Pick the right version first
Python.org listed Python 3.15.2 as the latest release on October 25, 2026. The Python developer guide shows which branches are still supported: bugfix branches get regular binary releases about every two months, while security branches get only security fixes and no new installers. Python 3.10 reached end of life on October 1, 2026.
Match the course. If it names a version (for example, "Python 3.12 or later"), install that or newer; if it pins an exact version, install that exact one alongside the latest. If it says only Python 3, use the latest bugfix release.
| Branch | Status | First released | End of life (scheduled) | Course use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.15 | Bugfix | 2026-10-09 | 2031-10 | Default choice for a new course |
| 3.14 | Bugfix | 2025-10-07 | 2030-10 | Fine; still receives installers |
| 3.13 | Security | 2024-10-07 | 2029-10 | Only if the course pins it |
| 3.12 | Security | 2023-10-02 | 2028-10 | Only if the course pins it |
| 3.11 | Security | 2022-10-24 | 2027-10 | Only if the course pins it |
| 3.10 | End of life | 2021-10-04 | 2026-10-01 | Avoid; ask the course for a newer version |
Windows: the Python install manager
The Python documentation now recommends the Python install manager, available from the downloads page on python.org or the Microsoft Store; the docs say the two are identical. The older full installer is deprecated since 3.14 and will not be produced for 3.16 or later. VS Code's guide adds that the Microsoft Store route works if you lack admin access.
Useful commands from the docs: py list shows installed runtimes; py install 3.15 installs a version; py -V:3.15 runs a specific one (the -V option must come first). On first install you may be asked to add %LocalAppData%\Python\bin to PATH; the docs say this is optional if you are happy typing py, but it gives you names like python3.15.
macOS and Linux
On macOS, download the universal2 .pkg from python.org; it runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs and needs an administrator password. After installing, open the Python 3.15 folder in Applications and run Install Certificates.command, which installs the SSL root certificates Python uses for secure downloads. Do not modify or delete Apple's own /usr/bin/python3; the python.org installer coexists with it and makes python3 point to the new version. VS Code's guide says the system install of Python on macOS is not supported and suggests Homebrew (brew install python3) as an alternative.
On Linux, VS Code's guide says the built-in Python 3 works well; you may need to add pip. Check the version with python3 --version and compare it with the course requirement.
| Task | Windows | macOS / Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Check version | py list (install manager) | python3 --version |
| Create a venv | python -m venv .venv | python3 -m venv .venv |
| Activate it | .venv\Scripts\activate | source .venv/bin/activate |
| Install a package | python -m pip install requests | python -m pip install requests |
| Save package list | python -m pip freeze > requirements.txt | python -m pip freeze > requirements.txt |
| Install a course's list | python -m pip install -r requirements.txt | python -m pip install -r requirements.txt |
| Leave the venv | deactivate | deactivate |
One virtual environment per course
A virtual environment keeps each course's packages separate, so a library version one course needs cannot break another. The Python tutorial suggests .venv as a common name for the environment folder, and its examples run pip as python -m pip, which ties it to the interpreter you are running. If a course supplies a requirements.txt, install from it so your versions match the instructor's.
In VS Code, install the Python extension (it does not include Python itself), open your course folder, run Python: Create Environment from the Command Palette, choose Venv and your interpreter, and confirm with Python: Select Interpreter. The Run Python File button then uses that environment.
- Make one folder per course, with the .venv inside it.
- Activate before installing anything; your prompt shows the environment name.
- Do not commit .venv to version control; commit requirements.txt instead.
- If imports fail, check which interpreter VS Code has selected before reinstalling anything.
When to skip local setup entirely
If the course runs code in the browser, you can start without installing anything. Educative's free Learn Python 3 course lists an in-browser code editor, about 10 hours of material and 17 quizzes; Coursera Guided Projects such as Introduction to Python run in a cloud desktop with no installation, on a laptop or desktop.
Browser environments are a good way to learn syntax and test interest. Install Python locally once you need your own files, real datasets, libraries the course does not provide, or a portfolio project that runs on your machine. Note that the official Python tutorial is aimed at people who already program in another language, so pair it with a beginner course.
- Setup checklist: right version installed; py list or python3
--versionshows it; .venv created and active; course packages installed from requirements.txt; VS Code interpreter set to .venv; a hello-world file runs.
Questions before you decide
Which Python version should a beginner install?
Install the version your course specifies; if it only says Python 3, install the latest release, which python.org listed as 3.15.2 on October 25, 2026. Avoid 3.10, which reached end of life on October 1, 2026.
How do I install Python on Windows now?
The Python documentation recommends the Python install manager from python.org or the Microsoft Store, which it says are identical. The traditional full installer is deprecated since 3.14 and will not be produced for 3.16 or later.
Do I need a virtual environment for an online course?
It is worth it. The Python tutorial shows creating one with python -m venv and suggests .venv as a common folder name, so each project's packages stay separate, and installing a course's requirements.txt into it with python -m pip install -r requirements.txt.
Sources & verification
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- Python.org: Download Python Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Python Developer's Guide: Status of Python versions Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Python documentation: Using Python on Windows Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Python documentation: Using Python on macOS Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Python documentation: Virtual Environments and Packages (tutorial chapter 12) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Visual Studio Code documentation: Getting Started with Python in VS Code Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Python documentation: The Python Tutorial Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Educative: Learn Python 3, free interactive course page Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Coursera Guided Project: Introduction to Python Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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