The Python versions that can run on Windows XP are mainly the following two:
1. Python 2.7#
Python 2.7 is the last version in the Python 2 series and is a very stable and compatible version on Windows XP. Although Python 2.7 officially stopped maintenance and support on January 1, 2020, it still runs well on Windows XP.
2. Python 3.4#
Python 3.4 is the last version in the Python 3 series that supports Windows XP. It provides compatibility fixes for the Windows XP system environment, and after this version, proper functioning on XP is no longer guaranteed. Python 3.4 ended support on March 18, 2019, and no official bug fixes or security updates are provided.
Installation Steps#
Taking Python 2.7 as an example, here are the installation steps:
-
Download the Python 2.7 installation package:
- Visit the archive page of the official Python website to download the installation package for Python 2.7. Make sure to choose the version suitable for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Download link: Python 2.7.18
-
Run the installer:
- Double-click the downloaded installation package and follow the prompts of the installation wizard.
- During the installation process, select the "Add Python to PATH" option, which will automatically configure the environment variable, making it convenient for you to run Python directly from the command line.
-
Verify the installation:
- Open the command prompt and type
python --version
orpython -V
. If the version number is displayed correctly, it means Python has been successfully installed. - You can also enter
python
to access the interactive interpreter for simple tests to ensure everything is working properly.
- Open the command prompt and type
Notes#
- Security: Since Python 2.7 and Python 3.4 have stopped official support, using these versions may pose security risks. It is recommended to upgrade your system to an operating system that supports the latest Python versions for better performance and security.
- Third-party libraries: Although Python 2.7 and Python 3.4 can still use many third-party libraries, some of the latest libraries may not be compatible with these versions. If you need to use specific third-party libraries, you may need to look for older versions of those libraries.
By following the above steps, you can successfully install and use Python 2.7 or Python 3.4 on the Windows XP system.