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This lesson shows how to download, install, and verify Python on a Windows PC. Follow the steps below to install a recent Python 3 release, enable the recommended options in the installer, and confirm the installation using the Command Prompt.

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1) Download the Windows installer

Open your browser and go to the official downloads page: https://python.org/downloads/ You should see the Windows downloads page with a prominent installer button similar to the example below:
A browser screenshot of the Python.org downloads page advertising "Download the latest version for Windows" with a prominent "Download Python 3.13.2" button. The page shows the Python logo and a decorative illustration of parachutes carrying wooden crates, plus a site navigation and search bar.
Notes:
  • The exact minor/patch version on the downloads page may differ (e.g., Python 3.13.x). Installing any recent Python 3 release is fine.
  • Download the Windows installer (an executable .exe).
Launch the downloaded installer to start the setup wizard and follow these recommended choices:
  • On the initial screen:
    • Enable Add Python to PATH (checkbox at the bottom of the window).
    • Optionally enable Install launcher for all users (recommended).
  • If you want Python available to every account on the PC:
    • Choose “Customize installation” → then select “Install for all users”. This will typically require administrator privileges and installs Python into Program Files.
  • Ensure pip is selected (it is selected by default).
  • Click Install and approve any Windows security prompt (UAC) by clicking Yes.
Installer options at a glance: The installer will show progress while configuring Python. When it finishes, click Close.

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3) Verify the installation

You can either restart your PC to refresh system environment variables or open a new Command Prompt window (a new process picks up the updated PATH). Then verify with the following command:
A restart is not strictly necessary in most cases—opening a new Command Prompt is usually sufficient for the updated PATH to be available. Restarting is a safe step if you encounter PATH-related issues.
Example: search for Command Prompt on Windows:
A Windows 11 desktop screenshot showing the Start/search panel with "Command Prompt" highlighted and several "cmd" search suggestions. A "Verify account" popup appears in the search pane, with Recycle Bin at the top-left and the taskbar along the bottom.
If the command prints the Python version (for example, Python 3.13.2), Python and the PATH configuration are correct.

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Quick troubleshooting tips

  • If python --version shows an error or a different Python version:
    • Close and reopen the Command Prompt, or log out/in.
    • Confirm you selected Add Python to PATH during installation.
    • Use the full path (e.g., “C:\Program Files\Python313\python.exe”) to confirm installation location.
  • If pip is missing, rerun the installer and ensure the pip option is selected.

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