Instructions for adding Python to your PATH on Windows

Adding_Python_to_PATH_on_Windows.md

How do I set or change the PATH system variable?

The PATH is the system variable that your operating system uses to locate needed executables from the command line window.

The PATH system variable can be set using System Utility in control panel on Windows.

Setting Path on Windows

1. Drag the Mouse pointer to the Right bottom corner of the screen where the Windows icon is and click on it if necessary.
2. In the Search box type: Control Panel
3. Click on -> Control Panel -> System -> Advanced
4. Click on Environment Variables button
5. (a new window should open)
6. under System Variables, find PATH, and click on it.
7. (the PATH field should become editable)
8. Insert your cursor into the PATH field, and using the arrow keys, navigate to the end of the PATH
9. type a ; at the end of the PATH
10. then, type or paste in the file path of where your Python 3 is installed on your computer. e.g. C:\Program Files\Python 3.x or C:\Program Files(x86)\Python 3.x (note the x will need to match your version of Python)
11. next, type another ; at the end of the PATH
12. then, type or paste in the file path of the Python 3 Scripts directory. e.g. C:\Program Files\Python 3.x\Scripts or C:\Program Files(x86)\Python 3.x\Scripts (note the x will need to match your version of Python)
13. click the 'Apply' and 'OK' buttons to save your change.
14. close the Environment Variables window and the Control Panel window.
15. if you have any Command prompt windows open, close them.
16. Then re-open a command prompt window
17. (this new command prompt window should have that changes to the PATH)
18. verify this change by typing the following command: echo %PATH%
19. it should print out your path. It should now contain the Python 3 file pathes.