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Install Python3

4 min read

Windows

Prerequisites

Check if winget is installed

Make sure you have winget installed first. To do this, issue the following command:

winget --version

This should output: vx.x.xxxxx If not, please install winget

Install via winget

Run the following command via Windows Command Prompt to install Python:

winget install --id Python.Python.3.12

Linux

Prerequisites

Step 1: Update package repository

NOTE

Always start with this step to prevent version conflicts.

Open terminal with shortcut key Ctrl + Alt + T

sudo apt update

Step 2: Upgrade Existing Packages

NOTE

This step prevents compatibility issues by updating all installed software.

Updates are installed packages to their latest versions.

sudo apt upgrade

Step 3: Install Python 3

This commands Installs the default Python 3 version for your.

sudo apt install python3

MacOS

Prerequisites

  • A Running MacOS Laptop.
  • Access to Macbook Administrative Privileges or Password.
  • HomeBrew installed

Step 1: Open the Terminal.app

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Confirm Pre-Installed Python Version

Run the following command to check the installed Python 3 version:

python3 --version

Popup Appears: The xcode-select command requires the command line developer tools. Would you like to install the tools now?

When installing Homebrew(or sometimes Python directly), you might encounter a popup prompting you to install Command Line Developer Tools. These tools are required for many macOS development tasks, including Python installation.

Solution: When you see a popup asking you to install “Command Line Developer Tools” > Click on Install and wait for some time to Download the software. Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting Command Line Developer Tools Installation Fails Error

Manually install the tools by running

xcode-select --install

Step 3: Preview Output

  • If you see something like Python 3.x.x (Like in the below Image it shows Python 3.9.6), this means Python 3 is already installed. Now, we will Ensure the version matches the latest installed version (e.g., Python 3.13.x) after following further steps mentioned below in this guide.
  • If the command returns an error or no version is shown, Python 3 is not installed.

Troubleshooting:

  • Command Not Found: If python3 doesn’t work, Python 3 is not installed. Continue with the installation.
  • Outdated Version: If an old version of Python 3 is installed, upgrade it using Homebrew (see Step 3).

Step 4: Open terminal (if not already opened)

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 5: Run the following command

This command will download and install Python 3 latest version along with pip, the Python package manager.

brew install python

Wait for the process to complete. You may see progress indicators as Homebrew downloads and installs dependencies.

Step 6: Verify the Python installation

python3.13 --version

If installed correctly, you’ll see the version number (e.g., Python 3.13.1).

Step 7: Verify pip installation

pip3 --version

If pip3 is installed, it will display its version.

Common Issues and Fixes when Installing Python on MacOS

Below are the most common Issues that arises when installing Python in your Mac, all these errors and issues looks difficult but they are very easy to fix in some quick steps:

Error: Command Not Found

Now run the following command, in order to fix any issue related to Homebrew not running in your terminal.

brew doctor

Now after pressing the enter, it will show issues, If issues are reported, follow the suggested fixes.

Error: Incomplete Installation

Reinstall Python by copy and paste the following command in the terminal.

brew reinstall python

Test Your Python Installation on Macbook

Testing ensures that Python is set up correctly and ready for use.

Step 1: open terminal (if not already opened)

Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Launch Python

python3

You’ll see a >>> prompt, indicating Python is ready.

Step 4: Run a test script

print("Hello, Python!")

If you see Hello, Python!, Python is working correctly.

Step 4: Exit Python

exit()

Adding Python to PATH (If Python Not Running)

If Python3 command doesn’t work after installation, you might need to add Python to your system PATH.

How to Add Python to PATH on Mac

Step 1: Open Terminal

Use the shortcut key Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Edit the Shell Configuration File

For macOS Catalina or later (default shell is Zsh):

nano ~/.zshrc

For older macOS versions (default shell is Bash):

nano ~/.bash_profile

Step 3: Add the Line in the File

Add the following line at the end of the file:

export PATH="/usr/local/opt/python/libexec/bin:$PATH"

Step 4: Save the changes:

Press Ctrl + O, then Enter, followed by Ctrl + X.

Step 5: Reload the Configuration

Now use the below command to reload the configuration to add Python to PATH on Mac

source ~/.zshrc

How to Verify PATH Changes on Mac

Now verify the above steps tp preview the PATH Changes on Mac for Python Intsllation, If the version appears, Python 3 is successfully added to PATH.

Run the following Command

python3 --version

Graph View