How to Install Python on Windows 11
Install Python on Windows 11 Properly (Fix PATH, VS Code, Store Issues)
Installing Python and Visual Studio Code (VS Code) on Windows 11 looks simple on YouTube — but in reality, many beginners face PATH errors, Microsoft Store Python issues, WindowsApps confusion, and VS Code interpreter problems.
This guide is based on real-world beginner problems and will show you the correct, professional way to install Python and VS Code so you avoid hidden issues.
If you are a student, beginner, teacher, or content creator, this article will save you hours of frustration.
Why Most Python Installation Tutorials Fail
Most tutorials simply say:
"Install Python and install VS Code."
They completely ignore real Windows 11 problems like:
- Microsoft Store Python being installed automatically
- No "Add Python to PATH" option
- WindowsApps python.exe hijacking commands
- Multiple Python versions installed
- VS Code using the wrong Python interpreter
- Auto-selection timeout errors in VS Code
This guide fixes ALL of these issues.
Common Beginner Problems (Real Issues)
If you face any of these, this guide is for you:
- ❌ Python opens Microsoft Store
- ❌ "python is not recognized"
- ❌ No option to add Python to PATH
- ❌ VS Code runs wrong Python
- ❌ WindowsApps python.exe appears in
where python - ❌ VS Code shows auto-selection timeout
Step 1 — Remove All Old Python (Clean Start)
Before installing Python correctly, you must remove old and broken installations.
Uninstall Python
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps → Installed apps
- Uninstall ALL:
- Python
- Python Launcher
- Any Microsoft Store Python
Disable Windows Store Python Alias
Windows 11 automatically creates fake python commands.
- Settings
- Apps
- Advanced app settings
- App execution aliases
- Turn OFF:
- python.exe
- python3.exe
Step 2 — Download Python the CORRECT Way
You must ONLY download Python from the official website:
https://www.python.org
What NOT to Use
- ❌ Microsoft Store
- ❌ winget install python
- ❌ Chocolatey
- ❌ Silent CMD installers
What to Download
Download:
Windows installer (64-bit)
Choose a stable version like:
- Python 3.11.x (Recommended)
- Python 3.12.x
Step 3 — The MOST IMPORTANT Checkbox (PATH)
When the installer opens, you MUST check this:
☑ Add python.exe to PATH
If you skip this:
- VS Code may not find Python
- python command may fail
- PATH errors will happen
Step 4 — Verify Python Installation
Open Command Prompt and run:
where python python --version
You should see:
C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python311\python.exe Python 3.11.x
If you see WindowsApps, something is still wrong.
Step 5 — Install VS Code Correctly
Download VS Code ONLY from:
https://code.visualstudio.com
Install normally.
Install Python Extension
- Open VS Code
- Go to Extensions
- Search: Python
- Install Python (by Microsoft)
Step 6 — Fix Python Interpreter in VS Code
This is where many beginners fail.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + P
- Type: Python: Select Interpreter
- Select your real Python (NOT WindowsApps)
Choose something like:
Python 3.11.x (C:\Users\...\Python311\python.exe)
Step 7 — Professional Setup: Virtual Environment (venv)
Using a virtual environment is a professional best practice.
Create venv
python -m venv venv
Activate venv
venv\Scripts\activate
Now VS Code should use this environment for your project.
Real Errors & What They Mean
Autoselection timeout, using default python
VS Code could not find Python quickly and fell back to a default one. Usually caused by multiple Python installs or WindowsApps alias.
python is not recognized
Python is not in PATH or PATH was not refreshed.
No module named pip
Broken installation or wrong Python interpreter selected.
VS Code using wrong Python
Interpreter not selected manually.
Final Professional Checklist
- ☑ Python installed from python.org
- ☑ Add Python to PATH checked
- ☑ WindowsApps python alias disabled
- ☑ Only ONE Python version installed
- ☑ VS Code interpreter selected
- ☑ Virtual environment created
Best for Students & Teachers
This setup ensures:
- Consistent environment
- Fewer bugs
- Easy package installs
- Same setup for all students
- Professional workflow
If you teach or write tutorials, this avoids 90% of beginner support issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why not Microsoft Store Python?
It creates WindowsApps aliases and causes VS Code detection issues.
Which Python version is best?
Python 3.11.x is the most stable and widely supported.
Why is multiple Python bad?
It confuses PATH and VS Code, leading to random errors.
What is WindowsApps python.exe?
It is a fake alias created by Windows to redirect to the Store.
Do I really need venv?
Yes. It is a professional best practice for clean projects.
Conclusion
Installing Python and VS Code correctly on Windows 11 is not just about clicking Install.
If you follow this guide, you will have:
- A clean Python setup
- No PATH errors
- No WindowsApps confusion
- Perfect VS Code integration
- A professional development environment
This setup is ideal for beginners, students, teachers, and content creators.