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Lesson 4 of 9 | 15-30 minutes

Install Python on Your Computer

Install standard Python safely on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Open Python Downloads

After this lesson, you can

  • Install from the official Python website.
  • Verify Python from a terminal.
  • Avoid changing a Linux system Python environment.

1. Windows

  1. 1Open the official Python Downloads page.
  2. 2Download the supported Windows release offered for your computer.
  3. 3Open the installer.
  4. 4If shown, select Add python.exe to PATH.
  5. 5Complete installation.
  6. 6Open PowerShell or Command Prompt and check the version.
Check Python
python --version
Windows alternative
py --version
Open Python
py
Exit Python
exit()

2. macOS

Download the official macOS installer from Python.org. Do not assume the command python points to Python 3.

Check Python 3
python3 --version

3. Linux

Many Linux distributions already include Python. Check it first and use a virtual environment for coursework rather than modifying the system Python.

Check Python 3
python3 --version

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