Once Python has completed the downloading and installation process, open Windows PowerShell using the Start menu (lower left Windows icon). Once you've determined which version you would like to install, select Get. We recommend using the most recent unless you have a reason not to (such as aligning with the version used on a pre-existing project that you plan to work on). Select which version of Python you would like to use from the results under Apps. Once the store is open, select Search from the upper-right menu and enter 'Python'. Go to your Start menu (lower left Windows icon), type 'Microsoft Store', select the link to open the store. To install Python using the Microsoft Store: We only recommend this if you are a more advanced Python programmer with a specific reason for choosing an alternative implementation. For some advanced scenarios (like needing to access/modify Python's installed files, make copies of binaries, or use Python DLLs directly), you may want to consider downloading a specific Python release directly from or consider installing an alternative, such as Anaconda, Jython, PyPy, WinPython, IronPython, etc. If you're interested in automating common tasks on your operating system, see our guide: Get started using Python on Windows for scripting and automation.

For help, see: Get started using Python for web development on Windows. Rather than installing directly on Windows, we recommend installing and using Python via the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

If you are using Python on Windows for web development, we recommend a different set up for your development environment. This is especially helpful if you are in an educational environment or a part of an organization that restricts permissions or administrative access on your machine. Installing via the Microsoft Store uses the basic Python3 interpreter, but handles set up of your PATH settings for the current user (avoiding the need for admin access), in addition to providing automatic updates. Set up your development environmentįor beginners who are new to Python, we recommend you install Python from the Microsoft Store. The following is a step-by-step guide for beginners interested in learning Python using Windows.

Python text editor and shell in one