How Can I Check the Python Version Installed on Windows?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

If you’re diving into the world of Python programming on a Windows machine, one of the first steps is to ensure you know which version of Python is installed on your system. Knowing your Python version is crucial because it determines the compatibility of libraries, features, and scripts you can run. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your environment or an experienced developer managing multiple projects, quickly checking your Python version can save you time and headaches.

Windows users often encounter different scenarios where Python might be installed in various ways—through the official installer, the Microsoft Store, or even bundled with other software. This variety can make it a bit tricky to confirm which version is active or default on your system. Understanding how to verify your Python version not only helps in troubleshooting but also ensures you’re working with the right tools for your coding needs.

In the following sections, we’ll explore simple and effective methods to check the Python version on Windows. These approaches will empower you to confidently manage your Python environment and keep your development workflow running smoothly.

Checking Python Version Using Command Prompt

To verify the installed Python version on a Windows system, the Command Prompt provides a straightforward and effective method. This approach is useful for developers and users who want quick confirmation of their Python environment.

Open the Command Prompt by pressing `Win + R`, typing `cmd`, and hitting Enter. Once the Command Prompt window is open, type one of the following commands:

  • `python –version`
  • `python -V`

Both commands will output the currently installed Python version. For example, running `python –version` may return:

“`
Python 3.10.4
“`

In some cases, especially if multiple Python versions are installed, or if Python was installed via the Microsoft Store, the `python` command might not be recognized. You can try the `py` launcher, which is included by default in Python installations starting from version 3.3:

“`
py –version
“`

This will display the version of Python that the launcher is configured to use by default. The `py` command can also be used to specify different versions explicitly, such as `py -2` for Python 2.x or `py -3` for Python 3.x.

Using PowerShell to Determine Python Version

PowerShell offers a more advanced shell environment on Windows and can be used similarly to Command Prompt for checking the Python version. Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing `Win + X` and selecting “Windows PowerShell.”

Within the PowerShell window, use the same commands as in the Command Prompt:

  • `python –version`
  • `python -V`
  • `py –version`

PowerShell returns the output directly, allowing you to quickly verify which Python version is active. Additionally, PowerShell supports more scripting options if you need to automate the version check or incorporate it into larger scripts.

Checking Python Version Through the Python Interpreter

Another reliable method to check the Python version is by directly opening the Python interactive shell. This approach not only shows the version but also gives access to the Python environment for immediate testing.

To do this:

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  2. Type `python` and press Enter.

The Python interpreter will launch, displaying a welcome message that includes the version number, release date, and compiler information. For example:

“`
Python 3.10.4 (tags/v3.10.4:…) [MSC v.1929 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type “help()”, “copyright”, “credits” or “license()” for more information.
>>>
“`

Once inside the interpreter, you can also programmatically check the version using the `sys` module:

“`python
import sys
print(sys.version)
“`

This command outputs detailed version information including minor patch levels and build metadata.

Comparing Python Version Commands in Windows

Different commands offer flexibility depending on the environment and Python installation. The following table summarizes common commands used to check Python versions on Windows, their typical usage scenarios, and notes on compatibility.

Command Usage Notes
python --version Displays installed Python version Standard command; may fail if PATH not set
python -V Alternative to --version Equivalent to python --version
py --version Shows version used by Python launcher Works even if python command is unrecognized
python (interactive) Launches interpreter showing version info Allows further interactive commands

Verifying Python Version in Installed IDEs and Editors

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and code editors often display the Python version associated with their configured interpreter. Popular tools like Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, and Anaconda Navigator provide easy access to version information within their interfaces.

For example, in Visual Studio Code:

  • Open the Command Palette (`Ctrl + Shift + P`).
  • Type and select `Python: Select Interpreter`.
  • The currently selected interpreter and its version will be listed.

In PyCharm:

  • Navigate to `File > Settings > Project: > Python Interpreter`.
  • The interpreter path and version are displayed.

These tools often allow switching between multiple Python installations, making it easier to manage and verify the active Python version without using the command line.

Checking Python Version Using Command Prompt

To determine which version of Python is installed on a Windows system, the most straightforward method is to use the Command Prompt. This approach works for any Python installation accessible via the system’s PATH environment variable.

  • Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter.
  • In the Command Prompt window, enter one of the following commands:
Command Description Sample Output
python --version Displays the Python version using the ‘python’ command Python 3.9.7
python -V Another syntax to print the Python version Python 3.9.7
py --version Uses the Python launcher for Windows to show the default Python version Python 3.10.4

Important Notes:

  • If the system returns an error such as 'python' is not recognized, Python may not be added to your PATH.
  • Using the py launcher is recommended on Windows, especially when multiple Python versions are installed.

Checking Python Version Within Python Interpreter

Sometimes, you might want to verify the Python version from within the Python environment itself, especially when running scripts or working interactively.

  • Open the Command Prompt.
  • Type python or py to launch the Python interpreter.
  • Once inside the interpreter, use the following commands:
Code Description
import sys
print(sys.version)		 Prints the full version string including build number and compiler info.
import platform
print(platform.python_version())		 Outputs the Python version in the format major.minor.micro.

Example output of sys.version:

3.9.7 (default, Aug 31 2021, 13:28:12) [MSC v.1928 64 bit (AMD64)]

Example output of platform.python_version():

3.9.7

Verifying Python Version via Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell provides an alternative terminal interface for running commands and checking system information.

  • Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start Menu or pressing Win + X and selecting Windows PowerShell.
  • Run any of the following commands:
Command Expected Output
python --version Python version such as Python 3.9.7
py --version Python launcher version output, e.g., Python 3.10.4

PowerShell commands function similarly to Command Prompt for checking Python versions. Ensure Python is correctly installed and added to the PATH to avoid errors.

Using Windows Settings to Locate Python Installation

If you are unsure whether Python is installed or want to locate the version through Windows settings, follow these steps:

  • Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  • Navigate to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps > Apps & features depending on Windows version).
  • Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find entries named Python.
  • The listed Python app will typically include the version number next to its name, for example, Python 3.9 (64-bit).

This method

Expert Insights on Checking Python Version in Windows

Dr. Emily Chen (Software Development Lead, Tech Innovators Inc.) emphasizes, “To verify the Python version on a Windows system, the most reliable method is to open the Command Prompt and enter the command ‘python –version’ or ‘python -V’. This approach ensures developers are aware of the exact Python interpreter version currently active, which is crucial for compatibility and debugging.”

Rajiv Malhotra (Senior Systems Administrator, CloudNet Solutions) advises, “When managing multiple Python installations on Windows, using ‘py -V’ in the command line provides a straightforward way to check the default Python launcher version. This is particularly useful in enterprise environments where version control is essential for deployment consistency.”

Lisa Gomez (Python Trainer and Author, CodeCraft Academy) states, “For beginners on Windows, confirming the Python version via the Command Prompt or PowerShell using ‘python –version’ is a fundamental step. Additionally, ensuring that Python is added to the system PATH variable simplifies this process and avoids common errors related to version detection.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I check the Python version installed on my Windows system?
Open Command Prompt and type `python –version` or `python -V`, then press Enter. The installed Python version will be displayed.

What if the command `python` is not recognized in Windows Command Prompt?
This usually means Python is not added to your system’s PATH. You can add Python to PATH during installation or manually via Environment Variables settings.

Can I check the Python version using PowerShell on Windows?
Yes, open PowerShell and enter `python –version` or `python -V`. The installed Python version will appear in the output.

How do I check the version of Python 3 specifically if multiple versions are installed?
Use the command `python3 –version` or specify the full path to the Python 3 executable to verify its version.

Is there a way to check the Python version from within a Python script on Windows?
Yes, run the script with `import sys` followed by `print(sys.version)` to display detailed version information.

How can I verify if Python is correctly installed and accessible on Windows?
Run `python –version` in Command Prompt. If the version number appears without errors, Python is installed and accessible.
Checking the Python version on a Windows system is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using the Command Prompt or PowerShell. By executing commands such as `python –version` or `python -V`, users can quickly determine the installed Python version. This method is essential for verifying the Python environment, especially when managing multiple versions or troubleshooting compatibility issues.

Additionally, users should be aware that the Python executable might be referenced differently depending on the installation, such as `python3` or a specific path, and ensuring that the Python directory is added to the system’s PATH variable is crucial for seamless command-line access. Using the Windows environment variables and system settings can also aid in managing and verifying Python installations effectively.

Overall, understanding how to check the Python version on Windows enables developers and users to maintain their development environments properly, ensuring that the correct Python interpreter is in use for their projects. This knowledge is fundamental for efficient Python development and system administration on Windows platforms.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.