Selenium for Python is installed as a Python package, not as a Windows component. On Windows 10, install a supported Python release first, then install Selenium with pip inside a project virtual environment. Modern Selenium can usually manage compatible browser drivers through Selenium Manager. October 14, 2025 was the end of standard Windows 10 support.
Steps
Step 1: Install a supported Python version
Download Python from its official source or use an approved package-management method. During setup, make sure you know how the Python launcher or python command is exposed on your system.
Step 2: Create a project folder
Open Terminal or Command Prompt, create a folder for the Selenium project, and change into it.
Step 3: Create a virtual environment
Run py -m venv .venv on systems with the Python launcher. Activate it with .venv\Scripts\activate.
Step 4: Install Selenium
Run python -m pip install –upgrade selenium. Using python -m pip helps ensure the package is installed into the active Python environment.
Step 5: Verify the installation
Run python -c “import selenium; print(selenium.__version__)” and confirm that it prints a version without an import error.
Step 6: Create a simple browser test
Write a small script using Selenium’s webdriver for an installed supported browser. Current Selenium releases can commonly use Selenium Manager to resolve the required driver automatically.
What Happens Next
The Selenium package is isolated inside the virtual environment, which reduces conflicts between Python projects. Browser-driver handling is also simpler than older tutorials that required manually downloading a driver into PATH for every setup.
Troubleshooting and Useful Details
If Selenium Manager cannot obtain or locate a compatible driver because of a restricted network or enterprise policy, follow Selenium and browser-vendor documentation for managed driver deployment. Avoid downloading executables from unofficial driver sites.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.