How To Install Python on Windows 10

Unlike some languages with complex symbols and punctuation, Python uses English keywords and minimal symbols making it easier to understand and write code. Python is not limited to specific tasks. It can be used for web development, data analysis, machine learning, scientific computing, automation, and much more.

If you are on Windows 10 and want to start your Python journey this guide will help how you can easily install Python on Windows 10 system.

Methods to install Python on Windows 10

There are two convenient ways to install Python for Windows 10. For a quick and simple installation, the Microsoft Store method is ideal if you want more control over the installation process and prefer the Python official website.

Using the Microsoft Store method

Microsoft Store method is simple and quick to install Python Windows 10 for beginners. Here you can follow these steps:

1. To open the Microsoft Store Click on the Start menu and search for “Microsoft Store”. Launch the store application.
2. In the search bar within the store type “Python”. It will display available versions.
3. Choosing the version you want the latest is often recommended unless you have specific needs to run Python on Windows.
4. Another option is just simply to open your Windows command prompt you can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu then type Python, and hit enter.

It will automatically navigate to the Python download page in the Microsoft Store.

5. Click the Get button. This will be downloading Python on Windows. Sign in to your Microsoft account if needed.
6. The store will automatically download and install Python. This might take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
7. Once the downloading is finished, open a Command Prompt and type the following command:

python --version

If it displays the installed version, Python development on Windows is ready to use. Here is how the image is shown below:

Using the Official Python Website

This method has more control and options to download Python from its official website follow the steps as described below:

1. Open your web browser like Google Chrome and go to the official Python website.

2. Hover the download button it will show the latest stable Python release click on the button it can automatically start downloading exe files based on your x86 or x64 architecture.

3. After downloading the exe file customize the installation. The installer offers options like adding Python to PATH. You can do it automatically or manually. Choose the options you prefer and proceed with the installation.

Understand PATH system

PATH is an environment variable holding a list of directories where your system searches for executable files when you enter a command. Adding Python’s directory to PATH allows you to execute Python commands simply by typing their names into the terminal. There are two options to add PATH during the Python installation process for Windows 10:

Automatic Method:

When installing Python from the official website, check the option “Add Python to PATH” during the installation process. This automatically updates your PATH environment variable, saving you manual steps.

Manual Method:

For in-depth setup we have to set the PATH manually, which is very similar to setting an environment variable for Linux. Let’s discuss how to set PATH for Python in window 10:

1. Right-click “This PC” and select “Properties”.

2. Click “Advanced system settings”.

3. Under the advanced system, the system properties pop-up displays click on environment variables a second screen pop-up then click “New” and paste the path to your Python installation directory. Click “OK” to save all changes.

Important Notes

To understand the installation of Python in Windows 10 here are some key points to consider:

• Remember to replace the paths in the examples with your actual Python installation directory.
• Adding Python to PATH might require administrator privileges on Windows.
• Restart your terminal or command prompt window after making changes for the new PATH to take effect.

Conclusion

Python is a powerful and versatile programming language that’s easy to learn and use. Its clear syntax, extensive libraries, and open-source nature make it a popular choice for various tasks and skill levels. Whether coding in Python on Windows or if you are a Linux user and want to install Python on a Linux machine check out how to get started and install Python on Ubuntu a Linux operating system.

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