Note that this site is in currently in version 1.0.0-alpha.   Some functionality may be limited.

How to install Python (and Anaconda) for windows

Anaconda is a distribution of Python. It provides a Python programming environment, the Jupyter notebook environment, and the conda package management system.

For the Digital Humanities Research Institute, we are choosing to use and download Anaconda as it allow us to get all the required software for this institute (python, conda, and the Jupyter notebook environment) in a single download. Anaconda also includes many useful packages for machine learning, and data analysis that will be helpful should you choose to go further in your Python journey!.

Step 1: Download Python 3.+:

We strongly recommend that you follow the screens below step by step. Paying particular attention to Step 3 in the installation process. Visit the Anaconda website on your internet browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, and scroll to the bottom of the page. Here, click on the 64-Bit Graphical Installer under the Windows Python 3.+ menu. Our screenshot below shows python 3.8, but any latest python 3.+ version will work with our instructions and the institute.

You can ignore this. Just close this screen and wait for your donwload to finish.

Screenshot: Anaconda download webpage with 3.8 button highlighted Screenshot: Anaconda thank you for downloading

Step 2: Run Anaconda Installer

After the download has completed, if it doesn’t open automatically, double-click on the installer file you just saved on your computer. Click Continue:

Accept the license by clicking I Agree:

Install Anaconda only for yourself by choosing the just for me radio button. Click Next:

Choose the location to install anaconda (the default is fine). Click Next:

Screenshot: initial installation setup image Screenshot: installation licence agreement Screenshot: radio menu, select the 1st "just me" option Screenshot: text box with path for default Anaconda install and browse button

Step 3: Run Anaconda Installer Part 2: BE CAREFUL WITH THIS OPTION!

This step is so that you will be able to run anaconda directly from your terminal. On the Advanced Installation Options page, select BOTH boxes: “Add Anaconda to my PATH environment variable” and “Register Anaconda as my default Python”. Then click Next:

The installation may take a while, so go grab a snack or check your email: When installation is completed, the window will list the location of the Anaconda installer. Click Next:

Click Install Microsoft VSCode. If it is already installed, click Skip:

This is the final window. You can uncheck all the boxes and click Finish:

Screenshot: advanced installation options window. Has two check boxes: Add anaconda to PATH environment variables, and Register Anaconda as my default Python Screenshot: Full progress bar and printed output listing location of Anaconda files Screenshot: menu option to also install vscode Screenshot: final installation window for anaconda, has two check boxes: learn more and learn how to get started

Step 4: Check if Anaconda and Python are successfully installed

Open a Windows terminal. You can open the terminal by pressing windows + R to open the Run box. Type cmd and then click OK to open the Command Prompt. Once it is open, type python and press enter on your keyboard. The terminal should print something like:

~$ python
Python 3.7.7 (default, May  6 2020, 04:59:01) 
[Clang 4.0.1 (tags/RELEASE_401/final)] :: Anaconda, Inc. on darwin
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

Type exit() to leave Python.

Step 5: Ensure Anaconda Is Up-to-Date

Now that Anaconda is installed, you need to ensure that Anaconda is updated to the newest version for this workshop. Go to our Insight section for Keeping your Anaconda installation up to date to learn more about how to keep your Anaconda installation up-to-date.