# Python Installation - Windows

## Check Current Version

**PowerShell or Command Prompt:**
```powershell
python --version
```

If you see Python 3.11+, you're good to go! [← Back to main skill](../SKILL.md#step-2-create-virtual-environment)

---

## Installation Methods

### Option 1: Official Python Installer (Recommended)

**Why this method:**
- Official releases from python.org
- Includes pip automatically
- Easy installation

**Steps:**
1. Visit [python.org/downloads](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
2. Click **"Download Python 3.13.x"** button
3. Run the downloaded `.exe` installer

**⚠️ CRITICAL: Check "Add Python to PATH"**
- This checkbox is at the bottom of the installer
- **Must check this box** or Python won't work from command line

4. Click "Install Now"
5. Wait for installation to complete
6. Click "Close"

**Verify installation:**
```powershell
python --version
pip --version
```

---

### Option 2: Microsoft Store (Windows 10/11)

**Why this method:**
- Easiest installation
- Automatic PATH configuration
- Auto-updates through Microsoft Store

**Steps:**
1. Open **Microsoft Store** app
2. Search for "Python 3.13"
3. Click **"Get"** or **"Install"**
4. Wait for installation
5. Restart terminal

**Verify:**
```powershell
python --version
```

---

### Option 3: Chocolatey Package Manager

**Why this method:**
- Command-line package management (like Homebrew on macOS)
- Good for automated setups
- Easy updates: `choco upgrade python`

**Install Chocolatey first:**

Open **PowerShell as Administrator** and run:
```powershell
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force; [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol = [System.Net.ServicePointManager]::SecurityProtocol -bor 3072; iex ((New-Object System.Net.WebClient).DownloadString('https://community.chocolatey.org/install.ps1'))
```

**Install Python:**
```powershell
choco install python --version=3.13.0
```

**Verify:**
```powershell
python --version
```

---

### Option 4: Scoop Package Manager

**Why this method:**
- Lightweight package manager
- No admin rights required
- Clean installations

**Install Scoop:**
```powershell
irm get.scoop.sh | iex
```

**Install Python:**
```powershell
scoop install python
```

**Verify:**
```powershell
python --version
```

---

## Configure PATH (If Python Not Found)

### Check if Python is in PATH

**Open Command Prompt and run:**
```cmd
where python
```

**If nothing appears, Python is not in PATH.**

### Add Python to PATH Manually

**Find Python installation location:**
- Official installer: `C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\`
- Microsoft Store: `C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\`

**Add to PATH:**
1. Open **Start Menu**
2. Search "Environment Variables"
3. Click **"Edit the system environment variables"**
4. Click **"Environment Variables"** button
5. Under "User variables", select **"Path"**
6. Click **"Edit"**
7. Click **"New"**
8. Add Python paths:
   - `C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\`
   - `C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\Scripts\`
9. Click **"OK"** on all dialogs
10. **Restart terminal/PowerShell**

**Verify:**
```powershell
python --version
```

---

## Troubleshooting

### Issue: `python: command not found`

**Solution 1: Use `py` launcher instead**
```powershell
py --version
py -m venv venv
```

**Solution 2: Add to PATH** (see section above)

**Solution 3: Reinstall Python**
- Uninstall current Python
- Reinstall and **check "Add Python to PATH"**

### Issue: Multiple Python versions installed

**List all versions:**
```powershell
py --list
```

**Use specific version:**
```powershell
py -3.13 --version
py -3.13 -m venv venv
```

### Issue: PowerShell Execution Policy Error

**When activating venv:**
```
venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1 : File cannot be loaded because running scripts is disabled
```

**Solution:**
```powershell
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
```

**Then retry activation:**
```powershell
venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
```

### Issue: `pip` not found

**Use python -m pip instead:**
```powershell
python -m pip --version
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
```

### Issue: Long path errors

**Enable long paths in Windows:**

Open **PowerShell as Administrator**:
```powershell
New-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem" -Name "LongPathsEnabled" -Value 1 -PropertyType DWORD -Force
```

Restart computer.

---

## Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

**Alternative: Use Linux Python on Windows**

**Install WSL:**
```powershell
wsl --install
```

**Install Ubuntu:**
```powershell
wsl --install -d Ubuntu
```

**Then follow:** [linux-ubuntu.md](linux-ubuntu.md) for Python installation

---

## Verification Checklist

- [ ] `python --version` shows 3.11+ (or `py --version`)
- [ ] `pip --version` works (or `py -m pip --version`)
- [ ] `python -m venv test_venv` creates test environment
- [ ] Can activate test venv: `test_venv\Scripts\activate`
- [ ] Prompt shows `(test_venv)` prefix

**Clean up test:**
```powershell
rmdir /s test_venv
```

---

## Development Tools (Optional)

**Install Windows Terminal** (better than Command Prompt):
- Download from Microsoft Store
- Or: https://aka.ms/terminal

**Install Git for Windows:**
- Download from: https://git-scm.com/download/win

**Install VS Code:**
- Download from: https://code.visualstudio.com/

---

[← Back to django-project-setup](../SKILL.md)