How to Install Python and VS Code Complete Guide for Beginners
A step-by-step installation guide for Python & VS Code on Windows 10/11 (2025 Edition)
Introduction
Python is one of the most beginner-friendly programming languages in the world. To start learning Python effectively, you need two things:
- Python itself (the programming language)
- A powerful code editor (VS Code is the best choice)
This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to install Python and VS Code on Windows 10/11 using the latest tools available in 2025. Whether you're a complete beginner or switching to Python for the first time, this guide will help you set up your development environment smoothly.
Why Do You Need Both Python and VS Code?
What Python Does:
- Runs your code
- Executes .py files
- Includes built-in tools
- Supports libraries like NumPy, Pandas, TensorFlow, etc.
What VS Code Does:
- Helps you write code easily
- Highlights errors
- Auto-completes code
- Provides extensions
- Helps you debug Python
- Makes programming 10× faster
Using Python without VS Code feels like driving without a dashboard. Using VS Code without Python feels like having a car without fuel. Together, they give you a complete coding environment.
STEP 1 — Download and Install Python (Latest Version)
As of 2025, the latest Python version is Python 3.13.x (or newer).
- Go to the official website: https://www.python.org/downloads/
- Click Download Python 3.x.x
- Open the installer
Without this, Python will NOT run in Command Prompt.
Click Install Now → installation begins → you’ll see “Setup was successful”.
STEP 2 — Verify Python Installation
Open CMD or PowerShell and type:
If installed correctly, you’ll see something like:
If there's an error, try:
If still not working, reinstall Python and enable “Add Python to PATH”.
STEP 3 — Install pip (Python Package Manager)
Verify pip installation:
If pip is missing:
STEP 4 — Install VS Code (Latest 2025 Edition)
- Visit: https://code.visualstudio.com/
- Download Windows (.exe) 64-bit
- Run the installer
✔ Enable these options:
- Add “Open with Code”
- Add “Open folder with Code”
- Register Code as an editor
- Add to PATH
Click Install → Finish.
STEP 5 — Install Python Extension in VS Code
- Open VS Code
- Click Extensions
- Search "Python"
- Install the official extension from Microsoft
STEP 6 — Create Your First Python File
- Create folder: python-projects
- Open folder in VS Code
- Create file: hello.py
- Write this code:
Run using:
- Run button
- Ctrl + F5
- Or in terminal:
You should see:
STEP 7 — Fixing Common Installation Errors (2025)
Error: “python is not recognized”
Python was not added to PATH. Reinstall and check the box.
Error: VS Code cannot find interpreter
- Press Ctrl + Shift + P
- Select: Python: Select Interpreter
- Choose Python 3.13.x
Error: pip not working
STEP 8 — Useful VS Code Extensions
- Python
- Jupyter
- Pylance
- Code Runner
- Prettier or Black
- GitHub Pull Requests
STEP 9 — Install Python Libraries
Install NumPy:
Install Pandas:
Install Matplotlib:
Install Requests:
STEP 10 — Test Everything Together
STEP 11 — What You Can Do Next
- Learn Python fundamentals
- Start building small projects
- Explore OOP
- Learn AI & ML
- Try Flask or Django
Conclusion
Installing Python and VS Code is the first step in becoming a Python developer. Now that your setup is ready, you can start building real projects, learning automation, AI, web development, and much more.
Welcome to the world of programming — and welcome to PyVerse.io!