Installing Python on Windows

There are three methods you can choose from on Windows.

Using The Microsoft Store

Microsoft hosts community releases of Python 3 in the Microsoft Store. This is the recommended way to install Python on Windows because it handles updates automatically and can be uninstalled easily too.

To use this method:

• open the Microsoft store and search for Python
• Pick the newest version and install it

The store contains several versions. If you pick, for example, version 3.8, that’s the version that will be kept up-to-date. So when a new version of Python comes out, you’ll keep 3.8. But if an update to 3.8 comes out, you’ll get that update.

With the official installer

You can download a Python installer from the official Python download website too. This method does not give you automatic updates, and I would recommend it only if you don’t have access to the Microsoft store. When you use this installer, make sure you mark the checkbox that says ‘Add Python to PATH’.

Inside WSL

If you’re familiar with Windows Subsystem For Linux, you may want to consider that option too. It’s what I use myself, and I’m truly loving it. It offers me the advantages that Windows has to offer (mainly great hardware support), while still enjoying Linux which is, in my opinion, the best platform for Python development.

To install in WSL, you’ll first need to install WSL itself. Go for WSL2 if you can. It’s much better. After that, simply follow the Linux installation instructions!