Install Python

This procedure walks you through installing Python, the software that runs Python code, on the machine.

🧰 Prerequisites

None.

đź“‹ Steps

  1. Go to python.org/downloads (external link).

  2. Click the link for the standalone installer.

  3. Run the downloaded installer.

  4. On the first screen, check the Add python.exe to PATH box at the bottom. This step is easy to miss and causes the most common install problem.

  5. Click Install Now and wait for it to finish.

  6. Click Close when the installer is done.

Windows also offers Python through the Microsoft Store, but the store version behaves differently and can cause confusing errors.

🎯 Expected Outcome

  1. Open the Command Prompt.

  2. Type py --version.

  3. If a version number prints, Python is installed correctly.

⚠️ Mistakes

Skipping Add Python to PATH on Windows

This is the most common install problem. If the Add python.exe to PATH box is not checked during installation, typing python in the terminal fails, or opens the Microsoft Store instead of running Python. Run the installer again and make sure the box is checked before installing.

Not opening a fresh terminal after installing

A terminal reads the system configuration when it starts, so a terminal that was already open will not find a newly installed Python. Close any open terminal and open a new one, or restart VS Code, before checking the version.

đź“š Resources