How to Check Python Version on PC or Mac

A step-by-step guide on checking your Python version

This wikiHow teaches you how to find which version of Python is installed on your Windows or macOS computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Windows PC

  1. Image titled Check Python
    1
    Open Windows Search. If you don’t already see a search box in the taskbar, click the magnifying glass or circle next to
    Image titled Windowsstart.png
    , or press ⊞ Win+S.
  2. Image titled Check Python
    2
    Type python into the search bar. A list of matching results will appear.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Check Python
    3
    Click Python [command line]. This opens a black terminal window to a Python prompt.
  4. Image titled Check Python
    4
    Find the version in first line. It’s the number right after the word “Python” at the top-left corner of the window (e.g. 2.7.14).
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

macOS

  1. Image titled Check Python
    1
    Open a Terminal window on your Mac. To do this, open the Applications folder in Finder, double-click the Utilities folder, then double-click Terminal.
  2. Image titled Check Python
    2
    Type python -V at the prompt (V uppercase).
  3. Image titled Check Python
    3
    Press ⏎ Return. The version number will appear on the next line after the word “Python” (e.g. 2.7.3).
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    I downloaded Python 3.7 but when I check it says that the version is 2.7. What should I do ? (I tried reinstalling it.)
    faith daniel
    faith daniel
    Community Answer
    To prevent further hassle, just download the 3.x version or the latest version from the Python website (python.org).
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Use Windows Command Prompt to Run a Python File
How to
Use Windows Command Prompt to Run a Python File
Open a Python File
How to
Open a Python File
Start Programming in Python
How to
Start Programming in Python
Make a Countdown Program in Python
How to
Make a Countdown Program in Python
Uninstall Python
How to
Uninstall Python
Read/Write in a Text File Using Python on a Macbook
How to
Read/Write in a Text File Using Python on a Macbook
Change the Font Size in Python Shell
How to
Change the Font Size in Python Shell
Write a Python Program to Calculate Pi
How to
Write a Python Program to Calculate Pi
Create Loops in Python
How to
Create Loops in Python
Make a Quiz Game in Python
How to
Make a Quiz Game in Python
Program a Game in Python with Pygame
How to
Program a Game in Python with Pygame
Write a Basic Python Program
How to
Write a Basic Python Program
Create a Very Simple Program in Python
How to
Create a Very Simple Program in Python
Write a Coin Flipping Program on Python
How to
Write a Coin Flipping Program on Python
Advertisement

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 355,642 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 4
Updated: June 2, 2022
Views: 355,642
Categories: Python
Article SummaryX

To check which version of Python is installed on your Windows PC, start by opening the Windows Search and typing “Python” into the search bar. When the list of matching results comes up, click “Python” to open a black terminal window to a Python prompt. In the top-left corner of the window, you’ll see a number right after the word “Python,” which is the version that you’re currently running. To learn how to find the version of Python on your Mac, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement