How do I run a Python program in the Command Prompt in Windows 7?

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You need to add C:\Python27 to your system PATH variable, not a new variable named “python”.

Find the system PATH environment variable, and append to it a ; (which is the delimiter) and the path to the directory containing python.exe (e.g. C:\Python27). See below for exact steps.

The PATH environment variable lists all the locations that Windows (and cmd.exe) will check when given the name of a command, e.g. “python” (it also uses the PATHEXT variable for a list of executable file extensions to try). The first executable file it finds on the PATH with that name is the one it starts.

Note that after changing this variable, there is no need to restart Windows, but only new instances of cmd.exe will have the updated PATH. You can type set PATH at the command prompt to see what the current value is.

Exact steps for adding Python to the path on Windows 7+:

  1. Computer -> System Properties (or Win+Break) -> Advanced System Settings
  2. Click the Environment variables... button (in the Advanced tab)
  3. Edit PATH and append ;C:\Python27 to the end (substitute your Python version)
  4. Click OK. Note that changes to the PATH are only reflected in command prompts opened after the change took place.

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