Member Avatar for HiHe

Does anyone use Python on a Windows7 machine?
What is your experience? Does it work well?

I am thinking about getting a new computer and also start some Python programming.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by mn_kthompson

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asked whether Python runs on Windows 7. Several replies here from , and indicate people have installed it, so below is a concise, practical checklist and a few gotchas to make the first install and daily workflow smoother.

First steps

  • Download the official Windows installer from the Python site: Python for Windows. Prefer the latest stable Python 3 release unless you need an older branch for compatibility.
  • On a 64-bit PC prefer the 64-bit installer unless you have legacy 32-bit-only extensions. Use the installer option to “Add Python to PATH” if you want easy command-line access.
  • The Python launcher (py) is documented here and helps when multiple versions are installed: The Python launcher for Windows.

Post-install checklist

  • Upgrade packaging tools with python -m pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel and create isolated projects with python -m venv .venv (venv docs: Creating virtual environments).
  • Use an editor/IDE that isolates environments and provides an integrated terminal (Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, etc.).
  • If a package needs compilation, install the appropriate Visual C++ build tools rather than forcing source builds; many packages distribute wheels to avoid this.

Troubleshooting & context

  • If the installer fails with permission errors, run it as Administrator or choose a per-user install. Verify the install with py -3 --version or python --version.
  • Be aware Windows 7 is past mainstream support; prefer a supported OS for ongoing security and compatibility, or check the release notes for the Python build you plan to use.
  • Official Python docs are the best up-to-date reference: Python documentation.

This checklist assumes the basic install works (as other replies suggest) and focuses on avoiding common setup pitfalls and keeping projects reproducible.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for mn_kthompson

I have installed and run python on my Windows 7 Enterprise machine at work. I had no problems with the installer or a simple wxPython application.

Member Avatar for lllllIllIlllI

I'll say the same, its worked a treat on my computer, and apart from the usual IDLE annoyances with wxPython its all running smoothly. :)

Member Avatar for Mikeyp926

Running great for me as well, have yet to encounter any problems.

-Michael

Member Avatar for HiHe

Thank y'all, sounds good, I will give it a try!

Member Avatar for mn_kthompson

I didn't even have the IDLE problems...which absolutely plagued me on Vista. Everything was great.

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