Python Installation Guide

Installing Python

Step-by-step instructions for installing Python 3.14 on Mac and Windows.

Python is a programming language we will use throughout the workshop. This guide walks you through installing the latest version (3.14) on your computer.

Estimated time: 5–10 minutes

Mac

Step 1: Download Python

  1. Go to python.org/downloads
  2. Click the Download Python 3.14.x button — it will automatically show the latest version
  3. The file (python-3.14.x-macos11.pkg) will appear in your Downloads folder when it’s finished

Step 2: Run the installer

  1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the .pkg file you just downloaded
  2. A window will open — click Continue on each screen, then click Install
  3. You may be asked to enter your Mac password to allow the installation — this is normal
  4. When you see “The installation was successful”, click Close

Step 3: Verify the installation

  1. Open Terminal — press Command + Space to open Spotlight, type Terminal, and press Enter
  2. Type the following and press Enter: 
    python3 --version
  3. You should see something like Python 3.14.x printed — this confirms Python is installed correctly

Windows

Step 1: Download Python

  1. Go to python.org/downloads
  2. Click the Download Python 3.14.x button
  3. The file (python-3.14.x-amd64.exe) will appear in your Downloads folder when it’s finished

Step 2: Run the installer

  1. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the .exe file you just downloaded

  2. Important: Before clicking anything else, check the box at the bottom that says “Add python.exe to PATH” — this step is easy to miss and required for Python to work correctly

    Check "Add python.exe to PATH" at the bottom of the installer

  3. Click Install Now and wait for the installation to complete

  4. When you see “Setup was successful”, click Close

Step 3: Verify the installation

  1. Press the Start button and search for Command Prompt, then open it
  2. Type the following and press Enter: 
    python --version
  3. You should see something like Python 3.14.x printed — this confirms Python is installed correctly

If you see an error instead: The PATH option may not have been checked during installation. Re-run the installer, click Modify, and make sure “Add Python to environment variables” is checked.