How to Install Python 3 on Windows 10

Ash (341)

Mar 30, 2021

6 minutes

If it's been a while since you first installed Python, it might be time to check out the latest edition: Python 3. It has plenty of cool new features from data classes to typing enhancements. Installing Python 3 on Windows is as easy as running an executable.

(There's a slightly different process for installing Python 3 on a Mac, so check out our guide on that for Mac users.)

Before you download the latest version, you may want to check your current version of Python.

Windows 10 PC

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Python 3 for Windows is available for download on the Python downloads page. The latest release is Python 3.9.2 (February 2021).

You can also find the previous Python releases on the same page. This can be useful if you're running an application that requires an older version of Python.

Navigate to the location you saved the Python installer to. Run the executable. You may need to run the installer as administrator if prompted.

The install wizard will walk you through installing Python 3. You can choose a custom install location during setup.

While inside the install wizard, be sure to check the box to add the Python installation path to the Path variable. This will make it easier to run Python scripts from the command prompt. If you missed the opportunity to tick this box, don't worry. You can still add it manually.

How to manually add Python to the Path variable

In the Start Menu, type Environment.
Choose Edit the system environment variables.
In the window that opens, click Environment Variables in the bottom-right corner.
Find the Path variable in the item list on the top half of the window. Select it, click Edit….
Add the Python installation path.

See our guide on adding Python to the Path variable in Windows for more details.