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Installing Python on Windows

Windows does not include a system-supported Python runtime. For a CPython installation maintained by the Python project, use the Python install manager from python.org or the Microsoft Store. The two distributions of the manager provide the same core tool.

Install and verify​

  1. Install the Python install manager.
  2. Open a new PowerShell or Command Prompt window.
  3. Launch python. If no runtime is installed yet, the manager can install the current stable runtime.
  4. Verify the selected runtime and pip:
python --version
python -m pip --version

python -m pip ties pip to the same interpreter as python, which avoids ambiguity when multiple versions are installed.

Manage multiple runtimes​

The py command can list and select managed runtimes:

py list
py -V:3.15 --version

Use the version you actually installed; do not copy a version selector blindly. Existing installations from other distributors may also appear, and their management rules can differ.

Create a project environment​

Create a separate virtual environment in the project directory:

python -m venv .venv
.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
python -m pip --version

In cmd.exe, activate with .venv\Scripts\activate.bat. If PowerShell blocks activation scripts, consult your organization's execution-policy guidance instead of weakening system policy globally. Activation is convenient but not required; .venv\Scripts\python can always address the environment directly.

Add .venv/ to version control ignore rules. Do not install project packages into a shared or system interpreter.

Troubleshooting​

  • Open a new terminal after installation so command aliases and PATH changes are visible.
  • Use py list to see which runtime the manager will select.
  • If python or py resolves to an older installation, follow the official Windows troubleshooting guidance before removing software or editing PATH.
  • Prefer virtual environments over administrator-level package installation.