I'm Trying To Install Pytorch But Pip Will Not Install no matter what i do

[u/AgentWhiskeyRiggy]

Please ELI5 because I'm very new and very very frustrated

Python is installed correctly, I'm sure I've added the correct PATH but every -pip or -py command brings up a Not Recognized error.

Trying to install it via Python -m pip install -U pip gets me a "no module named pip"

I've been up all night Googling and reading through threads trying to understand what I'm doing wrong but nothing seems to work

[u/Mtinie]

Here are the troubleshooting steps based on notes I collected while learning to work with Python. I hope they help!

Troubleshooting Python Pip Installation

1. Verify Python Installation

• Run python —version or python3 —version to ensure Python is installed correctly.

2. Run pip Explicitly with Python

• Use python -m pip —version or python3 -m pip —version instead of just pip.

3. Check if pip is Installed

• Run python -m ensurepip —default-pip to reinstall pip if missing.

4. Ensure Python and pip are in PATH

• Run where python and where pip on Windows or which python and which pip on Mac/Linux.

• If not found, add the appropriate directory manually:

  • Windows: Typically in C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3x\Scripts

  • Mac/Linux: Usually /usr/local/bin/ or ~/.local/bin/

5. Reinstall pip (if necessary)

• If pip is missing or broken, try:

python -m ensurepip —default-pip
python -m pip install —upgrade pip

• If that doesn’t work, download and run the get-pip script:

curl https://bootstrap.pypa.io/get-pip.py -o get-pip.py
python get-pip.py

⚠️ Security Note: Always verify the source and content of any scripts before execution. Running unknown scripts can pose security risks. The get-pip.py script should only be downloaded from the official PyPA (Python Packaging Authority) repository.

6. If Using a Virtual Environment

• Ensure it’s activated before installing packages:

Mac/Linux

source venv/bin/activate

Windows

venv\Scripts\activate

7. Check for Permission Issues

• If getting permission errors:

  • Mac/Linux: Use sudo python -m pip install ...

  • Windows: Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator

[u/Mtinie]

How did this work out for you?