Python / How to Install PyCharm

To install PyCharm on Windows, run JetBrains’ official installer, then configure a Python project and interpreter. Current PyCharm is a unified product whose core features remain free to use. Installing the IDE and configuring the Python execution environment are separate tasks, so verify that a project actually runs.

Product options and prerequisites

PyCharm is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for editing, running, and debugging code. The current product overview explains that the former Community and Professional editions are unified. After the included 30-day Pro trial, core features remain free; choose a Pro subscription when you need continued access to its additional features.

This guide follows the PyCharm 2026.2 documentation for Windows and local projects. Choose the installer for your x64 or ARM64 computer and check OS, memory, and storage in the official system requirements. JetBrains Runtime is bundled, so a separate Java installation is unnecessary, but Python code still requires a Python interpreter.

Reuse an installed Python executable or choose the Python download offered during project creation on Windows. Where network or organizational policy restricts installation, prepare Python in an approved location and select its executable.

Download and run the official installer

1. Get the Windows installer matching your architecture from the JetBrains PyCharm download page. You do not need to find a separate edition using an old Community download screen.
2. Run the downloaded .exe and check its installation location. Keep the default unless you have a reason to change it.
3. Choose installer options using the criteria below. Selecting every option is not required for a working installation.
4. Complete installation and launch PyCharm from Start or your selected shortcut. Read license and privacy screens and distinguish required agreements from optional choices.

JetBrains also recommends Toolbox App for installing, updating, and rolling back versions. Compare Toolbox and standalone methods in the installation guide and manage the installation consistently to avoid confusing locations.

Which installation options should you select?

Adding the IDE launcher to PATH does not install Python or configure the Python command. Associating .py files controls how files open, rather than selecting a project’s interpreter.

Create a project and its virtual environment

Creating a Python project means choosing both a source folder and an execution environment. Start with a regular Python project rather than a web-framework template to keep initial setup simple.

1. Choose New Project on the welcome screen or File → New Project in an open IDE.
2. Select a new writable working folder, for example python-practice under your documents.
3. Choose Project venv and select the interpreter under Python version. If needed, use the offered download or browse to an installed Python executable.
4. Click Create and wait for setup to finish. This creates .venv in the project root.

A virtual environment separates project packages. To reuse an existing environment, select it under Custom environment rather than creating over it. Its Windows executable is commonly .venv\Scripts\python.exe.

Run your first Python file

1. Right-click the project root in the Project pane and choose New → Python File to create hello.py. You can also replace an automatically generated sample file.
2. Save this complete code:

def total_price(price, quantity):
    return price * quantity

print("Hello, PyCharm!")
print(total_price(20, 7))

3. Right-click the editor and choose Run 'hello'. The default Windows keymap also offers Ctrl+Shift+F10 to run the current file.
4. Check these two lines in the Run tool window and confirm that execution ends without errors.

Hello, PyCharm!
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The menu procedure follows the first-project run guide. Names and shortcuts can vary with version, keymap, and display language. The Python example’s output was checked with Python 3.12.14; this is not a record of testing every installation screen.

Resolve interpreter and package problems

An installed IDE can still fail to run code if its interpreter is absent or incorrect. Inspect Settings → Python → Interpreter; Ctrl+Alt+S opens settings on Windows. If necessary, choose Add Interpreter → Add Local Interpreter to create an environment or select an existing executable. See interpreter configuration for the detailed branches.

• Invalid environment: Check that the executable exists and its Python version is supported.
• ModuleNotFoundError: Compare the Python where you installed the package with the project’s selected Python. Inspect the environment before reinstalling the IDE.
• The wrong file runs: Check the run configuration and script, then run the intended file from its context menu.
• Environment creation fails: Check folder write access, base Python path, and download connectivity. Do not make running the whole IDE as administrator the default substitute for diagnosis.

Roll back or uninstall

For a Toolbox installation, use that instance’s version-management or Uninstall menu. For a standalone installation, find PyCharm in the Windows Settings app list and uninstall it. The official removal instructions explain paths and retained settings.

Removing the IDE is separate from deleting project sources. Back up code and necessary settings first, and distinguish reusable settings, environments, and source files. Remove settings directories only after checking their contents and identifying the correct installed version.