Python/Installing/Windows

Basic Questions

1. What is your architecture? x86 or x86_64? Right-click on "This PC" in any explorer, and you should see a line about system type. If you can't tell, stick with x86 since x86_64 can run it.
2. What version of Python are you aiming for? See Python/Which Version Should I Use. Or just accept the fact you will be using the latest version of Python 3.
3. What additional frameworks or modules or libraries do you need? IE, PySide/PyQt? Kivy? Pylons?

Once you can answer these questions, write them down so you don't forget or get confused.

Install Python

Go to https://www.python.org/download/. Click on the version you want to download. It is going to be something like "Python 3.4.0 Windows x86 MSI Installer" or "Python 3.4.0 Windows X86-64 MSI Installer".

When you run the file, it will ask you if you want to install for all users or "just for me". If you can, install it for all users.

Install it to the default directory: C:\Python34\ or whatever. **If you change the default, be sure to write it down so you don't get confused later.**

On the next screen, be sure to "Add Python to path".

You're done!

NOTE: As of Python 3.5, there should be a much better windows installer available.

Additional Modules and Frameworks

• Kivy: Multi-platform mobile development
• PySide: Desktop GUI apps using the Qt Framework.
• PyQy: Desktop GUI apps using the Qt Framework. (Supports Qt 5)

What you Should Have

• C:\Python34\ : Your python distribution.