How to Install Python for Windows in 7 Steps

Table of contents

1. Before you begin
2. Download the python installer
3. Run the python installer
4. Verify the installation
5. Setup your path environment variable
6. Test your installation
7. Start coding with python

Python is a popular programming language that can be used to build a variety of applications. If you're a Windows user, you may be wondering how to install Python on your computer. Fortunately, the process is quite simple and can be completed in just seven steps. In this blog post, we'll cover exactly how to install Python for Windows. So if you're ready to start coding with Python, let's get started!

Before you begin

Installing Python on your computer is an easy process, but there are a few things you should know before you get started. 

First, you should check to make sure that your computer meets the system requirements for running Python. Generally, you will need a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or newer and at least 1GB of RAM. You will also need an internet connection in order to download the installer package.

It is important to note that you should install the correct version of Python for your computer. If you are unsure which version to install, you can refer to the official Python website for more information. 

Finally, if you already have Python installed, it is important to make sure that you uninstall it before proceeding with the installation. Having multiple versions of Python on your computer can cause compatibility issues, so it’s best to start fresh with a clean installation. Once you've checked that your system meets the system requirements for running python, you're ready to begin the installation. 

Step 1: Download the Python installer

The first step in installing Python on Windows is to download the installer. Visit the official Python download page and select the version of Python you would like to install. You can also choose to download the version for either 32-bit or 64-bit systems. Make sure you select the correct version of Python for your computer. Once you have selected the version, click on the “Download” button.

Once the download has completed, double click on the downloaded file and follow the instructions to complete the installation. Be sure to select the “Install launcher for all users” and “Add Python 3.x to PATH” options so that you can access the interpreter from any directory. This will also ensure that your Python programs are easily executed without having to manually enter the path. 

If you have any doubts or queries regarding the installation process, check out the official Python documentation page which provides detailed steps on how to install Python on Windows.

Step 2: Run the Python installer

Once you have downloaded the Python installer, double-click the .exe file to run the installer. You will be presented with a welcome screen for the Python installation wizard. Click Next to begin the installation.

On the next screen, you will be asked to select the components you would like to install. Make sure to select the “Add Python 3.x to PATH” checkbox. This will allow you to use the python command in the Windows command prompt. Then, click Next to continue.

The next step is to select the installation directory. By default, Python will be installed to the C:\Python 3X folder. If you prefer a different folder, click Browse and select another location. Once you have selected a directory, click Install to start the installation process.

Once the installation is complete, click Close to finish the setup. Your Python installation is now ready to use!

Step 3: Verify the installation

Once the installation is complete, it’s important to verify that it was successful. You can do this by opening a command prompt (or “Terminal” if you’re on Mac or Linux) and typing “python” to launch the Python interpreter. 

If the installation was successful, you should see a prompt that looks something like this:

Python 3.7.1 (v3.7.1:260ec2c36a, Oct 20 2018, 14:57:15) [MSC v.1915 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32

Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.

If you don’t get this prompt, then your installation may have failed, so double-check your installation steps and try again. If you do get the prompt, congratulations! You have successfully installed Python on your Windows computer.

Step 4: Set up your PATH environment variable

Before you can use Python, you need to make sure that the system knows where it is installed. This is done by setting the PATH environment variable.

To set the PATH environment variable in Windows 10:

1. Open the Control Panel, and click on System and Security. 

2. Under System, select Advanced System Settings. 

3. In the System Properties dialog box, click Environment Variables. 

4. Under System Variables, select Path, and then click Edit. 

5. Add the path to your Python installation directory. For example, if Python is installed in C:\Python38, enter C:\Python38 in the Variable Value field. 

6. Click OK to save your changes. 

Once you have finished setting up your PATH environment variable, you will be able to run Python from any command prompt or terminal window.

Step 5: Test your installation

Once you have completed the steps outlined above, it is time to make sure that everything is working correctly. To do this, open up the Windows Command Prompt and type in the command “python”. If Python has been correctly installed, it should give you a prompt that looks like this:

Python 3.7.0 (v3.7.0:1bf9cc5093, Jun 26 2018, 23:26:24) 

[MSC v.1914 32 bit (Intel)] on win32

Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.

If you get the prompt above, then congratulations - Python has been successfully installed on your computer! Now you can start writing Python programs and scripts. To quit the Python interpreter, simply type exit() at the prompt and press enter.

If you get an error message instead of the prompt, then something went wrong during the installation process and you may need to troubleshoot the issue. You can check out our guide to troubleshooting common Python installation errors for more help.

Start coding with python

Once you’ve installed Python on your Windows machine, there are lots of fun and interesting things to do. You can explore the rich variety of Python packages that are available and create programs to accomplish whatever tasks you set out to do.

If you’re just starting out with Python, a great way to get up to speed is to take an online course. There are many free and paid courses available that will help you learn the basics and beyond.

Once you’ve gained a basic level of competency, you can start exploring the world of data science and machine learning. These areas are some of the most exciting applications of Python today and can be used to unlock insights from vast datasets and create powerful predictive models.

You can also use Python for web development. From creating simple static websites to complex web applications, Python can be used for almost anything.

Finally, once you feel comfortable with the language, why not contribute back to the open source community? There are lots of ways to get involved, such as helping others with questions in forums, submitting bug reports, or even contributing code.

No matter what path you choose, Python is sure to provide you with plenty of exciting opportunities. So start exploring today!