How to Download And Install Python on Windows 10

Python is a powerful and versatile programming language that is widely used for various purposes, including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. It is known for its simplicity and readability, making it an ideal language for beginners as well as experienced developers. If you are interested in learning Python or using it for your projects, you will need to download and install it on your Windows 10 computer.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of downloading and installing Python on your Windows 10 machine. We will cover multiple methods, so you can choose the one that suits your requirements and preferences. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience with Python, this guide will help you get started quickly and easily.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we proceed with the installation process, there are a few things you will need:

1. A Windows 10 computer: This guide is specifically for Windows 10. If you are using a different operating system, the steps may vary.
2. An internet connection: Python is an open-source language and can be downloaded for free from the official website. You will need an active internet connection to download the installation files.
3. Sufficient disk space: Python requires some disk space to be installed on your computer. Make sure you have enough free space available before starting the installation process.
4. Administrator privileges: The installation process may require administrative privileges to make changes to your computer. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to install software.

What Requires Your Focus?

When it comes to installing Python on Windows 10, there are a few key aspects that require your attention. Here are some things you should focus on during the installation process:

1. Python version: Python has multiple versions available, including Python 2.x and Python 3.x. It is recommended to install Python 3.x as it is the latest stable version and has better support for modern features and libraries. Make sure you choose the correct version during the installation process.
2. Installation location: Python can be installed in the default location, which is usually in the "C:\PythonXX\" directory, where XX represents the version number. However, you can choose a different location if you prefer. Make sure to remember the installation location as it will be required later.
3. Environment variables: During the installation process, you will be given the option to add Python to your system’s PATH environment variable. This allows you to run Python from any directory in the command prompt or PowerShell. It is recommended to enable this option to make it easier to work with Python.
4. Optional features: Python installation also includes some optional features, such as adding Python to the file context menu or installing third-party packages like pip and Tcl/Tk. Depending on your requirements, you can choose to enable or disable these features during the installation process.

Now that we know what to focus on, let’s dive into the installation methods.

Method 1. Downloading and Installing Python via the Official Website

Python.org is the official website for Python, where you can find the latest version of Python and download it for free. This is the recommended method for installing Python on your Windows 10 computer. Follow the steps below to download and install Python via the official website:

Step 1: Open your web browser and navigate to the Python official website at https://www.python.org/.

Step 2: On the Python website, click on the "Downloads" tab located on the top menu.

Step 3: Scroll down the page and find the section titled "Python Releases for Windows." Here, you will see the latest versions available for download. Choose the version based on your requirements. As of the time of writing this blog post, Python 3.9.7 is the latest stable version.

Step 4: After selecting the version, you will be presented with different installation options. Make sure to choose the appropriate installer based on your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). The recommended installer is the one with the "executable installer" in the filename. Click on the installer to start the download.

Step 5: Once the installer is downloaded, locate the file in your Downloads folder or the location where your browser saves downloaded files. The file will have a ".exe" extension, such as "python-3.9.7.exe". Double-click on the installer file to start the installation process.

Step 6: The installer will start and display an introductory screen. Make sure to check the box that says "Add Python 3.x to PATH" to enable the system-wide installation. This will allow you to run Python from any directory in the command prompt or PowerShell.

Step 7: Choose the installation type. The recommended option is "Customize installation" as it allows more control over the installation process. Click on the "Next" button to proceed.

Step 8: On the next screen, you can specify the optional features to be installed. These include adding Python to the file context menu, installing third-party packages (pip and Tcl/Tk), and creating shortcuts. Depending on your requirements, select or deselect the appropriate checkboxes. Click on the "Next" button to proceed.

Step 9: Choose the installation location. By default, Python will be installed in the "C:\Python39\" directory (the number may vary based on the version). You can choose a different location if desired. Make sure to note down the installation location as it will be required later. Click on the "Install" button to start the installation process.

Step 10: The installer will now begin installing Python on your computer. This may take a few minutes depending on your system’s performance. Once the installation is complete, you will see a screen that says "Setup was successful." Click on the "Close" button to finish the installation.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Python on your Windows 10 computer using the official website method. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this method:

Method 2. Using Anaconda Distribution for Python

Anaconda is a popular distribution of Python that includes a comprehensive set of libraries and tools for scientific computing and data analysis. It simplifies the process of installing Python and provides a user-friendly interface to manage packages and environments. Follow the steps below to install Python using Anaconda Distribution:

Step 1: Open your web browser and navigate to the Anaconda website at https://www.anaconda.com/.

Step 2: On the Anaconda website, click on the "Download" button located in the top menu.

Step 3: Scroll down the page and find the section titled "Anaconda Individual Edition." Here, you will see the latest version of Anaconda available for download. Choose the appropriate installer based on your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) and the Python version. The recommended options are Python 3.x and the graphical installer. Click on the installer to start the download.

Step 4: Once the installer is downloaded, locate the file in your Downloads folder or the location where your browser saves downloaded files. The file will have a ".exe" extension, such as "Anaconda3-2021.05-Windows-x86_64.exe". Double-click on the installer file to start the installation process.

Step 5: The installer will start and display an introductory screen. Read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) to proceed with the installation. Click on the "Next" button.

Step 6: Choose the installation type. The recommended option is "Just Me (recommended)" as it installs Anaconda for the current user only. Click on the "Next" button to proceed.

Step 7: Choose the installation location. By default, Anaconda will be installed in the "C:\Users\YourUsername\Anaconda3\" directory. You can choose a different location if desired. Make sure to note down the installation location as it will be required later. Click on the "Next" button to proceed.

Step 8: On the next screen, you can specify advanced options such as adding Anaconda to the system PATH environment variable and registering Anaconda as the default Python. It is recommended to enable both options for a seamless experience. Click on the "Install" button to start the installation process.

Step 9: The installer will now begin installing Anaconda on your computer. This may take a few minutes depending on your system’s performance. Once the installation is complete, you will see a screen that says "Installation complete." Click on the "Next" button to finish the installation.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Python using Anaconda Distribution on your Windows 10 computer. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this method:

Method 3. Using the Microsoft Store

If you prefer a hassle-free installation method without the need for downloading standalone installers, you can install Python from the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store provides a curated collection of apps and software that can be easily installed and managed on your Windows 10 computer. Follow the steps below to install Python using the Microsoft Store:

Step 1: Click on the "Start" button in the bottom-left corner of your screen and search for "Microsoft Store." Click on the "Microsoft Store" app from the search results to launch the store.

Step 2: In the Microsoft Store app, click on the search bar located in the top-right corner and type "Python." Press Enter or click on the search icon to proceed.

Step 3: From the search results, find the Python app titled "Python 3.x." Make sure to choose the app with the appropriate version of Python you want to install. Click on the app to open the details page.

Step 4: On the Python app details page, click on the "Get" or "Install" button to start the installation process. The app will be downloaded and installed automatically.

Step 5: Once the installation is complete, you can find Python in the Start menu or on the desktop. Click on the Python app to launch it.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Python using the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 computer. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this method:

Method 4. Using Chocolatey Package Manager

Chocolatey is a package manager for Windows that allows you to install and manage software from the command line or PowerShell. It simplifies the process of installing Python and other software by automating the download and installation steps. Follow the steps below to install Python using Chocolatey:

Step 1: Open the command prompt or PowerShell with administrative privileges. You can do this by right-clicking on the Start button and choosing the "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" option.

Step 2: In the command prompt or PowerShell, type the following command to install Chocolatey:

"`
@"%SystemRoot%\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe" -NoProfile -InputFormat None -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString(‘https://chocolatey.org/install.ps1’))" && SET "PATH=%PATH%;%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\chocolatey\bin"
"`