How to Install Anaconda on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

If you want to use Python for data science, machine learning, AI, or development, Anaconda gives you everything in one package. Instead of installing Python, pip, Jupyter, and dozens of libraries separately, you can install Anaconda once and start working immediately.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to install Anaconda on Windows 11 the correct way.

What Is Anaconda?

Anaconda is a Python distribution designed for data science and development. It includes:

• Python
• Conda package manager
• Jupyter Notebook
• Spyder IDE
• 250+ preinstalled scientific libraries

It saves time and avoids dependency conflicts.

Step 1: Download Anaconda for Windows 11

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Open your browser.
2. Go to the official website: https://www.anaconda.com/download
3. Select:
   • Windows
   • 64-Bit Graphical Installer
4. Click Download.

Always download the 64-bit version on Windows 11.

Do not download from third-party websites.

Step 2: Run the Installer

After downloading:

1. Open the .exe installer file.
2. Click Next.
3. Accept the License Agreement.
4. Choose Just Me (Recommended).
5. Click Next.

Choosing “Just Me” avoids permission problems later.

Step 3: Choose Installation Location

You will see the install path.

Keep the default:

C:\Users\YourUsername\anaconda3

Do not install Anaconda inside Program Files.

Click Next.

Step 4: Advanced Installation Options (Important)

You will see two options on this screen:

1. Add Anaconda to my PATH environment variable
2. Register Anaconda as my default Python

Configure them exactly as follows:

• Leave “Add Anaconda to my PATH environment variable” unchecked.
• Select “Register Anaconda as my default Python.”

Do not add Anaconda to PATH. It can create conflicts if another version of Python is already installed.

After confirming these settings, click Install.

Wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 5: Finish Installation

When installation finishes:

1. Click Next
2. Click Finish

You can skip optional tutorials if shown.

Step 6: Verify Anaconda Installation

Now confirm everything works.

Method 1: Open Anaconda Navigator

1. Press Start
2. Search Anaconda Navigator
3. Open it

If it launches successfully, your installation worked.

Method 2: Check Using Anaconda Prompt

1. Open Anaconda Prompt
2. Type:

conda --version

If you see something like:

conda 24.x.x

Anaconda installed correctly.

Step 7: Create a New Environment (Recommended)

Creating environments keeps projects clean and avoids breaking dependencies.

Open Anaconda Prompt and run:

conda create -n myenv python=3.11

Activate it:

conda activate myenv

Now you can install packages safely:

conda install numpy pandas matplotlib

This setup protects your base environment.

Step 8: Launch Jupyter Notebook

After creating and activating your environment, start using Anaconda.

Activate your environment:

conda activate myenv

Then launch Jupyter Notebook:

jupyter notebook

Your browser will open automatically. You can now write and run Python code inside notebook cells.

This confirms that Anaconda, Python, and Jupyter are working properly.

Step 9: Test Installed Packages

Open a new notebook and run:

import sys
print(sys.version)

Then test your libraries:

import numpy
import pandas
import matplotlib

If no errors appear, your setup works correctly.

Step 10: Update Conda (Recommended)

Keeping conda updated helps prevent compatibility issues later.

Run:

conda update conda
conda update anaconda

Allow the process to complete.

Step 11: Best Practice After Installation

Follow these habits:

• Do not install heavy packages in the base environment.
• Create a new environment for each project.
• Use clear environment names like ml-project or data-analysis.

This keeps your projects organized and prevents dependency conflicts.

FAQs:

How do I install Anaconda on Windows 11?

Download the 64-bit installer from the official Anaconda website, run the setup file, choose “Just Me,” do not add to PATH, and complete the installation. Then verify using conda --version.

Is Anaconda compatible with Windows 11?

Yes. Anaconda fully supports Windows 11 64-bit systems. Always download the latest Windows installer from the official website.

Should I add Anaconda to PATH on Windows 11?

No. Do not add Anaconda to PATH during installation. It can cause conflicts with other Python installations. Use Anaconda Prompt instead.

Why is conda not recognized after installation?

This happens when you open regular Command Prompt. Open Anaconda Prompt instead to use conda commands.

What is the difference between Anaconda and Miniconda on Windows 11?

Anaconda installs Python and many data science libraries by default. Miniconda installs only Python and conda, so you add packages manually.

How do I verify Anaconda installation on Windows 11?

Open Anaconda Prompt and run: conda --version. If it shows a version number, Anaconda installed correctly.

Can I install Anaconda without admin rights on Windows 11?

Yes. Choose “Just Me” during installation. You do not need administrator access.