How to Install and Set Up Miniconda and Install Jupytor Notebook Windows

If you’re starting with Python and want a lightweight way to manage packages and environments, Miniconda is a great choice. It’s essentially Conda without all the extra packages Anaconda ships with. You install only what you need, keeping things clean and simple.

This guide walks you step-by-step through installing and setting up Miniconda on Windows.

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1. Download Miniconda

1. Go to the Anaconda Download page.
   👉 Yes, Miniconda is downloaded from the same Anaconda page — just scroll to the Miniconda section.
2. Under Miniconda Installers → Windows, download the 64-bit installer (most common).
   • This always gives you the latest Python release (e.g., Python 3.13).
   • If you specifically need an older version, use the Miniconda archive.

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2. Run the Installer

1. Double-click the installer file (Miniconda3-latest-Windows-x86_64.exe).
2. Accept the license agreement.
3. Choose “Just Me” (recommended) unless you want it system-wide.
4. Choose the install location (default is fine).

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3. Advanced Installation Options – Choose Carefully

When you reach the Advanced Installation Options screen, you’ll see these checkboxes:

1. Create shortcuts (for supported packages only)
   • ✔ Recommended. This adds shortcuts (like Anaconda Prompt) to the Windows Start Menu, making it easier to launch Conda tools.
2. Add installation to PATH environment variable
   • ❌ Not recommended. This can cause conflicts with other applications.
   • 🔄 Instead, use the shortcuts in the Start Menu (e.g., Anaconda Prompt) or later run conda init to enable Conda in Command Prompt or PowerShell.
3. Register Miniconda3 as the default Python 3.13
   • ✔ Recommended only if you don’t already have another Python installed.
   • ❌ If you have another Python version, leave unchecked to avoid overriding it.
4. Clear the package cache upon completion
   • ✔ Recommended. This safely deletes the temporary installation cache and frees up disk space.
   • If unchecked, Conda will keep the cache — harmless, but takes up extra space.

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4. Open Anaconda Prompt

After installation, open the Start Menu → search for Anaconda Prompt.

Type:

conda --version

You should see the installed version, confirming Conda is ready to use.

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5. Create and Manage Environments

Now you can start using Conda environments:

conda create -n myenv python=3.13
conda activate myenv

Install packages into the environment:

conda install numpy pandas

Deactivate the environment when done:

conda deactivate

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6. Keep Conda Updated

It’s a good habit to keep Conda itself up to date:

conda update conda

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7. Install Jupyter Notebook

With Miniconda ready, you can easily install Jupyter Notebook:

conda install jupyter notebook

Launch it:

jupyter notebook

A browser window will open. Click New → Python 3 to start a notebook.

Try:

print("Hello, world!")

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🎯 Final Notes

• Beginners: just use the Anaconda Prompt — it works out of the box.
• Advanced users: enable Conda in cmd/PowerShell with conda init.
• Always keep environments separate for each project.

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Bonus1: (Don’t Do unless needed) Using Conda in Command Prompt or PowerShell (Not Recommended Unless Needed)

By default, conda works only inside Anaconda Prompt. If you try this in plain Command Prompt right after installation:

C:\> conda --version
'conda' is not recognized as an internal or external command

That’s normal — because you didn’t add Miniconda to PATH.

Fix it with conda init

For command prompt, open Anaconda Prompt and run:

conda init cmd.exe

Close and reopen Command Prompt and we will see:

C:\> conda --version
conda 25.x.x

For PowerShell, open Anaconda Prompt and run:

conda init powershell

Close and reopen Command PowerShell. Now you’ll see:

PS C:\> conda --version
conda 25.x.x

If you ever want to undo this, run:

conda init --reverse cmd.exe

or

conda init --reverse powershell

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Bonus 2: (Don’t Do unless needed) Troubleshooting Tips

• conda not recognized in cmd/PowerShell?
  → Run conda init <shell> from Anaconda Prompt.
• Conflicts with another Python?
  → Uncheck “Register Miniconda as default Python” during install, or adjust PATH order manually.
• Need a fresh start?
  → Uninstall Miniconda, then reinstall with the recommended options.