In the programming world, Python is a very familiar name, and most programmers are adept at writing codes in Python. People who have been learning Python and are eager to put it to work often ask, “How can I install Python 3 on Windows 10?”.”
The question is obvious as Windows doesn’t have a system-supported installation for Python. With every release, Windows Installers are compiled to make it available on Windows. It is a vastly used programming language around the world. Millions of web developers, software developers, data scientists, programmers, etc, use Python, and since Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems, it had to make way for Python installation.
If you are a beginner and want to be deft in writing codes in Python, you need Python on your Windows system and there are several ways to install Python 3 on your Windows 10 PC like you can go and install it from Python.org, use a Package manager, Internet of things, and several other ways.
This guide covers everything you need to know and you will find the answer to “how to install Python 3 on Windows 10”.
What Will You Learn?
This guide will help you-
- How to check your present Python version on your Windows system, if any?
- How to install Python 3 on Windows 10?
- How to update Python on Windows?
Let’s get started.
How To Install Python 3 On Windows 10?
It is easy to install Python on Windows 10 using any of these three methods.
- Full Installer
- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Microsoft Store
These methods will be discussed later.
Checking Python Version on Windows
You can check your present Python version, if any, installed on your Windows PC. It can be easily done with the help of simple commands. Follow the steps and check the Python version currently installed on your system.
- Open a command-line application in Windows. You can use Powershell.
- Press Windows key.
- Search for Powershell and open it. Alternatively, you can also click on “Run” and type “cmd.exe”.
- In the open command line, type-
C:\> python –version
Python 3.8.4
Then press “Enter”.
- You can also type –V instead of –version, like-
C:\> python -V
Python 3.8.4
- The result will show the version that is installed if any. In the case of a version older than 3.8.4, you need a newer one.
- If you have no Python version installed on your system, you will be redirected to Microsoft Store to Python App’s page.
- To check the installation location of your version, the “where.exe” or “cmd.exe” command will help. Type-
C:\> where.exe python
C:\Users\mertz\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python37-32\python.exe
- If the Python is installed, then the command will display the location, else another message will be displayed.
Which Method Is Best For Installation of Python 3?
The below-discussed methods will help you install Python on your Windows PC-
1. Full Installer
For those who are already using Python and are able to control the complete setup process, they can go and install Python from Python.org. Advanced users prefer this method.
2. Microsoft Store
If you are a beginner and want an easy-to-install method, you can install Python from Microsoft Store.
3. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
You can run a Linux environment in Windows by enabling WSL.
This guide will help you install Python with the first two methods. But there are also certain limitations and you must know which method will work best for you.
Is Microsoft Store Good Enough?
There are certain limitations to the Microsoft Store package as ‘it is intended mainly for interactive use”, as per Python documentation. What does it mean?
It means that it is better for those who are learning Python and do not have to write lengthy programs. The package is designed specifically for learning purposes and is best for students and first-time Python users.
Also, it does not have full write access to certain shared locations which makes it unsuitable for professional developers.
Which Is Best For You?
You should finalize the Python installation method based on your needs and your level of expertise. If you are a student and your sole purpose is to learn the programming language, you can very well go to the Microsoft Store and install Python. You can use it for interactive purposes. You can use it for interactive purposes but you won’t be able to write lengthy software on it.
For a professional developer, Python.org will be the best choice. It will have all the packages and modules which are necessary and the developers can choose the installation locations and add paths as well. They won’t have to face the Microsoft Store package’s limitations.
How To Install Python 3 on Windows 10 From Microsoft Store?
Using Microsoft Store is the easiest way, so let’s start with it. You can install it in a matter of minutes and start learning.
Step 1. Check Your OS
First of all, check that your Windows 10 is up to date and you have all the necessary updates installed.
Step 2. Go To Microsoft Store
- Open your Microsoft Store app.
- Type Python, and press ‘Enter”. You will see different versions of Python.
- Look for version 3.9 as it is the latest one.
- Check that it belongs to the Python Software Foundation. If there is a cost, it is not the correct version. All versions of Pythons are always free.
- You can also go to “cmd.exe”. type “python” and press “Enter”. In the absence of any installed version on your system, you will be redirected to Microsoft Store.
Step 2. Install The App
After choosing your version, install it in the following steps.
- You can see a bright blue button with “Get” written on it. Click it.
- Download the application. After it is downloaded, the blue “Get” button will no longer be there. Instead, you can see “Install on my devices”.
- Click it and select the preferred device.
- Then press the “Install Now” button and “Ok”.
- After successful installation, a message will confirm it.
Done! Wasn’t it simple?
How To Install Python 3 On Windows 10 From The Full Installer?
For programmers and professional developers, who want customization and control installation, the full installer is the way to go. Follow the steps for quick and easy installation.
Step 1. Get The Full Installer
- Go to Python.org.
- Click on the Downloads section and then “Windows”.
- On the new page, you will see “Python Releases For Windows” with different Python versions listed down.
- Click on the latest version Python 3.9.5.
- Go to the bottom of the page under the “Files” heading. Download “Windows Installer-32bit” or “Windows Installer-64bit”.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
Step 2. Install Latest Python
- Click on the installed file. A dialog box will open up.
- You will see the default path. Here is also a “Customize Installation” button that will help you customize your installation and add other features such as pip and IDLE.
- If you want to restrict access to the py.exe launcher to current Windows users, uncheck the box for “Install launcher for all users (recommended) and restrict access for other users.
- The other box “Add Python 3.9” is unchecked and it is better to leave it that way.
- If you understand all the options and features, select the preferred ones and click on “Install now”.
That’s it! Now you can run Python on your Windows 10 PC and develop programs, software, and anything you want.
Conclusion
The process of installing Python is simple if you are installing it from Microsoft Store. Even as a beginner, you can easily install Python on your Windows 10 PC if you follow the steps. If you are a professional, Microsoft Store Package will be of no use for your professional software development.
We have already discussed it, but it is vital that we use the right method. Installing the interactive package from the Microsoft Store is highly recommended for those learning the language.
Installing Python from a full installer is a little complicated. It allows the professionals to decide the installation locations and what additional features they need. There are no complications at the installation window. Users in the know can navigate easily.
An all-inclusive guide to help you learn how to determine if Python is installed on your system, how to install Python in several different ways, and how each method is achieved. We hope we have answered all your questions about “How to install Python 3 on Windows 10?” in this guide.”