Installing Python 3 on a Windows PC is a straightforward process. Follow this step-by-step guide to get Python up and running on your system.

Step 1: Download Python 3 Installer

1. Open your web browser and go to the official Python website:
   👉 https://www.python.org/downloads/windows/
2. Click on the latest Python 3.x version (e.g., Python 3.12).
3. Click the Download button for the recommended Windows installer:
   • 64-bit: Choose "Windows installer (64-bit)" if your PC is 64-bit.
   • 32-bit: Choose "Windows installer (32-bit)" if your PC is 32-bit.

Step 2: Run the Python Installer

1. Locate the downloaded file (usually in the Downloads folder).
2. Double-click the python-3.x.x.exe file to launch the installer.

Step 3: Customize Installation Options

1. Check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” (VERY IMPORTANT).
2. Click Customize installation (optional):
   • Ensure that all features are checked (recommended).
   • Click Next.
3. Select the installation location or keep the default path.
4. Click Install to begin the installation.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

1. Once the installation is complete, click Close.
2. Open Command Prompt (Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   python --version

   or

   python3 --version

    

4. If Python is installed correctly, you will see the installed version number (e.g., Python 3.12.0).

Step 5: Verify pip (Python Package Manager)

Python comes with pip, which helps manage Python packages. To check if pip is installed, run:

pip --version

If installed correctly, it will show something like:
pip 23.x.x from C:\Python3x\lib\site-packages\pip (python 3.x.x)

Step 6: Set Up Environment Variables (If Needed)

If you forgot to check "Add Python to PATH" during installation:

1. Open Command Prompt and type:

   python

   If it says “Python is not recognized as an internal or external command,” follow these steps:
2. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and click Environment Variables.
4. Under System Variables, find and select Path, then click Edit.
5. Click New, then add the path where Python was installed (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3x).
6. Click OK to save changes.
7. Restart your PC or Command Prompt.

Step 7: Run Python in Command Prompt

Now, you can open Command Prompt and type:

python

This will open the Python interactive shell (>>>), where you can run Python commands.

To exit Python, type:

exit()

or press Ctrl + Z and hit Enter.

🎉 Congratulations! Python 3 is now installed on your Windows PC!

You are now ready to write and run Python programs. 🚀