Try setting the path this way:

 $env:path="$env:Path;C:\Python27"
Answer from Mike Shepard on Stack Overflow
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/learnpython › how to add python to path and how to use it in commandline/powershell?
r/learnpython on Reddit: How to add python to path and how to use it in commandline/powershell?
October 25, 2025 -

So the answer I've been getting is add python to environment variables which I have done

But I still get the error when running from user/downloads

python -c "from pdf2docx import Converter"

The system cannot execute the specified program.

p.s why are we banning images makes things so much more complicated?

Top answer
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Reinstall Python from https://python.org . During the first step in setup, there'll be an option to add Python to PATH. Select it
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Images are banned so you post code blocks instead of screenshots/picture of your code, I'm assuming. It's much easier to diagnose and troubleshoot from a code block than a picture.
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More results from reddit.com
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Python
docs.python.org › 3 › using › windows.html
4. Using Python on Windows — Python 3.15.2 documentation
To install the file downloaded from python.org, either double-click and select “Install”, or run Add-AppxPackage <path to MSIX> in Windows PowerShell.
Discussions
I'm trying to use Python in PowerShell - Stack Overflow
Click OK. Test this change by restarting your Windows PowerShell. Type ... Now Python version 2 runs! Yay! ... This works! Added these to the path: C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3 and C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\Scripts 2018-06-20T19:48:45.897Z+00:00 More on stackoverflow.com
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Setting path for Python in PowerShell? - Stack Overflow
I have two Python versions on my machine (Windows Vista), 2.6 (located in C/Program files) and 2.7 (located in C/). 1- I open PowerShell 2- I type python, and it calls python 2.6.1. 3- I want to change the path for Python 2.7, so I type: [Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", ... More on stackoverflow.com
🌐 stackoverflow.com
Adding Python to PATH on Windows - Stack Overflow
Make sure you don't have a folder in your PATH that doesn't exist. In my case, I had a bunch of default folders (Windows, Powershell, Sql Server, etc) and then a custom C:\bin that I typically use, and then various other tweaks like c:\python17, etc. More on stackoverflow.com
🌐 stackoverflow.com
Powershell cant run Python
All you have to do is add your python path to the environment variables and it should work fine. When you install python it should ask if you want to add python to environment variables/path and it should work. More on reddit.com
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Medium
medium.com › @ddasdocs › managing-python-in-system-path-using-powershell-b6a62b9ae76b
Managing Python in System PATH Using PowerShell | by dwdas | Medium
September 21, 2023 - # Retrieve the prevailing system-wide PATH $currentPath = [System.Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable(“Path”, “Machine”) # Incorporate your Python path to the current PATH $newPath = $currentPath + “;C:\ProgramData\anaconda3” # Commit ...
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Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › windows › dev-environment › python
Python on Windows for beginners | Microsoft Learn
September 14, 2026 - To set this variable from the Command Prompt, use: set PYTHONPATH=list;of;paths. To set this variable from PowerShell, use: $env:PYTHONPATH='list;of;paths' just before you launch Python.
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Stack Overflow
stackoverflow.com › questions › 11813435 › im-trying-to-use-python-in-powershell
I'm trying to use Python in PowerShell - Stack Overflow
Top answer
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103

Try setting the path this way:

 $env:path="$env:Path;C:\Python27"
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For what's worth, this command did it for me (Python 3.3):

[System.Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("PATH", $Env:Path + ";C:\Python33", "Machine")

I just had to restart the PowerShell window after that.

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Liquid Web
liquidweb.com › home › help docs › server administration › windows server administration › adding python path to windows 10 or 11 path environment variable
Adding Python Path to Windows 10 or 11 PATH Environment Variable | Liquid Web
December 15, 2025 - Type in the full installation path to your Python installation with Scripts added to the end of it. In our example, we are using: C:UsersAdministratorAppDataLocalProgramsPythonPython313Scripts · Check the path again using the method listed above to verify the installation. PATH order determines which executable file you access first after entering a command. How it works: When you run a command in Command Prompt/ PowerShell, Windows scans through the directories listed in PATH – from top to bottom attempting to find a matching executable, running the first one that matters.
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Super User
superuser.com › questions › 143119 › how-do-i-add-python-to-the-windows-path
How do I add Python to the Windows PATH? - Super User
Top answer
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For Windows 10/8/7:

  1. Open System Properties (Right click Computer in the start menu, or use the keyboard shortcut Win+Pause)
  2. Click Advanced system settings in the sidebar.
  3. Click Environment Variables...
  4. Select PATH in the System variables section
  5. Click Edit

  6. Add Python's path to the end of the list (the paths are separated by semicolons). For example:

    C:\Windows;C:\Windows\System32;C:\Python27

For Windows XP:

  1. Open System Properties (Type it in the start menu, or use the keyboard shortcut Win+Pause)
  2. Switch to the Advanced tab
  3. Click Environment Variables...
  4. Select PATH in the System variables section
  5. Click Edit

  6. Add Python's path to the end of the list (the paths are separated by semicolons). For example:

    C:\Windows;C:\Windows\System32;C:\Python27

  7. Test on a new terminal window or if using an integrated terminal within a text editor, close and restart your editor or the changes won't be applied.

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For anyone trying to achieve this with Python 3.3+, the Windows installer now includes an option to add python.exe to the system search path. Read more in the docs.

Find elsewhere
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Geek University
geek-university.com › home › topic index › add python to the windows path
Add Python to the Windows PATH · Geek University
where python is the key Command Prompt diagnostic; Get-Command python is the PowerShell equivalent. python -m pip keeps package operations associated with the selected interpreter. The Python Launcher, accessed with py, is useful for selecting among installed versions and does not replace PATH configuration. For related setup guidance, continue with Python command-line configuration on Windows.
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Blogger
chrisspearswebdev.blogspot.com › 2014 › 08 › setting-pythonpath-with-powershell.html
Chris Spears Dev: Setting the PYTHONPATH with Powershell
Powershell is the Windows hacker's best friend until it isn't. Actually, I really do enjoy the power you get from Powershell. However, figuring out how to set my python path in the shell was a frustrating experience that I hope to spare other users from.
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Stack Overflow
stackoverflow.com › questions › 28416182 › setting-path-for-python-in-powershell
Setting path for Python in PowerShell? - Stack Overflow
Top answer
1 of 2
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You have to set the path in the Environment Variables settings so it would be kept after closing shell and/or reboot.

Computer (right-click) > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Environment Variables

You can create a new user variable called Path, or append to the system one (so it'd affect all users).

Add your Python27 directory there in the Path system variable (with a ; as a separator). You can swap them (C:\Python26;C:\Python27 and C:\Python27;C:\Python26) to change the default one.

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3

Python 2.6.1 is already in your path as demonstrated by item number 2 in your list. On number 3, you're adding Python 2.7 to your path after Python 2.6.1's entry. You need to remove Python 2.6.1 from your environment variable, or at a minimum, set it so that 2.7 is listed first.

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Data to Fish
datatofish.com › add-python-to-windows-path
How to Add Python to Windows PATH
... Click on New... if no Path variable is present, Otherwise select the Path variable and then click on Edit… instead. You should then see the New User Variable box. Type Path in the Variable name field. For the Variable value you will need to know the path to the Python ...
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PhoenixNAP
phoenixnap.com › home › kb › sysadmin › how to add python to path on windows, linux, and mac
How to Add Python to PATH on Windows, Linux, and Mac
December 12, 2025 - The Edit environment variable window contains a list of directories previously added to PATH. To add the Python entry: 1. Select the New button in the upper-right corner. A new blank entry appears in the list. 2. Paste the address from Step 1 into the entry and press Enter. 3. Move the address to the top of the list by pressing the Move Up button. ... 5. Ensure the PATH variable now contains the Python directory by using the echo command in PowerShell...
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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How To Add Python to PATH in Windows - YouTube
The tutorial explains how to add Python to the Windows PATH in two different ways, allowing users to run Python scripts and access Python packages directly f...
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Stack Overflow
stackoverflow.com › questions › 6318156 › adding-python-to-path-on-windows
Adding Python to PATH on Windows - Stack Overflow
Top answer
1 of 16
289
  1. Hold Win and press Pause.
  2. Click Advanced System Settings.
  3. Click Environment Variables.
  4. Append ;C:\python27 to the Path variable.
  5. Restart Command Prompt.
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When setting Environmental Variables in Windows, I have gone wrong on many, many occasions. I thought I should share a few of my past mistakes here hoping that it might help someone. (These apply to all Environmental Variables, not just when setting Python Path)

Watch out for these possible mistakes:

  1. Kill and reopen your shell window: Once you make a change to the ENVIRONMENTAL Variables, you have to restart the window you are testing it on.
  2. NO SPACES when setting the Variables. Make sure that you are adding the ;C:\Python27 WITHOUT any spaces. (It is common to try C:\SomeOther; C:\Python27 That space (␣) after the semicolon is not okay.)
  3. USE A BACKWARD SLASH when spelling out your full path. You will see forward slashes when you try echo $PATH but only backward slashes have worked for me.
  4. DO NOT ADD a final backslash. Only C:\Python27 NOT C:\Python27\
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Geek University
geek-university.com › home › python online course › add python to path on windows
Add Python to PATH on Windows · Geek University
The correct PATH entry is the folder containing python.exe, such as C:\Python34; do not add the executable filename itself. Installation locations vary according to the Python version, installer choices, Windows account, and whether Python was installed for one user or for all users.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/learnpython › powershell cant run python
r/learnpython on Reddit: Powershell cant run Python
November 12, 2018 -

I am really new at all this so forgive me if I sound dumb or ignorant.I am just beginning to learn Python.Initially,I was going through Microsofts Introduction to Python on edX and I went through Module 1 but I didnt understand how to access the web coding assignment at the end.I still went through all the exercises and the MCQ's and I was doing pretty good at them so I didnt want to give up so I decided to find another way to learn. I got the pdf of Learn Python the Hard Way and decided to follow that instead.

I have already installed Atom and Python 3.6.7 and clicked add file path.But when I tried to type python in Powershell nothing comes up and I cant run anything.Its driving me crazy and I spent like an hour trying to get it to run but nothing.How can I get it to run?

Anyway,can I just follow the steps in Learn Python the Hard Way using Jupyter Notebooks instead?I went through exercise 1 in LPTHW in Jupyter and it seemed fine but in the book the author says if I cant set up then I shouldnt even continue and its stressing me out.

Again,I am really new to all of this,I am like a super beginner in Python.If anyone can help,I would be eternally so grateful to the stars and beyond.

Thanks!

EDIT:Thanks for the help everyone.I tried to set a new file path but even then I couldnt get anything in Powershell.I decided to use IDLE instead for now.Maybe over the weekend I may try to figure out whats wrong again.

Top answer
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All you have to do is add your python path to the environment variables and it should work fine. When you install python it should ask if you want to add python to environment variables/path and it should work.
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You might start off using idle, since it can let you skip all this nonsense. Otherwise you'll need to mess with your windows environment variables to add python to the path: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/3701646/how-to-add-to-the-pythonpath-in-windows Windows is sort of a pain with these things, which is why I recommend starting with Idle until you get the hang of it.
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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How to Add Python to PATH on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide) - YouTube
02:44
Learn how to manually add Python to the PATH on Windows. This lets you run Python and pip from the command prompt. Step-by-step instructions show how to loca...
Published: March 18, 2026
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Super User
superuser.com › questions › 1806438 › add-python-exe-to-the-path-on-windows
python3 - Add python.exe to the path on Windows - Super User
August 30, 2023 - no, PATH is your local variable so no need to change the system PATH. Just update it in the powershell profile $env:PATH = "path\to\python3;$($env:PATH)", or set the variable manually in cmd set "PATH=path\to\python3;%PATH%
🌐
Spiceworks
community.spiceworks.com › programming & development
Powershell script to install python and add environment variable and run python commands - Programming & Development - Spiceworks Community
Top answer
1 of 5
5

Hello Experts,

I am trying to automate installation of python and add environment variables and run some python commands.
I was able to install python from script and was able to add environment variables, but issue is we need to close and reopen the script to run python commands. is there any other way?

2 of 5
0

Do you mean that you must close and re-open Powershell before it will recognize Python commands?

🌐
Stack Overflow
stackoverflow.com › questions › 3701646 › how-to-add-to-the-pythonpath-in-windows-so-it-finds-my-modules-packages
python - How to add to the PYTHONPATH in Windows, so it finds my modules/packages? - Stack Overflow
Top answer
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492

You know what has worked for me really well on windows.

My Computer > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Environment Variables >

Just add the path as C:\Python27 (or wherever you installed python)

OR

Then under system variables I create a new Variable called PythonPath. In this variable I have C:\Python27\Lib;C:\Python27\DLLs;C:\Python27\Lib\lib-tk;C:\other-folders-on-the-path

This is the best way that has worked for me which I hadn't found in any of the docs offered.

EDIT: For those who are not able to get it, Please add

C:\Python27;

along with it. Else it will never work.

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Windows 7 Professional I Modified @mongoose_za's answer to make it easier to change the python version:

  1. [Right Click]Computer > Properties >Advanced System Settings > Environment Variables
  2. Click [New] under "System Variable"
  3. Variable Name: PY_HOME, Variable Value:C:\path\to\python\version
  4. Click [OK]
  5. Locate the "Path" System variable and click [Edit]

  6. Add the following to the existing variable:

    %PY_HOME%;%PY_HOME%\Lib;%PY_HOME%\DLLs;%PY_HOME%\Lib\lib-tk;

  7. Click [OK] to close all of the windows.

As a final sanity check open a command prompt and enter python. You should see 

>python [whatever version you are using]

If you need to switch between versions, you only need to modify the PY_HOME variable to point to the proper directory. This is bit easier to manage if you need multiple python versions installed.