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Python is the fastest-growing major programming language in the world. Want to participate as a Python coder and install Python on your Windows machine? Here are the seven steps to install Python on Windows:
- Visit website “Python Releases for Windows”: https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/
- Click link “Download Windows x86-64 executable installer” under “Stable Releases” header.
- A popup opens. Click “Save File”.
- Wait until the download completes and double click on the installer file to run it.
- Another popup appears. Select “Add Python to Path” and click “Install Now”.
- Wait until the installation completes “Setup was successful”.
- You can now use Python on your Windows computer: use the Windows Search for “IDLE” and open the standard Python editor to start coding.
I created a screenshot series to visually assist you with those seven steps. The steps may slightly deviate from the given below (it depends on the browser, your Windows version, and the Python version you install.
Visit Website “Python Releases for Windows”
The official Python website hosts all Python releases. Make sure that you download the stable release from the official Python website to protect yourself against malicious software sources. Here’s the official download link where you can get the latest stable release:
https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/
There are multiple links to choose from. Usually, the best way to install Windows on your machine is to do the following.
Click Link “Download Windows x86-64 executable installer”
The executable installer is the standard way of installing programs on your Windows machine (.exe). There are two:
- Windows x86-64 executable installer
- Windows x86 executable installer
The former is for all 64-bit machines. The latter is for all 32-bit machines. In all likelihood, you’ve got a 64-bit machine.
To check whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64–bit version of Windows 10, open the Settings app by pressing Windows+I, and then head to System > About. On the right side, look for the “System type” entry. (source)
Click “Save File”
Note that it may take a few seconds until the button “Save File” becomes clickable. Just make sure that the popup is at the front by clicking on the popup.
Click on the Installer File (.exe)
This is the installer executable file that will install Python and all its dependencies on your computer. Click it.
Select “Add Python to Path” and click “Install Now”
Adding Python to your PATH variable is common practice in Windows. It means that you can run Python anywhere on your computer (without giving the concrete location of the program).
For example, the command python --version to check your Python version will run anywhere in your shell (no matter the current folder).
Wait Until the Installation Completes
After a few minutes, the following popup will appear:
Congratulations! You’ve installed Python on your Windows machine! 🙂
Let’s start coding!
Windows Search for “IDLE” and Open the Standard Python Editor
You write Python code in a program called “Editor”. There are many different Python editors but with your Python installation comes your default Python editor IDLE. It’s as good as any editor to write your first program!
After opening the IDLE program, you can run your first code:
>>> print('hello world')
hello world
Awesome! You’ve just written your first Python program on your Windows machine!
To learn about the basic Python commands, download my 5x Python cheat sheets and join my free email academy where I’ll guide you through the Python programming language for free.
Where to Go From Here?
Enough theory. Let’s get some practice!
Coders get paid six figures and more because they can solve problems more effectively using machine intelligence and automation.
To become more successful in coding, solve more real problems for real people. That’s how you polish the skills you really need in practice. After all, what’s the use of learning theory that nobody ever needs?
You build high-value coding skills by working on practical coding projects!
Do you want to stop learning with toy projects and focus on practical code projects that earn you money and solve real problems for people?
🚀 If your answer is YES!, consider becoming a Python freelance developer! It’s the best way of approaching the task of improving your Python skills—even if you are a complete beginner.
If you just want to learn about the freelancing opportunity, feel free to watch my free webinar “How to Build Your High-Income Skill Python” and learn how I grew my coding business online and how you can, too—from the comfort of your own home.
Join the free webinar now!
While working as a researcher in distributed systems, Dr. Christian Mayer found his love for teaching computer science students.
To help students reach higher levels of Python success, he founded the programming education website Finxter.com. He’s author of the popular programming book Python One-Liners (NoStarch 2020), coauthor of the Coffee Break Python series of self-published books, computer science enthusiast, freelancer, and owner of one of the top 10 largest Python blogs worldwide.
His passions are writing, reading, and coding. But his greatest passion is to serve aspiring coders through Finxter and help them to boost their skills. You can join his free email academy here.
