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1. Installing Python on Windows

1. Introduction​

Windows does not come with Python preinstalled.
To start programming, we must download, install, and configure the latest version of Python.

2. Downloading Python​

  1. Open a web browser.
  2. Go to the official Python download page:
    https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/
  3. The site will automatically suggest the latest stable version (for example: Python 3.12.x).
  4. Click the Download Python 3.x.x button.

3. Running the Installer​

  1. Locate the downloaded file in your Downloads folder (example: python-3.12.x-amd64.exe).
  2. Double-click the installer to run it.
  3. On the first screen:
    • ✅ Check the box “Add Python to PATH” (very important).
    • Click Install Now.
  4. Wait for the installation to complete.

4. Custom Installation (Optional)​

If you want more control:

  • Choose Customize installation.
  • Options you may enable:
    • Documentation
    • pip (package manager)
    • Add Python to environment variables
  • This is useful if you want multiple versions of Python installed.

5. Verifying Installation​

  1. Open the Command Prompt (press Win + R, type cmd, press Enter).
  2. Type:
python --version

or

py --version

You should see something like:

Python 3.12.2
  1. Verify pip:
pip --version

6. First Run of Python​

In Command Prompt, type:

python

This opens the Python REPL (interactive shell).
Type exit() or press Ctrl + Z then Enter to quit.

7. Troubleshooting​

  • ‘python’ not recognized:

    • Try py instead.
    • If that works, it means Python is installed but not added to PATH.
    • Reinstall and check the “Add to PATH” option.

  • Multiple versions of Python:

    • Use py -0 to list installed versions.
    • Run a specific version with py -3.12 or py -3.11.

  • Pip missing:

    • Run the installer again and check pip option.

8. Uninstalling Python​

  1. Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features.
  2. Find Python in the list.
  3. Select it and click Uninstall.

9. Next Steps​

✅ Python is now installed on Windows.
In the next chapter, we will learn how to install Python on macOS.