> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://anaconda.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Windows shell installer

export const DefinitionDescription = ({children}) => <dd className="definition-description">{children}</dd>;

export const DefinitionTerm = ({children}) => <dt className="definition-term">{children}</dt>;

export const DefinitionList = ({children}) => <dl className="definition-list">{children}</dl>;

export const TroubleshootSolution = ({children}) => <>
    <hr className="my-3 w-full" />
    <details className="mt-3">
      <summary className="cursor-pointer font-semibold text-base mb-1">
        Solution
      </summary>
      <div className="mt-2 ml-4" data-component-part="step-content">
        {children}
      </div>
    </details>
  </>;

export const TroubleshootCause = ({children}) => <details className="mt-3 mb-2">
    <summary className="cursor-pointer font-semibold text-base mb-1">
      Cause
    </summary>
    <div className="mt-2 ml-4" data-component-part="step-content">
      {children}
    </div>
  </details>;

export const TroubleshootTitle = ({children}) => <>
    <p className="m-0 font-semibold text-xl leading-tight mb-2" role="heading" aria-level={3}>
      {children}
    </p>
    <hr className="my-3 w-full" />
  </>;

export const Troubleshoot = ({children}) => <div className="callout my-4 px-5 py-4 overflow-hidden rounded-2xl flex gap-3 border troubleshoot-admonition dark:troubleshoot-admonition" data-callout-type="troubleshoot">
    <div className="mt-0.5 w-4">
      <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 640 640" fill="currentColor" className="w-4 h-4" aria-label="Troubleshoot">
        <path d="M541.4 162.6C549 155 561.7 156.9 565.5 166.9C572.3 184.6 576 203.9 576 224C576 312.4 504.4 384 416 384C398.5 384 381.6 381.2 365.8 376L178.9 562.9C150.8 591 105.2 591 77.1 562.9C49 534.8 49 489.2 77.1 461.1L264 274.2C258.8 258.4 256 241.6 256 224C256 135.6 327.6 64 416 64C436.1 64 455.4 67.7 473.1 74.5C483.1 78.3 484.9 91 477.4 98.6L388.7 187.3C385.7 190.3 384 194.4 384 198.6L384 240C384 248.8 391.2 256 400 256L441.4 256C445.6 256 449.7 254.3 452.7 251.3L541.4 162.6z" />
      </svg>
    </div>
    <div className="prose min-w-0 w-full">{children}</div>
  </div>;

export const Comments = ({children}) => {
  return <div class="my-4 px-5 py-4 overflow-hidden rounded-2xl flex gap-3 border border-zinc-500/20 bg-zinc-50/50 dark:border-zinc-500/30 dark:bg-zinc-500/10" data-callout-type="comments">
      <div class="w-4">
        <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 640 640" fill="currentColor" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="w-5 h-5" aria-label="Comments">
            <path d="M320 112C434.9 112 528 205.1 528 320C528 434.9 434.9 528 320 528C205.1 528 112 434.9 112 320C112 205.1 205.1 112 320 112zM320 576C461.4 576 576 461.4 576 320C576 178.6 461.4 64 320 64C178.6 64 64 178.6 64 320C64 461.4 178.6 576 320 576zM280 400C266.7 400 256 410.7 256 424C256 437.3 266.7 448 280 448L360 448C373.3 448 384 437.3 384 424C384 410.7 373.3 400 360 400L352 400L352 312C352 298.7 341.3 288 328 288L280 288C266.7 288 256 298.7 256 312C256 325.3 266.7 336 280 336L304 336L304 400L280 400zM320 256C337.7 256 352 241.7 352 224C352 206.3 337.7 192 320 192C302.3 192 288 206.3 288 224C288 241.7 302.3 256 320 256z" />
        </svg>
      </div>
      <div class="text-sm prose min-w-0 w-full">
        {children}
      </div>
    </div>;
};

export const BeginnerGlasses = () => {
  return <svg width="14" height="14" viewBox="0 0 640 640" fill="currentColor" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" aria-label="Beginner">
      <path d="M175.3 160C161.3 160 148.8 169.2 144.7 182.6L102.4 320L256 320C273.7 320 288 334.3 288 352L352 352C352 334.3 366.3 320 384 320L537.6 320L495.3 182.6C491.2 169.2 478.8 160 464.7 160L432 160C414.3 160 400 145.7 400 128C400 110.3 414.3 96 432 96L464.7 96C506.8 96 544.1 123.5 556.5 163.8L601.9 311.3C606 324.5 608 338.2 608 352L608 448C608 501 565 544 512 544L448 544C395 544 352 501 352 448L352 416L288 416L288 448C288 501 245 544 192 544L128 544C75 544 32 501 32 448L32 352C32 338.2 34.1 324.5 38.1 311.3L83.5 163.8C95.9 123.5 133.1 96 175.3 96L208 96C225.7 96 240 110.3 240 128C240 145.7 225.7 160 208 160L175.3 160zM96 384L96 448C96 465.7 110.3 480 128 480L192 480C209.7 480 224 465.7 224 448L224 384L96 384zM512 480C529.7 480 544 465.7 544 448L544 384L416 384L416 448C416 465.7 430.3 480 448 480L512 480z" />
    </svg>;
};

<Accordion title="Using Anaconda Distribution in a commercial setting?">
  * You might need to purchase a license to stay compliant with our [Terms of Service](https://www.anaconda.com/legal).

  * If your company security policies do not allow admin privileges for end users, you will be unable to install Anaconda Distribution manually. Consider requesting that your IT admin add Anaconda Distribution to a software delivery or fleet management system (such as Kandji or Jamf).
</Accordion>

This page provides instructions for installing Anaconda Distribution on Windows with the command line in Command Prompt or PowerShell.

## Installation steps

1. Download the latest installer by using your preferred command-line interface:

   <Tabs>
     <Tab title="Command Prompt">
       Open a Command Prompt window and run the following command:

       ```sh theme={null}
       curl https://repo.anaconda.com/archive/Anaconda3-2025.12-2-Windows-x86_64.exe --output .\Anaconda3-2025.12-2-Windows-x86_64.exe
       ```
     </Tab>

     <Tab title="PowerShell">
       <Note>
         These commands work best with default PowerShell.
       </Note>

       Open a PowerShell window and run the following command:

       ```powershell theme={null}
       Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://repo.anaconda.com/archive/Anaconda3-2025.12-2-Windows-x86_64.exe" -OutFile ".\Anaconda3-2025.12-2-Windows-x86_64.exe"
       ```
     </Tab>
   </Tabs>

   <Note>
     For instructions on downloading an older installer version, see [Using older installer versions](/getting-started/advanced-install/old-os).
   </Note>

2. (Optional) Anaconda recommends verifying the integrity of the installer after downloading it.

   <Accordion title="How do I verify my installer's integrity?">
     To ensure that your downloaded installer has not been tampered with or corrupted, generate its SHA-256 hash value and compare that hash to the official hash provided in the archive.

     1. Open your preferred command-line interface and run the following command:

          <CodeGroup>
            ```Command Command Prompt theme={null}
            certutil -hashfile <PATH_TO_INSTALLER_FILE> SHA256
            ```

            ```Command Command Prompt Example theme={null}
            certutil -hashfile C:\Users\annieconda\Anaconda3-2025.12-2-Windows-x86_64.exe SHA256
            ```

            ```PowerShell PowerShell theme={null}
            Get-FileHash <PATH_TO_INSTALLER_FILE> -Algorithm SHA256
            ```

            ```PowerShell PowerShell Example theme={null}
            Get-FileHash C:\Users\annieconda\Anaconda3-2025.12-2-Windows-x86_64.exe -Algorithm SHA256
            ```
          </CodeGroup>

          <Comments>
            Replace \<PATH\_TO\_INSTALLER\_FILE> with the file path to the downloaded installer file.
          </Comments>

          <Tip>
            Right-click the installer file in your file explorer and select **Copy as path** to get its full file path.
          </Tip>

     2. Note the generated SHA-256 hash value from the output.

     3. Visit [repo.anaconda.com/archive](https://repo.anaconda.com/archive/) to find the official SHA-256 hash for your installer.

     4. Compare the hash values. If they match, the installer is safe to use.

     <Tip>
       For more information, see [cryptographic hash verification](https://docs.conda.io/projects/conda/en/latest/user-guide/install/index.html#cryptographic-hash-verification) in the official conda documentation.
     </Tip>
   </Accordion>

3. Go to your Home folder and double-click the installer to launch.

   <Warning>
     To prevent permission errors, do not launch the installer from the [Favorites folder](#windows-permission-errors-when-installing-from-favorites-folder).
   </Warning>

   <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](/getting-started/anaconda/uninstall) Anaconda Distribution and re-install it for **Just Me** only.
   </Note>

4. Select **Next** and then **I Agree** to agree to Anaconda's Terms of Service (TOS). You can read the full TOS at [https://anaconda.com/legal](https://anaconda.com/legal).

5. Select an installation option:

   <DefinitionList>
     <DefinitionTerm>
       Just Me (Recommended)
     </DefinitionTerm>

     <DefinitionDescription>
       Install Anaconda Distribution for the current user account.
     </DefinitionDescription>

     <DefinitionTerm>
       All Users
     </DefinitionTerm>

     <DefinitionDescription>
       Install Anaconda Distribution for all user accounts on the computer (requires Windows Administrator privileges).
     </DefinitionDescription>
   </DefinitionList>

6. Select **Next**.

7. Select a destination folder to install Anaconda, then select **Next**.

   <Warning>
     Anaconda recommends installing Anaconda Distribution in a directory with no spaces or special characters to avoid potential compatibility issues with open-source tools. For more information, see the [FAQ](/getting-started/working-with-conda/reference/faq#in-what-folder-should-i-install-anaconda-on-windows).

     ***

     Do not install as Administrator unless admin privileges are required.
   </Warning>

8. Customize your installation options:

   <DefinitionList>
     <DefinitionTerm>
       Create shortcuts
     </DefinitionTerm>

     <DefinitionDescription>
       Selected by default. Creates Start Menu shortcuts for the Anaconda Navigator, Spyder, Jupyter Notebook, and Anaconda Prompt packages. Deselecting this option skips creating these shortcuts.
     </DefinitionDescription>

     <DefinitionTerm>
       Add Anaconda3 to my PATH environment variable
     </DefinitionTerm>

     <DefinitionDescription>
       Adds the path that contains the conda binaries to your PATH environment variable.

       <Warning>
         Unless you plan on installing and running multiple versions of Anaconda Distribution or Python, Anaconda **does not** recommend selecting this option. The conda binaries path contains other package binaries, which are permanently added to your PATH environment variable, even if no conda environment is currently active. This makes it possible for other software to use these package files, which might lead to errors.
       </Warning>

       <Warning>
         As of `Anaconda Distribution 2022.05`, the option to add Anaconda Distribution to the PATH environment variable during an **All Users** installation has been disabled. This was done to address [a security exploit](https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-26526). You can still add Anaconda Distribution to the PATH environment variable during a **Just Me** installation.
       </Warning>
     </DefinitionDescription>

     <DefinitionTerm>
       Register Anaconda3 as my default Python 3.12
     </DefinitionTerm>

     <DefinitionDescription>
       Selected by default. Registers the Python package in this install as the default Python for programs like VSCode, PyCharm, and so on.
     </DefinitionDescription>

     <DefinitionTerm>
       Clear the package cache upon completion
     </DefinitionTerm>

     <DefinitionDescription>
       Runs `conda clean --all --force-pkgs-dirs` after the install finishes. For more information on these commands, see the [conda command documentation](https://docs.conda.io/projects/conda/en/stable/commands/clean.html).
     </DefinitionDescription>
   </DefinitionList>

9. Select **Install**. The installation might take a few minutes to complete. Select **Show details** to view the packages being installed.

10. Select **Next** twice, then select **Finish** to close the installer.

## Verify your install

You can verify your installation was successful using Anaconda Navigator or Anaconda Prompt.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Anaconda Navigator">
    [Anaconda Navigator](/legacy/anaconda-navigator/main) opens automatically when installation completes successfully.

    If you need to manually open Anaconda Navigator, type "Anaconda Navigator" in the Windows search bar, then select the application.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/anaconda-29683c67/Lg6_sEncIGj5frX3/images/anaconda-navigator-search-windows.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Lg6_sEncIGj5frX3&q=85&s=96686e01035122d930dbd461b495d359" alt="Windows desktop with Anaconda Navigator in the taskbar search field." width="1922" height="1018" data-path="images/anaconda-navigator-search-windows.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Anaconda Prompt">
    [Anaconda Prompt](/reference/glossary#anaconda-prompt) is a command-line shell application that is included with conda installations for Windows.

    To open Anaconda Prompt, type "Anaconda Prompt" in the Windows search bar, then select the application.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/anaconda-29683c67/aG2LtQCwack7eY6N/images/anaconda_prompt.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=aG2LtQCwack7eY6N&q=85&s=0de2ad7f8dc160cd1aaaa655c44d2fb4" alt="Windows desktop with Anaconda Prompt in the taskbar search field." width="3460" height="2164" data-path="images/anaconda_prompt.png" />
    </Frame>

    Your Anaconda Prompt window will display something like the following, with your base environment activated by default:

    ```sh theme={null}
    (base) C:\Users\myusername>
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Choose how you want to work with conda

Anaconda Navigator provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to interface with <Tooltip tip="An open-source package and environment manager that installs, updates, and removes packages with their dependencies in isolated environments, allowing multiple versions of the same software without conflicts.">conda</Tooltip>, without using the command line.

If you prefer working at the command line, you can interface with conda directly through [Anaconda Prompt](/reference/glossary#anaconda-prompt) (Windows) or your system's terminal (macOS and Linux) after you complete your installation.

<Note>
  Anaconda Navigator is not included with Miniconda. Follow the instructions on [Installing Navigator](/legacy/anaconda-navigator/install) to manually install Navigator onto your computer.
</Note>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get started with Navigator" icon="desktop" href="/legacy/anaconda-navigator/getting-started">
    <div style={{ position: "absolute", top: 0, right: 0, padding: "8px" }}>
      <BeginnerGlasses />
    </div>

    <span style={{ display: "block", marginTop: 0, marginBottom: 0 }}>
      Manage packages and environments with a desktop application
    </span>
  </Card>

  <Card title="Work with conda" icon="terminal" href="/getting-started/working-with-conda/main">
    Use command-line tools for package and environment management
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Advanced install options

For more advanced installation options, such as installing with silent mode, installing on older operating systems, or installing for multiple users, see [Advanced installation](/getting-started/advanced-install/main).

## Troubleshooting

<Troubleshoot>
  <TroubleshootTitle>
    ### Windows permission errors when installing from Favorites folder
  </TroubleshootTitle>

  <TroubleshootCause>
    The Windows Favorites folder has unusual permissions and may cause permission errors with installers of any software. If you try launching the installer from the Favorites folder, you may see errors such as "Setup was unable to create the directory", "Access is denied", or "Error opening file for writing".
  </TroubleshootCause>

  <TroubleshootSolution>
    Move the installer to a different folder and run the installer from the new folder.
  </TroubleshootSolution>
</Troubleshoot>

<Troubleshoot>
  <TroubleshootTitle>
    ### Cannot see Anaconda menu shortcuts after installation on Windows
  </TroubleshootTitle>

  <TroubleshootCause>
    After installing on Windows, the Anaconda Prompt and Anaconda Navigator shortcuts do not appear in the Windows Start menu.<br /><br />

    This may be caused by the way Windows updates the Start menu, or by having multiple versions of Python installed that are interfering with one another. Existing Python installations, installations of Python modules in global locations, or libraries that have the same names as Anaconda libraries can all prevent Anaconda from working properly.
  </TroubleshootCause>

  <TroubleshootSolution>
    If Start menu shortcuts are missing, Microsoft recommends rebooting your computer or [restarting Windows Explorer](https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-performance/force-refresh-of-start-menu-start-screen-in/ee4e36d2-91d0-4f34-9eb8-b17ab096e83c?auth=1).<br /><br />

    If that doesn't work, clear your `$PYTHONPATH` environment variable, if applicable, and re-install Anaconda.<br /><br />

    Other potential solutions are covered in the "Conflicts with system state" section of the following [blog post](https://www.anaconda.com/blog/who-you-gonna-call-halloween-tips-treats-to-protect-you-from-ghosts-gremlins-and-software-vulnerabilities).
  </TroubleshootSolution>
</Troubleshoot>

<Troubleshoot>
  <TroubleshootTitle>
    ### Windows error: Failed to create Anaconda menus or Failed to add Anaconda to the system PATH
  </TroubleshootTitle>

  <TroubleshootCause>
    During installation on a Windows system, a dialog appears that says "Failed to create Anaconda menus, Abort Retry Ignore" or "Failed to add Anaconda to the system PATH". There are many possible Windows causes for this.
  </TroubleshootCause>

  <TroubleshootSolution>
    Try these solutions, in order:

    * Do not install on a PATH longer than 1024 characters.
    * Turn off anti-virus programs before installing, then turn the anti-virus programs back on.
    * Uninstall all previous Python installations.
    * Clear all PATHs related to Python in sysdm.cpl file.
    * Delete any previously set up Java PATHs.
    * If JDK is installed, uninstall it.

    <Note>
      To find your path variable:

      1. Search for "environment variables" in the search in your taskbar.
      2. Click **Edit the System Environment Variables** in the sidebar.
      3. Click **Environment Variables** in the System Properties dialog.
      4. Highlight the **path** variable for your user.
      5. Click **Edit**.
    </Note>
  </TroubleshootSolution>
</Troubleshoot>

<Troubleshoot>
  <TroubleshootTitle>
    ### Anaconda interfering with other software on Windows
  </TroubleshootTitle>

  <TroubleshootCause>
    If a user chooses to add Anaconda to the Windows PATH, this can cause programs to use the new Anaconda versions of software (like Python) and not the versions that were already in place. In some cases, this can cause incompatibility and errors.
  </TroubleshootCause>

  <TroubleshootSolution>
    Anaconda does NOT recommend adding Anaconda to the Windows PATH manually. Instead, use Anaconda software by opening Anaconda Navigator or Anaconda Prompt from the Start Menu.
  </TroubleshootSolution>
</Troubleshoot>

<Troubleshoot>
  <TroubleshootTitle>
    ### Trouble with activation on PowerShell on Windows
  </TroubleshootTitle>

  <TroubleshootCause>
    Some users might run into the following backtrace on Windows:

    ```sh theme={null}
    File "C:\Users\damia\Miniconda3\lib\site-packages\conda\activate.py", line 550, in _replace_prefix_in_path
    assert last_idx is not None
    AssertionError
    ```
  </TroubleshootCause>

  <TroubleshootSolution>
    1. Open a Command Prompt window.
    2. Navigate to where you installed conda. The following command shows the default:

       ```sh theme={null}
       cd C:\Users\<USERNAME>
       ```
    3. Run the following command:

       ```sh theme={null}
       python -m conda init
       ```
    4. Close the Command Prompt window.

           <Note>
             If the above method didn't work, try running:

             ```sh theme={null}
             conda update conda
             ```
           </Note>
  </TroubleshootSolution>
</Troubleshoot>

<Troubleshoot>
  <TroubleshootTitle>
    ### Proxy request sent, not found
  </TroubleshootTitle>

  <TroubleshootCause>
    Your company likely has security policies or a firewall in place that prevent communications with external servers or certain URLs.
  </TroubleshootCause>

  <TroubleshootSolution>
    1. First, work with your IT team to allowlist connections to the following URLs:

       ```txt theme={null}
       https://anaconda.org
       https://repo.anaconda.com
       https://repo.anaconda.cloud
       ```

           <Note>
             Allowlisting `https://repo.anaconda.cloud` is only necessary if your company has an Anaconda Platform organization and you require access to channels in that organization.
           </Note>

    2. [Install](/getting-started/main) Anaconda Distribution or Miniconda again.

    Once your installation is complete, you might also need to connect your company's firewall/proxy server to your conda configuration file (`.condarc`). For more information on this, see [Using Anaconda behind a firewall or proxy](/anaconda-platform/getting-started-with-anaconda-platform#using-anaconda-behind-a-firewall-or-proxy-optional).
  </TroubleshootSolution>
</Troubleshoot>