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.

Answer from darren on Stack Overflow
🌐
Python
docs.python.org › 3 › using › windows.html
4. Using Python on Windows — Python 3.15.2 documentation
The --download=<PATH> option will download the packages for the listed tags and create a directory containing them and an index.json file suitable for later installation.
🌐
GeeksforGeeks
geeksforgeeks.org › python › how-to-add-python-to-windows-path
How to add Python to Windows PATH? - GeeksforGeeks
July 12, 2025 - If no results appear then Python is not installed on your machine, download it before proceeding further. Click on open file location and you will be in a location where Python is installed, Copy the location path from the top by clicking over it.
Discussions

python - How to add to the PYTHONPATH in Windows, so it finds my modules/packages? - Stack Overflow
I have a directory which hosts all of my Django apps (C:\My_Projects). I want to add this directory to my PYTHONPATH so I can call the apps directly. I tried adding C:\My_Projects\; to my Windows Path variable from the Windows GUI (My Computer > Properties > Advanced System Settings > Environment ... More on stackoverflow.com
🌐 stackoverflow.com
Python Installation
Hello, I recently got python downloaded in my system. able to open all terminals, Idle windows able to access Pycharm. but really not sure where is the exact location of Python installed when i try to check from Command prompt. I wanted to add Environmental Variables. Please help. More on discuss.python.org
🌐 discuss.python.org
5
0
December 7, 2023
Python and the PATH variable in Windows 10
If you type python and the store opens, Turn off the python alias in the Alias List in settings ( https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/102096-manage-app-execution-aliases-windows-10-a.html ) More on reddit.com
🌐 r/Python
16
33
August 20, 2021
How can I find where Python is installed on Windows? - Stack Overflow
I want to find out my Python installation path on Windows. For example: C:\Python25 How can I find where Python is installed? More on stackoverflow.com
🌐 stackoverflow.com
🌐
Data to Fish
datatofish.com › add-python-to-windows-path
How to Add Python to Windows PATH
You can easily add Python to Windows PATH by downloading a recent version of Python and then checking the Add python.exe to PATH box at the bottom of the setup screen:
🌐
Real Python
realpython.com › add-python-to-path
How to Add Python to PATH – Real Python
July 23, 2026 - Test your knowledge of the PATH variable and learn how to add Python on Windows, Linux, and macOS for easy terminal access. Supplemental Code: Click here to download free supplemental code that’ll walk you through changing PATH across operating systems.
🌐
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 - If you’re new to RDP, you can review our guide on logging into your Windows Server for detailed instructions. Download and Run the Python Installer by navigating to the official Python.org website to download the latest installation package.
🌐
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › windows › dev-environment › python
Python on Windows for beginners | Microsoft Learn
September 14, 2026 - Install Python: Install Python from the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store version automatically configures your PATH and provides automatic updates. Once installed, open PowerShell and run python --version to verify.
Find elsewhere
🌐
Python.org
discuss.python.org › python help
Python Installation - Python Help - Discussions on Python.org
December 7, 2023 - Hello, I recently got python downloaded in my system. able to open all terminals, Idle windows able to access Pycharm. but really not sure where is the exact location of Python installed when i try to check from Command…
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/python › python and the path variable in windows 10
r/Python on Reddit: Python and the PATH variable in Windows 10
August 20, 2021 -

Do you remember checking the box in the image shown below to add your Python installation to PATH in Windows 10?

Adding Python to PATH

Well, I was curious! What if someone accidentally forgot to check that little radio button? What would be the possible recovery steps?

So I spent my evening yesterday uninstalling Python and re-installing to figure out a way to add Python to the PATH post-installation.

If you forget to add Python to the PATH variable, you won't be able to run Python in your command line.

You will get a message saying,

‘python' is not recognized as an internal or external command.

Here are the steps I used to add Python to the PATH variable in Windows 10.

  1. Copy the directory to which Python is being installed.

  2. Search for System Properties in the Search Bar.

  3. Click on the "Environment Variables" button in System Properties.

  4. Click on the "Path" variable and then click on "Edit".

  5. Now here's the deal. Paste the directory path from Step 1 at the top of the list. You can use the "Move up" button to get it to the top. Now click on "Ok".

I found out that if you paste the path at the end, it still doesn't work. Can someone tell me why?

Anyways, if the steps are not clear to anyone, here is a visual guide containing images of every step, on my blog for achieving the above objective. If you are interested, do take a look.

🌐
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How to Download & Install Python 3 on Windows 11 + PATH Setup - YouTube
In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to download and install Python on Windows 11 correctly. Whether you’re a beginner starting your programming j...
Published: March 2, 2026
🌐
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...
Published: September 28, 2024
🌐
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
How to Find Python Installation Path in Windows 10/11 (2023) - YouTube
In this video I'll show you how to find python installation path in windows 10 or windows 11. Python installation path by default is C:\Users\USERNAME\AppDat...
Published: November 20, 2023
🌐
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 - By default, Python is in the Python[version-number] directory located at: ... Note: AppData is a hidden directory. To access it, enable the Show Hidden Files option in File Explorer. Follow the steps below to find and copy the directory address: ... The options to modify the contents of the PATH variable are in the Environment Variables section of Windows System Properties.
🌐
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.
🌐
GitHub
gist.github.com › bthaman › 64b20ef47b2364b16c2c6bc529b1d451
Python function that returns the download path for the current user in Windows or Linux (e.g., 'C:\Users\username\Downloads') · GitHub
Python function that returns the download path for the current user in Windows or Linux (e.g., 'C:\Users\username\Downloads') - download_path.py
🌐
AccuWeb Hosting
manage.accuwebhosting.com › portal home › knowledgebase › windows vps hosting › how to add python path to windows environment variables?
How to Add Python Path to Windows Environment Variables? - AccuWebHosting
March 28, 2025 - ... In the below screenshot, you ... commands to go the directory where Python is located and then run it. 1. Download Python from the official website as per your 64-bit or 32-bit system architecture....
🌐
MakeUseOf
makeuseof.com › home › programming › how to add python to the windows path variable
How to Add Python to the Windows PATH variable
October 13, 2020 - Adding to the PATH is powerful, ... as well. First off, if you've not installed Python on your machine, go to the python.org website to download and install ......
🌐
PhoenixNAP
phoenixnap.com › home › kb › devops and development › how to install python on windows
How To Install Python on Windows | phoenixNAP KB
March 20, 2025 - Note: Windows now includes winget by default, allowing users to install Python without manually downloading the .exe file. Use the following command: winget install Python.Python If you choose this option, skip to Step 4. Run the executable installer to configure important settings, such as adding Python to the system PATH and choosing installation options.