How to Install Python?

Python is one of the most widely used programming languages because it is easy to learn, simple to read, and has a large number of useful libraries. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, the first step to start using Python is to install it on your system.

In this chapter, you will learn how to install Python on Windows step by step and set up your system to write and run Python programs.

In order to install Python on other platforms like macOS, Ubuntu, and CentOS, check the following guides:

• Install Python on macOS
• Install Python on CentOS
• Install Python on Ubuntu

Installing Python on Windows

Python doesn't come with prepackage in Windows, but it doesn't mean that Window user cannot be flexible with Python. Some operating systems such as Linux come with the Python package manager that can run to install Python. Below are the steps to install Python in Windows.

Step 1: Downloading the Installer for Python

To install Python on Windows, you first have to take the Python installer from the internet.

Visit the official website of Python:

• Open your favourite web browser, be it Google Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
• Go to the official site for downloading Python at: http://www.python.org/downloads/
• The website will automatically check what operating system you are using and provide the most recent stable version of Python for Windows users

Choose the Correct Version

Selecting the appropriate version

• Latest stable releases, such as Python 3.13.2, are recommended for all users.
  
• To view the older version, scroll down the page and click on "View all Python releases."

1.3 Installer Download

• To begin, click on the button that has the "Download Python 3.13.2" text.
  
• An exe file indicative of an executable will be downloaded (for example, python-3.13.2.exe).

Step 2: Running of the Python Installer

After downloading the installer file, you have to run it.

2.1 Finding the Installer

• Go to the directory of the downloaded folder (usually, it is in the Downloads folder).
• To start the installation process, double-click on the exe file.
  

2.2 Selecting Installation Preferences

Upon the appearance of the setup window of Python, these options will be available: You have to do these things:

1. There is "Add Python to PATH," which you will be required to check the box next to it.

This step must be done with utmost care as it is very critical.

• Checking this box will ensure that using the command prompt, you can control the use of Python at any given location or position.

2. Decide from the given options:

• (default) "Install Now" Installs with the default options selected.
• "Customize installation" where you get the freedom to set different options for the installation.
• From options 1 and 2, if you are a starter, it is best that you click on "Install Now" to install with the pre-set options.

2.3 Commencing Installation

• To begin the installation, select "Install now."
  
• At this point, your system will have Python files copied into it.

Step 3: Installation Completion Duration

The whole process might take a few minutes.

• After completing the process, the statement "Setup was successful" will appear.
• To exit the installer, click on the "Close" button.

Step 4: Verify Python Installation

To successfully confirm that Python was installed, kindly follow the procedure listed below:

4.1 Open Command Prompt

• Open the Command Prompt window by pressing Win + R, followed by typing cmd and pressing Enter.

4.2 Check Python Version

• To check if the application was successfully installed, type the following command and press enter:

• In the event Python was installed properly, it will show the following:

3.9.7 (where the number following 3 is the version number)

In the situation that the command yields an error, it may indicate that Python is not added to the system PATH.

Step 5: Verify pip Installation

Pip is known as a package manager, which enables the installation and management of Python libraries.

5.1 Check if pip is Installed

• Command Prompt can be opened by typing:

Step 6: Test Python with the Command Prompt

In an effort to test if Python is working correctly, attempt to run basic Python scripts.

1. Command Prompt (cmd) can be opened.

2. Type:

A Python interactive shell page will open, revealing the Python version with ">>>" following it.

3. Type the following statement:

4. Assuming that Python was installed properly, it will show:

5. To close Python, the following command can be used: