Installing Python on Windows

There are three methods you can choose from on Windows.

With the official installer

In the following video, I show you how to install Python using the official installer:

You can download a Python installer from the official Python download website. This installation method is what I recommend if you are not an advanced computer user. Although this method does not give you automatic updates in the future, it does a great job of installing Python properly. Since it’s the official Python distribution, it’s well-tested, and it will be easier to ask for help if needed.

When you use this installer, mark the checkboxes that say ‘Add Python to PATH’ and ‘Install launcher’.

Using The Microsoft Store

Microsoft hosts community releases of Python 3 in the Microsoft Store. This is an excellent way to install Python on Windows as well, because it handles updates automatically.

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 3.12, that’s the version that will be kept up-to-date. So when a new version of Python comes out, you’ll keep 3.12. But if an update to 3.12 comes out, say 3.12.1, you’ll get that update.

Inside WSL

If you’re familiar with Windows Subsystem For Linux, you may also want to consider that option. It offers the advantages that Windows has to offer (mainly great hardware support for most PC and laptop hardware out there) while still enjoying Linux, which is, in my opinion, the best platform for Python development. But it’s not the easiest method, and I highly discourage you from exploring this option if you’re unfamiliar with Linux.

To install in WSL, you’ll first need to install WSL itself and pick a Linux distribution. Ubuntu is a popular choice, for example. After that, follow the Python installation instructions for Linux!