Install Python on WSL in Easy Steps

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets you run a Linux environment on Windows. Installing Python on WSL is simple. Follow these steps.

Prerequisites

Before installing Python, ensure WSL is set up. Open PowerShell as admin and run:

wsl --install

This installs the default Linux distribution (usually Ubuntu). Reboot if needed.

Update Package List

Launch your WSL terminal. Update the package list to get the latest versions:

sudo apt update

This ensures you install the most recent Python version available.

Install Python

Python is often pre-installed on WSL. Check with:

python3 --version

If not installed, use:

sudo apt install python3

For pip (Python package manager), run:

sudo apt install python3-pip

Verify Installation

Confirm Python and pip are working:

python3 --version
pip3 --version

You should see version numbers. If not, recheck the steps.

Set Up a Virtual Environment

Virtual environments keep projects isolated. Install venv:

sudo apt install python3-venv

Create a virtual environment:

python3 -m venv myenv

Activate it:

source myenv/bin/activate

Install Python Packages

With the environment active, install packages using pip:

pip install numpy pandas

For more advanced setups, check Install Multiple Python Versions with pyenv.

Alternative: Install Anaconda

For data science, Anaconda is a great choice. Download the Linux installer and run:

bash Anaconda-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

Follow the prompts. Anaconda includes Python and many useful libraries.

Conclusion

Installing Python on WSL is straightforward. Update packages, install Python, and set up a virtual environment. Now you're ready to code!

For other platforms, see Install Python on Ubuntu or Install Python on macOS.