windows.

If you choose the Microsoft Store route, open the Store listing and select Install.

The process should not require you to manually find a complicated installation folder.

After installation, open Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt.

Step 3: Check Whether Python Is Available

Type:

python --version

Press Enter.

If Python is installed correctly, Windows should return a version number similar to:

Python 3.14.6

Your exact version may be newer depending on when you install it.

The current Python documentation explains that the python command can launch the default installed runtime, while the py command is useful when managing multiple Python versions. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Method 2: Install Python Through the Microsoft Store

Windows users can also install the official Python distribution through the Microsoft Store.

What to do:

Open the Microsoft Store.
Search for Python.
Choose the official Python package.
Select Install.
Wait for the installation to complete.
Open Windows Terminal.
Run python --version.

The official Python Windows documentation confirms that the Python Install Manager is available through the Microsoft Store and Python.org. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

This method can be convenient for beginners because Windows handles much of the application installation process.

Method 3: Use Windows Terminal and WinGet

If you are comfortable using the command line, Windows Package Manager, commonly called WinGet, provides another straightforward method.

Microsoft’s current Python setup documentation provides a WinGet installation example using Python 3.14:

winget install Python.Python.3.14

After the installation finishes, close and reopen PowerShell or Windows Terminal and verify the installation:

python --version

Microsoft Learn currently recommends this approach as one way to set up Python on Windows and notes that Python 3.14 or later is the current stable runtime for its guide. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dev-environment/python?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

This option is particularly useful if you are already learning command-line tools because you can install and manage software without manually browsing through download pages.

What About the Traditional Python Installer?

If you have followed older Python tutorials, you may remember downloading a Windows installer and seeing a screen containing an option such as Add Python.exe to PATH.

That method has not suddenly become unusable. The Python documentation states that the traditional full installer remains available during the transition to the newer Install Manager. However, the current Windows documentation now presents the Install Manager as the modern approach. ([python.org](https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-3144/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

If you are specifically following a course that tells you to use the traditional installer, make sure you download it from Python.org rather than a third-party download site.

How to Install Python Using the Traditional Installer

If you have deliberately chosen the traditional installer, the process is still fairly simple.

Step 1: Download the Installer

Open the official Python Windows downloads page.

Select the appropriate current release and Windows installer for your computer.

For most modern Windows PCs, the 64-bit version is normally appropriate, but older systems may require a different build.

Step 2: Run the Installer

Open the downloaded installer.

On the first screen, pay attention to the option for adding Python to your PATH.

If you want to use the traditional installer and the option is presented, enabling Add Python.exe to PATH can make it easier to run Python directly from the terminal.

The current Python documentation notes that adding the appropriate installation directory to PATH is optional with the newer Install Manager if you prefer using the py command. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Step 3: Choose Install

For a normal beginner installation, the default settings are usually sufficient.

Select the installation option and allow Windows to complete the process.

Step 4: Restart Your Terminal

Close Command Prompt or PowerShell after installation and open a new terminal window.

This matters because an already-open terminal may not recognize newly added environment variables.

Step 5: Verify Python

Run:

python --version

If that does not work, try:

py --version

If one of these commands displays your Python version, the installation is available.

How to Check Which Python Versions Are Installed

If you eventually install multiple Python versions, you may need to determine which ones Windows can access.

The current Python Install Manager supports commands for managing multiple runtimes.

For example, you can use:

py list

or, depending on the installation and command behavior available on your system:

py --list

The current Python documentation explains that the py command is particularly useful when multiple Python runtimes are installed because it can select a specific version. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

This becomes useful when one project requires Python 3.13 while another supports or requires Python 3.14.

How to Check That pip Is Installed

Python’s package ecosystem is one of the reasons the language is so useful. pip is the standard package installer commonly used to install Python packages from the Python Package Index and other package sources.

After installing Python, test it with:

python -m pip --version

If that returns a version number and installation path, pip is available.

Using python -m pip rather than simply typing pip can be helpful because it makes clear which Python interpreter is being used to run pip.

The official Python Packaging User Guide provides current guidance on installing packages and working with Python’s packaging ecosystem.

Install Your First Python Package

Once Python and pip are working, you can install a package.

For example:

python -m pip install requests

This installs the Requests package into the active Python environment.

Do not install dozens of packages simply because you can. Beginners are better served by installing packages when a project actually needs them.

For example, if you are learning web requests, Requests may be useful. If you are learning data analysis, you may eventually work with packages such as pandas or NumPy.

Why You Should Learn Virtual Environments Early

One of the best habits to develop immediately after installing Python is using a virtual environment for individual projects.

A virtual environment keeps project dependencies separated.

Imagine that you have two projects:

Project A requires one version of a package.
Project B requires a different version.

Installing everything globally can eventually create conflicts.

With a virtual environment, each project can maintain its own package environment.

Create a Virtual Environment

First create a project folder:

mkdir python-project
cd python-project

Then create the virtual environment:

python -m venv .venv

On Windows PowerShell, activate it with:

.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

For Command Prompt, use:

.venv\Scripts\activate.bat

After activation, your terminal should indicate that the virtual environment is active.

Microsoft’s current Python guidance also recommends virtual environments when package installation creates permission or dependency problems. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dev-environment/python?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

How to Fix the PowerShell Execution Policy Error

A common beginner problem occurs when PowerShell refuses to run the virtual-environment activation script.

You may see an error mentioning that scripts cannot be executed because of the current execution policy.

Do not immediately start changing system-wide security settings.

Instead, understand that PowerShell has execution policies controlling script behavior, and the exact solution depends on the Windows configuration you are using.

If you prefer to avoid changing the PowerShell policy while learning, you can use Command Prompt and activate the environment with:

.venv\Scripts\activate.bat

This is often simpler for beginners who only need to activate a Python virtual environment.

How to Run Your First Python Program

Once Python is installed, you should test it by writing a tiny program.

Open Notepad or your preferred code editor and create a file named:

hello.py

Add:

print("Hello, Python!")

Save the file.

Open a terminal in the folder containing the file and run:

python hello.py

You should see:

Hello, Python!

If you see the message, you have successfully installed Python and executed a Python program.

How to Install VS Code for Python

Python can be written in many editors, including Notepad, but a dedicated code editor makes programming much easier.

Microsoft’s current Python-on-Windows guide recommends Visual Studio Code along with Microsoft’s Python extension for a development environment. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dev-environment/python?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

You can download Visual Studio Code from Microsoft’s official website.

After installing it:

Open VS Code.
Open the Extensions panel.
Search for the Python extension.
Install the official Microsoft Python extension.
Open your Python project folder.
Create or open a .py file.

VS Code can provide features such as syntax highlighting, debugging, code completion, and Python environment selection.

How to Select the Correct Python Interpreter in VS Code

If you have multiple Python versions or virtual environments, VS Code needs to know which interpreter should run your project.

Open the Command Palette and search for:

Python: Select Interpreter

Choose the Python installation or virtual environment associated with your project.

This step solves many situations where Python appears to be installed correctly but VS Code reports that a package is missing or uses the wrong version.

Common Python Installation Problems on Windows

Problem 1: “Python was not found”

If Windows says Python was not found, first check whether Python actually installed successfully.

Try:

python --version

Then:

py --version

If you installed Python through the Microsoft Store or Install Manager, the available commands can differ from older tutorials.

Microsoft explains that Windows may have App Installer aliases that cause python to open the Microsoft Store when Python is not installed. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dev-environment/python?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Problem 2: Typing python Opens the Microsoft Store

This can happen because Windows has an app execution alias associated with Python.

If Python is not actually installed, Windows may direct you toward the Store.

If you already installed Python but the Store still opens, check which Python installation is being found and review your PATH and app execution aliases.

Microsoft specifically documents this behavior and explains that installing Python from Python.org with the appropriate PATH configuration can take priority over the built-in shortcut. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dev-environment/python?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Problem 3: “pip is not recognized”

Instead of immediately modifying PATH, try:

python -m pip --version

If that works, use:

python -m pip install package-name

This connects pip directly to the Python interpreter you are using.

Problem 4: You Installed Python but VS Code Cannot Find It

Open VS Code and select the correct Python interpreter.

If you created a virtual environment, select the interpreter inside the .venv folder.

Problem 5: You Have Multiple Python Versions

Multiple Python versions are not automatically a problem.

They become confusing when you do not know which interpreter a command or application is using.

Use the py command where appropriate to manage or select versions. The current Python documentation specifically identifies py as useful for multiple-runtime scenarios. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Should You Add Python to PATH?

This is one of the most confusing questions for beginners because older Python tutorials often treat PATH as mandatory.

With the modern Python Install Manager, adding directories to PATH is not necessarily required if you are comfortable using the provided commands.

The current Python documentation says that PATH configuration is optional when using the Install Manager if you prefer using the py command. It also explains that the manager can make Python available through the standard commands. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

For a beginner following a modern setup, do not change PATH manually unless you have a specific reason to do so.

Should You Install Python From the Microsoft Store or Python.org?

Both can be legitimate official routes.

Method	Best For
Python Install Manager from Python.org	Users who want the official Python distribution and detailed control
Microsoft Store	Beginners who prefer Windows-managed installation
WinGet	Users comfortable with Windows Terminal
Traditional installer	Older tutorials, specific workflows, or users who need its available options

The Python project currently states that its Install Manager is available from both Python.org and the Microsoft Store, with the two versions being identical. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

What to Do After Installing Python

Installing Python is only the beginning. If your goal is to become comfortable with programming, your next steps should focus on actually using the language.

Verify the Python version.
Learn how to use the terminal.
Create a project folder.
Learn virtual environments.
Write small Python programs.
Learn variables and data types.
Practice conditions and loops.
Learn functions.
Work with lists, dictionaries, and files.
Build small projects.

Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can explore Python for automation, web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, scripting, and other areas.

If your broader goal is to work in technology, our guides on Highest Paying Tech Jobs in 2026 and Remote Tech Jobs in 2026 can help you understand where programming skills can fit into different career paths.

A Simple Beginner Project After Installation

After confirming that Python works, try building something useful instead of immediately jumping into a large application.

For example, create a simple expense calculator.

price = float(input("Enter the price: "))
quantity = int(input("Enter the quantity: "))

total = price * quantity

print("Total:", total)

This tiny program teaches several important concepts:

Variables
User input
Numbers
Type conversion
Arithmetic
Output

Small programs like this are valuable because you can understand every line rather than copying hundreds of lines from a tutorial.

Why Python Is Worth Learning After Installation

Python is useful across many areas of technology, which makes it a practical language for beginners who are still deciding what specialization they want.

You can use it for:

Automation
Data analysis
Web development
Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
Scientific computing
Testing
Education
Command-line tools
Backend development

That flexibility is one reason Python continues to be widely taught and used.

If you are deciding whether Python is worth your time, our article What Is Python Used For? 10 Real-World Uses of Python in 2026 provides examples of how the language is used outside beginner tutorials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Python on Windows

1. Is Python free to install on Windows?

Yes. Python is open-source software and can be downloaded through the official Python project. The official Windows installation options include the Python Install Manager, which is available from Python.org and the Microsoft Store. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

2. What is the easiest way to install Python on Windows?

For most beginners in 2026, using the official Python Install Manager through Python.org or the Microsoft Store is straightforward. Windows users who are comfortable with the terminal can also use WinGet.

3. How do I know if Python is installed correctly?

Open PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal and run python --version. If Python is available, Windows should display the installed version. You can also check py --version where the Python Install Manager or appropriate launcher is available.

4. Why does Python open the Microsoft Store instead of running?

Windows can have an App Installer alias that redirects the python command to the Microsoft Store when Python is not installed or when the correct installation is not being found. Microsoft documents this behavior and provides troubleshooting guidance. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/dev-environment/python?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

5. Do I need to install pip separately?

For a normal current Python installation, you generally do not need to install pip separately. Check with python -m pip --version. If pip is available, you can use it through the Python interpreter.

6. Should I use Python 3.14 in 2026?

For a new project, Python 3.14 is the current stable feature series in 2026, with Python 3.14.6 listed in the official documentation at the time of writing. However, if a specific course, package, employer, or project requires another supported version, follow that project’s requirements. ([python.org](https://www.python.org/doc/versions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

7. Can I install multiple versions of Python on Windows?

Yes. Multiple Python runtimes can be installed, although beginners should avoid doing so unless there is a practical reason. The current Python Install Manager provides tools for managing multiple runtimes and selecting a particular version. ([docs.python.org](https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

8. Do I need VS Code to use Python?

No. Python can run from Command Prompt, PowerShell, Windows Terminal, IDLE, and many other editors and development environments. VS Code is simply a convenient option with Python-specific development features.

Final Thoughts on How to Install Python on Windows

Learning how to install Python on Windows is easier than it may seem. Install the Python Install Manager, verify it with python --version, check package management with python -m pip --version, and run a simple program to confirm everything works.

If you run into problems, check your Python installation, PATH settings, app execution aliases, and whether multiple Python versions are installed before trying to reinstall anything.

Once Python is working, start practicing. Build small scripts, learn the basics, use virtual environments, and gradually create useful projects. Installing Python is only the first step—the real progress comes from using it.