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Miniconda is a lightweight version of Anaconda that helps you quickly install Python and various packages. It's more suitable for beginners running AI programs than the full Anaconda distribution.

This tutorial will guide you step-by-step through installing Miniconda on Windows 10, using the official download link, configuring a Python 3.10 environment, and installing some common modules. Don't worry, even if you have no prior experience, you can easily get it done!

Step 1: Download and Install Miniconda ​

  1. Download Miniconda

  2. Install Miniconda

    • Double-click the downloaded file to open the installer window.

    • Click "Next", then agree to the license terms (click "I Agree").

    • Important: On the "Advanced Options" page, check the box for Add Miniconda3 to my PATH environment variable. This allows you to use the conda command directly. Otherwise, you will encounter the error: 'conda' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

    • Note: Some computers might warn that adding to PATH is not recommended. Ignore this warning and check the box. This is a common pitfall for beginners; if you don't check it, the commands won't work later.

  • Click "Install", wait a few minutes for the process to complete, then click "Finish".

Step 2: Check Installation and Create a Python 3.10 Virtual Environment ​

  1. Open the Command Line Terminal (CMD)

    • Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the "Run" dialog.
    • Type cmd and press Enter to open the black command line window.

  2. Check if Miniconda is Installed Successfully

    • In the command line, type: conda --version Press Enter. If you see something like conda 25.1.1, the installation was successful.

If it says "'conda' is not recognized...", it means the environment variable wasn't added. Reinstall and make sure to check Add Miniconda3 to my PATH environment variable.

  1. Create a Python 3.10 Virtual Environment
    • In the command line, type: conda create -n myai python=3.10
    • myai is the name of the environment, which you can change (e.g., ai_env).
    • After pressing Enter, the system will download Python 3.10 and some base packages. It will ask for confirmation "Y/N". Type y and press Enter to continue the installation.

  1. Activate the Virtual Environment
    • Type: conda activate myai Press Enter. If you see (myai) appear at the beginning of the command line prompt, you have successfully entered the environment.

  1. Common Virtual Environment Commands
    • Deactivate the environment: Type conda deactivate and press Enter. The (myai) prefix will disappear.
    • View all environments: Type conda env list to see a list of environments you've created.
    • Delete an environment (if you no longer need it): Type conda env remove -n myai.

Step 3: Use pip to Install Modules and requirements.txt ​

  1. Ensure You Are in the Virtual Environment

    • Type conda activate myai and confirm that (myai) is present in the command line prompt.

  2. Install a Common Module for Testing

    • For example, install numpy (a mathematical computing tool needed by many AI programs): pip install numpy Press Enter. After download and installation, you can check the version with python -c "import numpy; print(numpy.__version__)".

  3. Install from requirements.txt

    • If your AI software provides a requirements.txt file (listing required packages), copy it to a folder (e.g., a new folder "AIProject" on your desktop).
    • Navigate to that folder, then delete the contents of the folder address bar, type cmd, and press Enter to open a terminal window in that location:

  • Then type: pip install -r requirements.txt Press Enter. This will automatically install all packages listed in the file.

Step 4: Common pip Commands and Troubleshooting Frequent Errors ​

  1. Common pip Commands

    • Check pip version: pip --version to see if it's up-to-date.
    • Upgrade pip: If the version is old, type pip install --upgrade pip.
    • List installed packages: pip list to see what's installed.
    • Uninstall a package: For example, pip uninstall numpy to remove it.

  2. Common Errors and Solutions

    • Network Error (Slow download or failure):

      • It might be a network issue. Try a few more times, or use a domestic mirror in China to speed up downloads: pip install -r requirements.txt -i https://pypi.tuna.tsinghua.edu.cn/simple

    • Permission Error (Access Denied):

      • Run CMD as an administrator: Right-click the Start menu, select "Command Prompt (Admin)", and try the command again.

    • Dependency Conflict (Version incompatibility):

      • If prompted about a package conflict, try upgrading pip (pip install --upgrade pip) and then reinstalling. If it still doesn't work, ask the software author for recommended versions.

    • Command Not Recognized:

      • If pip doesn't work, try python -m ensurepip followed by python -m pip install --upgrade pip to repair it.

Now Miniconda is installed, your Python 3.10 environment is configured, and you can install various required packages. If your AI software has run instructions (e.g., python run.py), try entering the corresponding command while in the virtual environment (with the (myai) prefix active).