======================
Installing on Windows
======================

#. `Download the Anaconda installer <https://www.anaconda.com/download/#windows>`_.

#. Optional: :doc:`Verify data integrity with MD5 or SHA-256 <hashes/index>`.
   `More info on hashes <http://conda.pydata.org/docs/download.html#what-about-cryptographic-hash-verification>`_

#. Double click the installer to launch.

   NOTE: To prevent permission errors, do not launch the installer from the
   :ref:`Favorites folder <distro-troubleshooting-favorites-folder>`.

   NOTE: If you encounter issues during installation, temporarily
   disable your anti-virus software during install, then re-enable it after the
   installation concludes. If you installed for all users, uninstall
   Anaconda and re-install it for your user only and try again.

#. Click Next.

#. Read the licensing terms and click "I Agree".

#. Select an install for "Just Me" unless you're installing for all users
   (which requires Windows Administrator privileges) and click Next.

#. Select a destination folder to install Anaconda and click the Next button. See :ref:`FAQ <distribution-faq-windows-folder>`.

   NOTE: Install Anaconda to a directory path that does not contain spaces or unicode characters.

   NOTE: Do not install as Administrator unless admin privileges are required.

   .. figure:: /img/install-win-destination.png
      :width: 50%

      ..

   |

#. Choose whether to add Anaconda to your PATH environment variable.
   We recommend not adding Anaconda to the PATH environment variable, since this
   can interfere with other software. Instead, use Anaconda software by opening
   Anaconda Navigator or the Anaconda Prompt from the Start Menu.

   .. figure:: /img/install-win-path.png
      :width: 50%

      ..

   |

#. Choose whether to register Anaconda as your default Python 3.6. Unless you plan
   on installing and running multiple versions of Anaconda, or multiple versions of
   Python, accept the default and leave this box checked.

#. Click the Install button. If you want to watch the packages Anaconda is installing, click Show Details.

#. Click the Next button.

#. Optional: To :doc:`install VS Code <../user-guide/tasks/integration/vscode>`, click the
   Install Microsoft VS Code button. After the install completes click the Next
   button.

   .. figure:: /img/vscode-install.png
      :width: 50%

      ..

   |

   Or to install Anaconda without VS Code, click the Skip button.

#. After a successful installation you will see the "Thanks for installing Anaconda" dialog box:

   .. figure:: /img/anaconda-install-win.png
      :width: 30%

      ..

   |

#. If you wish to read more about Anaconda Cloud package management service and
   Anaconda support, check the boxes "Learn more about Anaconda Cloud" and "Learn
   how to get started with Anaconda".  Click the Finish button.

#. After your install is complete, verify it by opening Anaconda Navigator, a
   program that is included with Anaconda: from your Windows Start menu, select
   the shortcut Anaconda Navigator. If Navigator opens, you have successfully
   installed Anaconda. If not, check that you completed each step above, then
   see our :doc:`Help page <../help-support>`.

   .. figure:: /img/navigator-anaconda-prompt.png
      :width: 30%

      ..

   |

   **Problems?**

   See :doc:`troubleshooting <../user-guide/troubleshooting>`.

What's next?
============

Get started programming quickly with Anaconda in the :doc:`Getting started with Anaconda
<../user-guide/getting-started>` guide.
