The Learning Curves

How to Set Up Python the Right Way in 2025 (Without Anaconda)

2 min read

If you’ve been frustrated by Anaconda’s recent licensing changes — making Python usage for commercial and academic purposes a paid affair — you’re not alone. I went on a deep dive to find an alternative Python package and environment management setup that feels just as seamless, but is fully open-source and free from corporate control.

After trying many tools, I found a clean, minimal, and highly customizable workflow using Pyenv and venv. Here’s a complete guide to setting up Python the right way in 2025.

Step 1: Installing Pyenv on Windows

Pyenv is a lightweight Python version management tool. Here’s how to install it on a Windows system:

Invoke-WebRequest -UseBasicParsing -Uri "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/pyenv-win/pyenv-win/master/pyenv-win/install-pyenv-win.ps1" -OutFile "./install-pyenv-win.ps1"; &"./install-pyenv-win.ps1"

Troubleshooting: PowerShell Script Permissions

If you get a script execution error, update your policy with:

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned

Then re-run the install script. Once installed, restart PowerShell to make the changes take effect.

Step 2: Managing Python Versions with Pyenv

With Pyenv, you can install and switch between multiple Python versions — just like you would with Anaconda.

2.1 View Available Python Versions

pyenv install --list

2.2 Install a Specific Python Version

pyenv install <version>

Replace <version> with the version string you found in the list.

2.3 List Installed Python Versions

pyenv versions

2.4 Set a Global Default Python Version

pyenv global <version>

This sets the selected version as your system-wide default.

2.5 Verify the Default Python Version

python --version

This should return the version you set using pyenv global.

Step 3: Creating Python Virtual Environments with venv

While Pyenv handles Python versions, it doesn’t manage isolated environments like Conda does. That’s where venv — Python’s built-in virtual environment tool — comes in.

Why I Prefer venv

Keeping things simple and vanilla helps avoid toolchain bloat. venv is lightweight, built-in, and works across platforms.

Create a Virtual Environment

python -m venv myenv

Activate it using:

  • Windows (CMD): 
    myenv\Scripts\activate
  • PowerShell: 
    .\myenv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
  • macOS/Linux: 
    source myenv/bin/activate

Deactivate the Virtual Environment

deactivate

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a professional-grade Python setup in 2025 without corporate entanglements, Pyenv and venv provide a clean, modular alternative to Anaconda.

This stack keeps your development workflow:

  • Free and open-source
  • Easy to maintain
  • Compatible across platforms
  • Ideal for data science, machine learning, or software development