Python PATH Not Working on Windows — How to Fix

You installed Python, typed “python” in the Command Prompt, and got “‘python’ is not recognized as an internal or external command”?

This means Python isn’t on your system PATH — your computer doesn’t know where to find it. This is an extremely common issue for Windows beginners.

Don’t worry, it’s easy to fix. This guide will walk you through the steps to get Python working in your Command Prompt.

Why Python PATH isn’t working

The PATH is a list of folders that Windows checks when you type a command. If Python’s folder isn’t on that list, Windows can’t find it. The usual causes are:

• You forgot to check “Add Python to PATH” during installation: This is by far the most common cause. The Python installer has a checkbox for this, and it’s easy to miss
• The PATH environment variable isn’t set correctly: The setting may need to be added or fixed manually

Solution 1: Reinstall Python with PATH enabled (easiest fix)

The quickest and most reliable fix is to reinstall Python with the right option checked.

1. Download the Python installer from the official site

# Visit this URL in your browser
https://www.python.org/downloads/

Click the yellow “Download Python 3.XX” button.

2. Run the installer and CHECK “Add Python to PATH”

# On the very first screen of the installer:
# ☑ "Add Python 3.xx to PATH" ← CHECK THIS BOX!
# Then click "Install Now"

This checkbox is the single most important step. Missing it is what causes the PATH problem.

3. Open a NEW Command Prompt window and verify

# You must open a fresh Command Prompt — old windows won't pick up the change
python --version

If you see “Python 3.XX.X” printed, the PATH is set correctly.

Solution 2: Set the PATH environment variable manually

If you’d rather not reinstall, you can add Python to your PATH manually.

1. Find where Python is installed

# Run this in Command Prompt
where python

If nothing shows up, check these common installation paths:

# Typical Python install locations on Windows
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3xx\
C:\Python3xx\

2. Open the Environment Variables settings

# Type the following in the Windows search bar
environment variables

Click “Edit the system environment variables.”

3. Add Python’s path to the Path variable

# Click "Environment Variables" button
# Under "User variables", select "Path" and click "Edit"
# Click "New" and add these two paths:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3xx\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3xx\Scripts\

Replace “YourUsername” and “Python3xx” with your actual values.

4. Open a NEW Command Prompt and verify

# Old windows won't reflect the change — open a new one
python --version

If the version number appears, you’re all set.

Solution 3: Use the Microsoft Store version of Python

If manual configuration sounds complicated, the Microsoft Store version handles PATH setup automatically.

1. Open the Microsoft Store

# Search for "Microsoft Store" in the Windows search bar
# Search for "Python" inside the Store
# Select "Python 3.xx" and click "Get"

2. Verify the installation

python --version

The Microsoft Store version sets up PATH automatically, so no manual configuration is needed. If the version shows up, you’re done.

If nothing works

If none of the above methods fix the issue, try these additional steps:

• Restart your computer: Environment variable changes sometimes don’t take effect until after a reboot
• Uninstall old Python versions: Multiple Python installations can conflict with each other. Go to Settings → Apps and remove any older versions

When asking for help online, include the output of these commands — it will speed up getting an answer:

# Copy the results of both commands and include them in your question
where python
echo %PATH%

Summary

• The most common cause is forgetting to check “Add Python to PATH” during installation
• Reinstalling Python with this box checked is the fastest fix
• You can also set the PATH manually or use the Microsoft Store version as alternatives

Related articles:

• pip-install-error.html (How to fix pip install errors)
• module-not-found-error.html (How to fix ModuleNotFoundError)