Install PIP on Windows: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Ever tried working with Python and felt stuck installing or managing libraries? You’re not alone—this is where PIP, Python’s go-to package installer, comes in to save the day. Think of PIP as your trusty toolkit, helping you manage all those cool libraries Python has to offer. Continue reading to know exactly How to Install PIP on Windows and make your Python journey a whole lot smoother. 

In this blog, we’ll make installing PIP on Windows feel like a walk in the park. Whether you’re downloading the handy get-pip.py script or using the built-in ensurepip, we’ve got step-by-step tips to make things super easy. Sound good? Let’s roll and learn How to Install PIP on Windows today! 

Table of Contents 

1) Method 1: Installing PIP on Windows via get-pip.py 

2) Method 2: Installing PIP on Windows Using ensurepip 

3) How to Upgrade PIP on Windows? 

4) How to Downgrade PIP on Windows? 

5) Managing Python Packages With PIP 

6) Conclusion 

Method 1: Installing PIP on Windows via get-pip.py  

The first and most common method to Install PIP on Windows involves using the get-pip.py script. This script is a handy tool provided by the Python community, making installation straightforward. 

1) Download the get-pip.py Script  

Before we start, ensure Python is installed on your system. If not, download and install it from the official Python website. Once you have Python set up, follow these steps: 

1) Open your web browser and go to the get-pip.py official page. 

2) Save the script to a folder of your choice. It's a small file, so it won’t take long. 

Tip: Save the script somewhere you can easily find it, like your Downloads folder or directly on your desktop.
 

2) Install PIP on Windows   

Now that you’ve downloaded the script, it’s time to Run the Python Script:

1) Open the Command Prompt. You can do this by typing cmd in the Windows search bar. 

2) Navigate to the folder where the get-pip.py file is located. Use the cd command, for example:
 

3)  Run the following command:
 

4) Wait for the installation process to complete. If everything is successful, PIP will be installed on your system. 

3) Verify the Installation  

Once the installation is done, it’s always a good idea to verify that everything is set up correctly. Use this command:
 

If you see something like pip 23.0.1 from..., congratulations! PIP is successfully installed. 

4) Add PIP to System Path  

Sometimes, PIP might not be recognised globally, which can cause errors when you try to use it. To fix this, you need to add it to your system's PATH. 

1) Open Control Panel and go to System > Advanced System Settings. 

2) Click on Environment Variables. 

3) Under System Variables, find Path and click Edit. 

4) Add the location of your Python Scripts folder. It’s usually:
 

5) Click OK to save the changes. 

Now, PIP commands should work seamlessly from any directory. 

5) Configuration Settings   

PIP allows you to configure settings like proxies, trusted hosts, or cache directories. You can create a configuration file by navigating to your user directory and creating a pip.ini file (on Windows). 

Example content for the file:
 

This configuration is useful when you’re working behind a corporate firewall or need specific settings for your environment. 

Method 2: Installing PIP on Windows Using ensurepip  

If the get-pip.py method isn’t suitable, Python also includes a built-in module called ensurepip to help install PIP. 

1) Open the Command Prompt.

2) Run the following command:

3) This will install PIP if it’s not already available. 

After installation, verify it using the pip --version command, just like in Method 1. 

Dive into the world of programming with our Python Course– Sign up now! 

How to Upgrade PIP on Windows? 

Keeping PIP up to date ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes. Upgrading is simple: 

1) Open the Command Prompt. 

2) Run this command:
 

3) PIP will update itself to the latest version. 

You can verify the upgrade by checking the version again:
 

How to Downgrade PIP on Windows? 

Sometimes, you may need an older version of PIP for compatibility reasons. Downgrading is as easy as upgrading: 

1) Open the Command Prompt. 

2) Use the following command, replacing x.x.x with the version you need:
 

3) Verify the downgrade:
 

This flexibility makes PIP a highly versatile tool for developers. 

Managing Python Packages with PIP 

Now that PIP is installed, let’s explore its capabilities for managing Python packages. Here are some common commands you’ll find invaluable: 

1) Install a Package:
 

 Example:
 

2) Upgrade a Package:
 

3) Uninstall a Package:
 

4) List Installed Packages:
 

5) Search for a Package:
 

Managing packages with PIP is efficient and keeps your Python projects organised. 

Expand your programming skillset with our COBOL Programming Part 1 Foundation Course – Register now! 

Conclusion 

Knowing How to Install PIP on Windows doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you prefer using get-pip.py or the built-in ensurepip module, the process is straightforward. Keeping PIP up-to-date and knowing how to manage packages effectively are vital skills for any Python developer. With this blog, you’re now equipped to handle PIP installation, upgrades, downgrades, and package management confidently. If you're looking to expand your toolkit, you can also install Bootstrap for faster front-end development.  

Looking to enhance your Python expertise? Sign up for our Python Django Course now!