Install Python on Windows

General-purpose programming language and runtime, batteries included.

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Installation

winget · winget

$ winget install -e --id Python.Python.3.13

Installs Python 3.13 and adds it to the PATH. Restart the terminal afterwards.

Verify the installation

Verify

$ python --version

Important files

Type	Path	Description
binary	%LOCALAPPDATA%\Programs\Python\Python313	Default per-user install location.

Command-line tools

pythonThe Python interpreter on the PATH.
pipPackage installer for Python.
pyThe Python launcher to select a version (py -3.13).

Uninstall

$ winget uninstall -e --id Python.Python.3.13

Good to know

After installation, open a new terminal so the PATH is refreshed.
The py launcher selects a version: py -3.13.
With the python.org installer, tick "Add python.exe to PATH".
Avoid the Microsoft Store stub if you need full control over the PATH and site-packages.

Installation on Windows

winget install -e --id Python.Python.3.13 installs Python 3.13 from the official installer and adds it to the PATH. Open a new terminal afterwards so python and pip are recognized.

The `py` launcher

Windows installs the py launcher, which selects an installed version explicitly: py -3.13 script.py. It is handy when several versions coexist.

Virtual environments

Create one per project: py -m venv .venv then .venv\Scripts\activate. Use the launcher (py) rather than a bare python if you keep multiple versions.