Installing Python Step by step
guide_Bidyut Maishal.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to install Python on Windows (10 or 11), verify it, and start using it (including
virtual environments). I’ll show the easiest and the alternate routes, plus troubleshooting tips.
1) Choose installation method
You have three common options — pick one:
Recommended (simple & reliable): Official installer from python.org.
Alternative (Windows-native): Microsoft Store (easy, but sometimes less flexible).
Advanced / automated: winget or chocolatey (for scripted installs).
Below I give full steps for the python.org installer (recommended), then quick notes for the others.
2) Download Python (from python.org)
1. Open your browser and go to https://www.python.org/downloads/
2. Click the big Download Python 3.x.x button (choose latest stable 3.x).
3. Save the python-3.x.x-amd64.exe file to your Downloads folder.
3) Run the installer — IMPORTANT options
1. Double-click the downloaded .exe to run the installer.
2. Very important: Check the box Add Python 3.x to PATH at the bottom.
3. Click Customize installation (recommended) — you’ll see optional features:
Keep pip, tcl/tk, and py launcher checked (default).
You may enable Install for all users if you want (requires admin).
4. Click Next → on Advanced Options you can keep defaults. If not installing for all users, the default install
path is under your user folder.
5. Click Install. If prompted by UAC, allow it.
Installer will run and finish. Click Disable path length limit when offered (good to do).
4) Verify installation (Command Prompt or PowerShell)
Open a new Command Prompt (cmd) or PowerShell and run:
python --version
# or
py -3 --version
You should see something like Python 3.x.x.
Check pip (Python package manager):
python -m pip --version
# or
py -3 -m pip --version
If both commands return versions, Python + pip installed correctly.
5) If python or pip is not found
You probably didn’t check Add to PATH during install. Two fixes:
1. Re-run installer, choose Modify, then enable Add Python to environment variables and finish.
2. Or add paths manually to Environment Variables:
Open Start → type “Environment Variables” → Edit the system environment variables →
Environment Variables.
Under User variables select Path → Edit → New and add both (example — adjust version &
username):
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3x\
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3x\Scripts\
Click OK and restart the terminal.
6) Update pip (recommended)
python -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
# or
py -3 -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
7) Create & use a virtual environment (best practice)
Always use a venv per project to avoid package conflicts.
1. Create a folder for your project:
mkdir myproject
cd myproject
1. Create a virtual environment:
python -m venv venv
# or
py -3 -m venv venv
1. Activate the venv:
In Command Prompt (cmd.exe):
venv\Scripts\activate
In PowerShell:
.\venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
# if execution policy blocks it: run PowerShell as admin and:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
# then activate again
When activated, your prompt will show (venv).
1. Install packages inside venv:
pip install requests flask numpy
1. Deactivate when done:
deactivate
8) Run a quick Python script
Create a file hello.py with:
print("Hello, Python on Windows!")
Run it:
python hello.py
# or
py hello.py
You should see Hello, Python on Windows!
9) Optional: Install via winget (command-line)
If you prefer using Windows package manager:
Open PowerShell (admin) and run:
winget install --id=Python.Python.3
This installs latest Python 3 and sets up PATH (if your winget supports it).
10) Optional: Microsoft Store install
Search “Python” in Microsoft Store and install. It's easy, but note:
Sometimes the Store Python uses a different path; use py launcher to be consistent.
Store install may restrict where packages install; python.org installer is preferred for development.
11) IDE / Editor suggestion
Install Visual Studio Code and the Python extension (Microsoft) for code editing, linting, debugging and
virtual environment support.
In VS Code: open the project folder, press Ctrl+Shift+P → “Python: Select Interpreter” → pick your venv.
12) Common issues & fixes
'python' is not recognized': PATH not set — re-run installer or add Python directories to PATH.
PowerShell activation blocked: change execution policy for current user:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
Multiple Python versions: use the py launcher to choose version: py -3.9 script.py or py -3 script.py.
pip fails to install package: upgrade pip (python -m pip install --upgrade pip) or install build tools (pip
install --upgrade setuptools wheel); for packages needing compilation, install Visual C++ Build Tools if
necessary.
Permission errors: install for current user, or run terminal as Administrator for system installs. Prefer
virtualenv for project installs.
13) How to uninstall Python
Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps, find Python, click Uninstall.
Also remove leftover folders in C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\ and C:\Users\
<User>\AppData\Roaming\Python\ if needed, and clean PATH entries.
Quick checklist (copy/paste)
1. Download installer from python.org.
2. Run installer → check Add Python to PATH → Install.
3. Verify with python --version and python -m pip --version.
4. python -m pip install --upgrade pip.
5. Create venv: python -m venv venv → activate → pip install <packages>.
6. Run hello.py to test.
