How to download and install latest version of Pycharm on Windows

Here’s a step-by-step guide to download and install the latest version of PyCharm on a Windows machine.

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Step 1: Download PyCharm

1. Go to the official JetBrains PyCharm download page: jetbrains.com
2. On that page, you’ll see options for:
   • Professional (paid, with more features)
   • Community (free) jetbrains.com
3. Pick the edition you want, and click Download under the Windows column. jetbrains.com
4. Save the .exe installer file when prompted.

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Step 2: Run the Installer

1. Open the folder where you downloaded the .exe file (typically the Downloads folder).
2. Double-click the installer to run it.
3. If Windows prompts for permission (User Account Control), click Yes to allow it. TechBloat+1
4. The PyCharm Setup Wizard will open. Click Next to continue. TechBloat

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Step 3: Choose Installation Options

During installation, you’ll see a few customizable options:

• Choose where to install PyCharm (default path is usually fine). TechBloat
• Select additional options:
  • Create Desktop Shortcut — handy for quick access
  • Update PATH — so you can run PyCharm from the command line (optional) TechBloat+1
  • Add “Open Folder as Project” to the Windows Explorer context menu TechBloat
• Click Next after selecting your preferences.

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Step 4: Install

1. After configuring options, click Install on the final wizard screen. TechBloat
2. Wait for the installation to complete — this may take a few minutes. rose-hulman.edu+1
3. Once done, you may see a checkbox to Run PyCharm — tick it if you want to open PyCharm immediately, then click Finish. rose-hulman.edu

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Step 5: First Launch & Setup

1. Launch PyCharm (either via the desktop shortcut or from the Start Menu).
2. On the first run, PyCharm will ask whether you want to import settings from a previous installation — if it’s your first install, choose Do not import settings. promuex.com
3. You will see a Welcome Screen. jetbrains.com
4. If prompted, log in with your JetBrains account or start a free evaluation (if you’re installing Professional). jetbrains.com
5. Choose your UI theme (e.g., Light or Dark / Darcula). promuex.com

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Step 6: Configure Python Interpreter

1. Create a new project from the Welcome Screen or via File → New Project. jetbrains.com
2. In the New Project dialog, select the Python Interpreter:
   • If you already have Python installed on your system, choose that.
   • Otherwise, you may want to install Python separately and then set it up here.
3. Once interpreter is selected, click Create to create your project. jetbrains.com

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Step 7: (Optional) Verify / Update

• After installation, you can check for updates within PyCharm: Help → Check for Updates.
• Alternatively, you can use the JetBrains Toolbox App to manage PyCharm versions if you prefer easier updates.
• Note: According to JetBrains’ documentation, some users need to do a clean install if version number or icons aren’t updating properly. Reddit+1

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Tips / Best Practices

• Always download PyCharm from the official JetBrains website to ensure safety. jetbrains.com
• Make sure you have a stable internet connection while downloading, as the installer file can be large.
• If you’re coding in Python, it’s good to also have Python installed on your machine before starting with PyCharm.
• Use virtual environments (venv) for your projects — PyCharm supports this out of the box and it helps with dependency management.