How to install Python on Windows

This guide demonstrates how to install Python on Windows systems. Python is a widely-used programming language essential for running AI applications, machine learning frameworks, and development tools. You'll learn how to download the official Python installer manager and complete the installation process.

What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language commonly used for AI development, data science, web applications, and automation. Many AI tools and frameworks require Python to be installed on your system to function properly. Installing Python provides you with the Python interpreter, standard libraries, and the pip package manager for installing additional Python packages and tools.

Steps to follow

  1. Open Python download page
  2. Download and run Python installer
  3. Add Python to PATH and install CPython
  4. Finish installation

How to install Python on Windows video

The following video shows how to install Python on Windows step-by-step. The video covers downloading the installer, configuring installation options through the terminal interface, and completing the setup process.

Step 1 - Open Python download page

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Python download page. The website automatically detects your operating system and recommends the appropriate Python version for Windows (Figure 1).

Open Python download page
Figure 1 - Open Python download page

Step 2 - Download and run Python installer

Download the latest version for Windows. After the download completes, locate the Python install manager in your Downloads folder and double-click it to launch the installation (Figure 2).

Download and run Python installer
Figure 2 - Download and run Python installer

The Python install manager launches in a window and displays installation options. Choose the "Install Python" option to proceed (Figure 3).

Python installer terminal
Figure 3 - Python installer terminal interface

Step 3 - Add Python to PATH and install CPython

The Python installation manager configuration helper will launch in a terminal windows and ask if you want to add Python to your system PATH. Type "y" and press Enter to confirm. This is an important step that allows you to run Python from any command prompt or terminal window without specifying the full installation path (Figure 4).

Adding Python to PATH is essential for running Python commands and scripts from the command line.

Add Python to PATH
Figure 4 - Add Python to PATH

The installer will then ask for confirmation to install CPython (the standard Python implementation). Type "y" and press Enter to proceed with the installation (Figure 5).

Confirm CPython installation
Figure 5 - Confirm CPython installation

Step 4 - Finish installation

The installer begins extracting and installing Python files to your system. The terminal displays a progress bar as files are copied and configured. Wait for the installation process to complete (Figure 6).

Wait for extraction
Figure 6 - Installation in progress

When the installation completes successfully, the installer will ask if you want to view online help for using Python. Type "n" and press Enter to decline and finish the installation. You can also simply close the terminal window. Python is now installed on your system and ready to use (Figure 7).

Finish installation
Figure 7 - Finish installation

Verify Python installation

To verify that Python is installed correctly, open a new command prompt window and type python --version. This command displays the installed Python version. You can also type pip --version to verify that the pip package manager is available. 

python --version
pip --version

Final thoughts

You have successfully installed Python on Windows through the terminal-based installer. Python is now ready to use for running AI applications, development tools, and scripts. You can install additional Python packages using pip, run Python scripts from the command line, and develop Python applications on your system.