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Windows 11 does not include a system-supported Python installation. The recommended approach is to install the Python install manager from the Microsoft Store, Python.org, or WinGet, then use it to install the Python runtime you need.
This guide uses Python 3.14 as the current example. The install manager can also keep multiple Python versions on the same PC, which is useful when different projects require different runtimes.
Before you start
You need a Windows 11 user account that can install applications. An internet connection is required when downloading the install manager and Python runtime.
As of August 7, 2026, the latest listed releases are Python install manager 26.3 and Python 3.14.6. You do not need to download the runtime separately if you use the manager; install the manager first, then install the runtime from a terminal.
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Option 1: Install Python from the Microsoft Store
- Open Microsoft Store from the Start menu.
- Search for Python Install Manager.
- Open the result published by Python Software Foundation.
- Select Install.
- When installation finishes, close any existing PowerShell or Command Prompt windows.
- Open a new Windows Terminal, PowerShell window, or Command Prompt.
The Microsoft Store and Python.org versions of the install manager are documented as identical. Installing the manager does not necessarily install a Python runtime, so continue with the runtime installation below.
Option 2: Install the manager from Python.org
- Open the Python Windows downloads page.
- Under the current Python install manager release, download Installer (MSIX).
- Open the downloaded .msix file.
- Select Install.
If Windows does not open the package by double-clicking it, install it from PowerShell. Replace the example path with the actual location of the downloaded file:
Add-AppxPackage C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\python-manager.msix
Option 3: Install the manager with WinGet
WinGet is available in Windows Terminal, PowerShell, and Command Prompt. Open one of those applications and run:
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After installation, you can apply the install manager’s optional configuration with:
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py install –configure -y
Install the Python runtime
Install Python 3.14 by running:
py install 3.14
The general format is:
py install [options] <TAG>
Some valid runtime tags are:
| Command | Installs |
|---|---|
| py install 3.14 | Standard Python 3.14 |
| py install 3.13 | Python 3.13 |
| py install 3.14t | The free-threaded Python 3.14 build |
| py install 3.14-32 | 32-bit Python 3.14 |
| py install 3.14-arm64 | ARM64 Python 3.14 |
Use a specific tag. Version ranges are not accepted by py install. To see runtimes available online, run py list –online. To narrow the results to Python 3.14, run py list –online 3.14.
Verify that Python works
Open a new terminal window and run python –version. You should see a Python 3.14 version number. Also run py list to list the runtimes managed on the computer.
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python starts the current default or latest selected runtime. That default can change when runtimes are installed, removed, or reconfigured, so use py list when you need to confirm which version is selected.
Do you need to add Python to PATH?
Not necessarily. Adding a directory to PATH is optional if you plan to start Python with py. It is more important when you want to use direct version aliases such as python3.14.exe or run installed package commands globally.
The default directory offered for Python-version aliases is %LocalAppData%\Python\bin.
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The install manager’s global command aliases depend on this WindowsApps directory being present in PATH: %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps.
To edit your user PATH:
- Select Start and search for Edit environment variables for your account.
- Open the matching settings page.
- Select the user Path variable.
- Add the required directory, then save the changes.
- Open a new terminal window and test the command again.
Fix “python” opening the Microsoft Store
If typing python opens the Microsoft Store or produces a command-not-found message, check Windows’ app execution aliases:
- Open Start.
- Search for and open Manage app execution aliases.
- Make sure Python (default) is enabled.
- If it is already enabled, turn it off and back on.
- If needed, also refresh Python (default windowed) and Python install manager.
This page is also relevant if the py command does not work. After changing an alias, open a new terminal before testing again.
Resolve conflicts with an older Python installation
Multiple Python installations, old PATH entries, and the legacy Python Launcher can make python and py select different interpreters.
- Open Start > Installed apps.
- Search for Python.
- Review the installed runtimes and any older Python tools.
- For an older installation, select Modify and disable its PATH options, or uninstall it if you no longer need it.
If py reports can’t open file, search Installed apps for Python launcher and uninstall that legacy launcher. It has been deprecated since Python 3.14 and has been superseded by the Python install manager.
Install packages correctly with pip
Do not rely on the standalone pip command being available on PATH. Use the interpreter-qualified form instead: python -m pip.
For example, install the requests package with python -m pip install requests. This makes it clear which Python interpreter receives the package. If a command supplied by a package is missing, activate the project’s virtual environment first. You can also regenerate the install manager’s global shortcuts with py install –refresh.
Create a virtual environment for a project
Use a separate virtual environment for each project so its packages do not interfere with other projects.
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- Create the environment by running python -m venv .venv.
- Activate it in PowerShell with .venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1.
In Command Prompt, use .venv\Scripts\activate.bat.
After activation, install packages normally with python -m pip install <package-name>.
Run a Python script
Use the interpreter explicitly: py script-name.py.
Typing only the filename, as in script-name.py, can cause Windows to open the script in a new window instead of running it in the current terminal.
Uninstall Python
Removing the install manager does not remove the Python runtimes it installed. To remove all runtimes managed by it, run py uninstall –purge.
Then remove the manager from Start > Installed apps. Removing the manager removes its global python and py commands, but it does not delete runtimes unless you run the purge command first.
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What changed from older Python installation guides?
| Older advice | Current Windows 11 guidance |
|---|---|
| “Windows already includes Python.” | Windows has no system-supported Python installation. |
| “You must select Add Python to PATH.” | PATH is optional when using py; it is mainly useful for aliases and package commands. |
| “py always means the old launcher.” | The current install manager uses py; the legacy launcher is deprecated. |
| “Installing the manager installs every Python version.” | Install each required runtime explicitly, such as py install 3.14. |
| “pip is always a standalone command.” | Use python -m pip to target the intended interpreter. |
| “py.ini controls the new manager.” | The new install manager does not support the old py.ini settings. |
FAQ
Does Windows 11 come with Python?
No. Windows 11 does not include a system-supported Python installation. Install the Python install manager, then install a runtime such as Python 3.14.
Which is the easiest way to install Python on Windows 11?
Install Python Install Manager from the Microsoft Store, open a new terminal, and run py install 3.14.
Why does Python open the Microsoft Store instead of starting?
Open Manage app execution aliases from Start and enable Python (default). If it is already enabled, disable and re-enable it, then test from a new terminal.
Is adding Python to PATH required?
No. It is optional if you use py. PATH is useful for direct version aliases and global package-command shortcuts.
How do I install a second Python version?
Run a command with the required tag, such as py install 3.13. Use py list to view installed runtimes.
Why does pip not work after installation?
Use python -m pip instead of pip. If a package command is unavailable, activate the project’s .venv or run py install –refresh.
The Bottom Line
For most Windows 11 users, install Python Install Manager from the Microsoft Store, open a new terminal, and run py install 3.14. Confirm the result with python –version and py list. Use a virtual environment for each project and prefer python -m pip when installing packages.
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