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Core Runtimes

How to Install Python on Windows

Install Python on Windows so you can run scripts, create virtual environments, and use pip without the Microsoft Store redirect getting in the way.

Priyanka Kasera
Priyanka Kasera·
April 2026·5 min read

Supported Versions

3.14.33.13.123.12.103.11.93.10.11

Official Source

python.org (official)

Environment Setup

2 PATH entries

Verify Step

python --version

DevTools Installer is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the publisher of Python. All product names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners. Downloads are sourced directly from the official publisher.

Install With DevTools Installer

Use this path if you want DevTools Installer to download the official package and handle the Windows setup for you.

  1. 1Open DevTools Installer.
  2. 2In Core Programming Runtimes, select "Python" and choose the version you need.
  3. 3Click "Install Selected".
  4. 4Let the installer download the official package, run it silently with PrependPath=1, and add both the Python directory and the Scripts directory to PATH.
  5. 5Open a new terminal window after the install finishes.
  6. 6Run and to confirm both commands work.

Download Source

DevTools Installer downloads from the official publisher:

https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.14.3/python-3.14.3-amd64.exe

PATH & Environment Variables

DevTools Installer sets the following automatically:

PATH entries

C:\Program Files\Python\Python314
C:\Program Files\Python\Python314\Scripts

Verification

DevTools Installer verifies the install by running:

python --version

Expected output: Python 3.14.3

Manual Installation Steps

Use these steps if you want to run the installer yourself and apply the Windows PATH or environment changes manually.

  1. 1Download the official installer from https://www.python.org/ftp/python/3.14.3/python-3.14.3-amd64.exe
  2. 2Run the installer and check "Add Python to PATH" before you continue through the wizard.
  3. 3If you need a silent install, run:
  4. 4If typing python opens the Microsoft Store on your machine, turn off the python.exe and python3.exe app execution aliases in Windows Settings after the install.
  5. 5Open a new terminal and run .
  6. 6Run to confirm pip is on PATH too.

Need to upgrade, downgrade, or remove Python?

DevTools Installer can also upgrade Python to a newer version, roll back to an older one, or cleanly uninstall it — including PATH entries and environment variables. No manual cleanup required.

What Is Python Used For?

  • Data science and analytics with pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter notebooks.
  • Machine learning and AI model training with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.
  • Backend web development with Django, Flask, or FastAPI.
  • Automation scripts for file processing, web scraping, and system administration.
  • DevOps tooling — many infrastructure tools (Ansible, AWS CDK) are written in Python.

Common Issues And Fixes

Check the problem and the exact fix before you reinstall anything. Some guides also include the reason the issue happens.

Problem

"python" opens the Microsoft Store instead of running Python

Exact fix

Windows 10/11 ships with a stub that redirects to the Store. Disable it: Settings → Apps → App execution aliases → turn off "python.exe" and "python3.exe". Then reopen your terminal.

Problem

pip is not recognized after installing Python

Exact fix

Ensure the Scripts directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Python\Python314\Scripts) is in your PATH. DevTools Installer adds it automatically, but manual installs may skip this if you did not check "Add Python to PATH".

Problem

Permission denied when installing packages globally

Exact fix

Use "pip install --user <package>" to install into your user directory, or run the terminal as Administrator. Better yet, use a virtual environment: "python -m venv .venv" then activate it.

Problem

Multiple Python versions cause confusion about which one runs

Exact fix

Run "where python" to see all Python executables in your PATH. Reorder PATH entries or use the Python Launcher ("py -3.12 script.py") to target a specific version.

Tips for Python

  • ✓Always use virtual environments (venv) for project isolation. Run "python -m venv .venv" in your project folder to create one.
  • ✓Python 3.12+ is significantly faster than earlier versions due to interpreter optimizations. Upgrade if your dependencies support it.
  • ✓If you need conda environments for data science, install Miniconda instead of (or alongside) Python — it provides its own Python installation.
  • ✓After installing, verify both "python --version" and "pip --version" to confirm the package manager is available.

Related Guides

Miniconda

Install Miniconda on Windows if you want conda environments, isolated Python versions, and easier package installs for data science or native dependencies.

Visual Studio Code

Install VS Code on Windows if you want a fast editor with extensions, terminal integration, and the code command available on PATH.

Git

Install Git on Windows so you can clone repositories, commit changes, use Git Bash, and run git from any terminal.

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