Download Python from the official website

Go to python.org and click the yellow "Download Python" button on the homepage. This takes you to a page showing the latest stable version. Windows users should download the executable installer — look for the file that says "Windows installer (64-bit)" unless you have a specific reason to use 32-bit. The filename will look like python-3.X.X-amd64.exe, where X represents version numbers.

Save the .exe file to your Downloads folder or anywhere you can find it easily. The download is about 100 megabytes and takes a few seconds on most connections.

Run the installer and choose your settings

Double-click the .exe file you downloaded. A window will open asking whether to allow the installer to make changes to your computer — click "Yes". The Python Setup wizard then appears with several options.

At the top of the first screen, you will see a checkbox labeled "Add Python 3.X to PATH" — check this box before proceeding. This step is critical because it lets you run Python from the command prompt or PowerShell without typing the full file path every time. Below that, choose "Install Now" for a standard installation, which installs Python in the default location (usually C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3X).

If you want to change where Python installs or customize which components to include, click "Customize installation" instead. Most beginners should stick with "Install Now".

Key Takeaways

  • Download the 64-bit Windows installer from python.org unless your computer runs 32-bit Windows.
  • Check the "Add Python 3.X to PATH" box during installation so you can run Python from any command prompt window.
  • Use "Install Now" for a standard setup, or "Customize installation" if you need to change the installation folder or select specific components.
  • After installation completes, verify Python works by opening Command Prompt and typing python --version.
  • You can install multiple Python versions on the same Windows machine, but only one can be set as the default in PATH.

Verify the installation worked

Once the installer finishes and closes, open Command Prompt or PowerShell. Press the Windows key, type "cmd" or "powershell", and press Enter. In the black window that opens, type python --version and press Enter. If Python installed correctly, you will see output like "Python 3.12.0" (the exact number depends on which version you downloaded).

If you see "python is not recognized as an internal or external command", the PATH setting did not take effect. Close and reopen Command Prompt completely, then try again. If it still does not work, you may need to reinstall Python and make sure the PATH checkbox is checked.

Test Python with a simple command

In the same Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type python and press Enter. You will see the Python interpreter start, showing something like "Python 3.12.0 (main, Oct 2 2023, 14:50:32)". The prompt will change to three angle brackets: >>>.

Type print("Hello, World!") and press Enter. Python will print "Hello, World!" on the next line. This confirms that Python is running and can execute code. Type exit() and press Enter to close the interpreter and return to your normal command prompt.

Choose a text editor or IDE for writing code

Python is now installed, but you will want a tool to write and run programs more easily than typing into the interpreter. Visual Studio Code (free, from microsoft.com) is popular with beginners — install it, then add the "Python" extension from the Extensions marketplace inside VS Code. PyCharm Community Edition (free, from jetbrains.com) is a full development environment built specifically for Python.

Alternatively, IDLE comes bundled with Python automatically. Search for "IDLE" in your Windows Start menu to open it — it provides a simple editor and interpreter in one window, which is enough for learning basics. For most people starting out, IDLE or VS Code with the Python extension is sufficient.

Update Python when new versions arrive

Python releases new versions periodically, usually with security fixes and new features. To update, download the latest installer from python.org the same way you did the first time and run it. Windows will detect that Python is already installed and offer to upgrade it in place — click "Install Now" to proceed. Your existing Python files and installed packages remain intact.

You do not need to uninstall the old version first. If you ever need to remove Python entirely, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find "Python 3.X" in the list, click it, and select "Uninstall".

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart Windows after installing Python?

No, you do not need to restart. However, if Command Prompt was already open when you installed Python, close it completely and open a new window. The new window will recognize the PATH change.

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Python?

64-bit Python runs on modern Windows machines and can use more memory. Download 64-bit unless your computer is very old or you have a specific reason to use 32-bit. You can check your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About and looking for "System type".

Can I install Python without adding it to PATH?

Yes, but then you must type the full path to python.exe every time you run it from Command Prompt, which is inconvenient. It is much easier to check the PATH box during installation.

What if the installer says Python is already installed?

Windows detected a previous installation. You can upgrade to a newer version, repair the existing installation, or uninstall and reinstall from scratch. The installer will show you these options.

Is Python safe to install on Windows?

Yes. Python from python.org is the official, safe version. Always download from python.org or a trusted source, not from random websites.