3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi?

– RaspberryTips

PROGRAMMING

How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi?

If you click our links and make a purchase, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Raspberry Pi and Python work well together, and Python comes pre-installed on your Raspberry Pi OS. But as often with
computers and programming, it’s not always that simple. In this article, I’ll tell and show you everything you need to know
about the Python versions on your Raspberry Pi.

The only way to install the latest Python version on Raspberry Pi OS is to download it from the official website and
install it from sources. Raspberry Pi OS repositories are generally late from a few versions.

As always, I’m doing this on my Raspberry Pi, so you won’t have to face bugs and errors yourself. Follow my
recommendations below and everything should work on the first try!

Table of Contents

How to know which Python version is installed

Find the latest Python version available
Install the latest Python version on Raspberry Pi
Make Python 3 the default version on Raspberry Pi OS
Update Python on Raspberry Pi
Final thoughts

If you’re like me and sometimes mix up syntax between programming languages, I’ve got just the thing for you. I’ve put
together a Python cheat sheet with all the essential syntax in one place, so you can keep it handy and avoid any confusion.
Download it here for free!

Want the best experience? Become a premium member for ad-free browsing, access exclusive content, and ask
questions in our private forums. Your membership helps support the site!

[Link] 1/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

How to know which Python version is installed

To find the exact version number, use the command line “python –version” or “python3 –version”.

Get Your Linux Commands Guide!

All Raspberry Pi commands in one handy cheat-sheet (PDF)

I agree to my personal data being used for interest-based advertising as outlined in the Privacy
Notice.

Your Email... DOWNLOAD NOW

Warning: these commands may not return the same value if you have multiple versions installed (as was the
case with Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye and earlier).
It can be a little disturbing, but yes, there were two versions already installed on your Pi. When you used the
command “python” to run a script, you were running it with Python 2. And the “python3” command did the
same thing with version 3.

The exact version depends on the latest one available in the Raspberry Pi OS repository. In most cases, with Debian based
distribution, these versions are a bit dated. At the time of writing, Python 3.11.2 is two years old, and it’s the one pre-
installed on Raspberry Pi OS.

Also: Tired of Raspberry Pi OS? Level up with these top-rated systems.

By the way, if it is unclear to you why Python is used on Raspberry Pi, you should click on that link to know everything
about it.

Find the latest Python version available

The easiest way to find the latest Python release available is to go to the official Python website. On the download
page, the latest versions are listed with their release date and maintenance status.

[Link] 2/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

This first table gives you an overview of the latest Pythons versions. As you can see on the Download page, Python 3.11 was
released in 2022. In the next section, we’ll learn how to update it on your Raspberry Pi.

Grab my Python cheat sheet!

If like me, you always mix up the language's syntax, download my cheat sheet for Python here!

Download Now

Install the latest Python version on Raspberry Pi

As Raspberry Pi OS is always a few Python versions late, the only way to install the latest Python version on your Raspberry
Pi is to download the source code from the official website and install it manually:

Step 1: Download the latest version of Python from the official website.
Step 2: Extract the files on the Raspberry Pi.
Step 3: Configure the system to use the latest Python version.

Let’s see how to do this.

Download and extract the latest Python version

Go to the Python download page.
Look for the second table on that page “Looking for a specific release?”:

Click on the “Download” link corresponding to the version you want to install.
In my case, I will install Python 3.12.4.

[Link] 3/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

Scroll to the bottom of the next page, and find the list of download links:

Right click on “Gzipped source tarball” and choose “Copy link address” from the browser contextual menu.

For the following, you need to open a terminal on Raspberry Pi OS, or connect via SSH to type a few commands. If
you need help with the SSH part, you can read my tutorial here which has all the information you might need.

Download the latest Python file with:

wget [Link]

Replace the URL with the link you paste in the previous step.

wget <url>

Related: How to Download Files on Linux Using Terminal

Extract the files with:

tar zxvf [Link]

Change the Python version if you downloaded another one.

tar zxvf <filename>

Related: How To Use the Tar Command on Linux: A Complete Guide

Are you a bit lost in the Linux command line? Check this article first for the most important commands to remember and a
free downloadable cheat sheet so you can have the commands at your fingertips.

Also: Yes, you can access your Pi from anywhere. Here's how.

Configure and install Python latest version

Now we need to compile the source code to install this Python version on your Raspberry Pi:

Move to the folder containing the extracted files:

cd Python-3.12.4

Run the configuration command:

./configure --enable-optimizations

As Python is already installed on your Raspberry Pi, it should work directly. But if you have an error, you probably need

[Link] 4/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

to install or update the missing components (use APT to fix any error).

Once done, run this command to install it:

sudo make altinstall

This may take some time depending on your Raspberry Pi model and version (at least 15 minutes on Raspberry Pi 4/5 with
Bookworm).

Make Python 3 the default version on Raspberry Pi OS

Each installed version of Python on your system adds a new executable in /usr/local/bin that you can use to run a
program. For example, in my case I know have:

python3 : The default Python 3 version.

python3.11 : If I want to run a script with the version from the repository.
python3.12 : The one I just installed from sources.

But when I use “python –version”, I’m still using Python 3.11.
To choose the version you want to run, you have two choices:

Always run a Python script specifying the exact version you want to use in the command line. For example:

python3.12 [Link]

This is probably the safest option if you regularly switch from one version to another.
Or, you can replace the link in your /usr/local/bin folder to point to the version you want to use by default (more
details here).

Here is what it looks like on my Raspberry Pi currently:

So basically, it will still use Python 3.11 no matter what command I use. Python 3.12 is available under /usr/local/bin, but
not under /usr/bin yet.

And here is how to change this link to use the version you just installed:

Also: I've tested hundreds of Linux apps, here are the ones I recommend.

[Link] 5/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

Go to /usr/bin:

cd /usr/bin

Remove the current link:

sudo rm python

Link the version you intend to use instead:

sudo ln -s /usr/local/bin/python3.12 python

Check that everything is fine:

python --version

It should now display the version you just installed (3.12.4 for me).

Note: If you are using Thonny to code in Python, it uses “/usr/bin/python3” by default, which links to the latest
version installed by Raspberry Pi OS (3.11.2 in my case). If you want to use the latest Python version with Thonny,
you have to update this link as well.

Stop Guessing. Here’s Every Pi Command You Need!

Download this reference sheet and never feel stuck again.

I Want This Cheat Sheet!

Update Python on Raspberry Pi

We have seen how to install a specific Python version on Raspberry Pi OS, but how to update it from there?

Grab my Python cheat sheet!

If like me, you always mix up the language's syntax, download my cheat sheet for Python here!

Download Now

To update Python on Raspberry Pi, start by making sure your whole system is up-to-date:

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

[Link] 6/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

Even if Raspberry Pi OS is always a few versions behind the latest Python version available, you can still get updates with
apt, as for any other software on your device.

Once done, check the currently installed version with:

python --version
python3 --version

If it doesn’t show the version you need to use, you will have to follow this tutorial from the beginning once again.
Downloading the sources and compiling it for the desired version is the only solution each time you want to update, there
isn’t a magic command to do it automatically.

And it’s important to know which version you are using when you install additional libraries for Python on your Raspberry
Pi.

Also: I tried to replace my main PC with a Pi 5, here's what happened.

Stop Guessing. Here’s Every Pi Command You Need!

Download this reference sheet and never feel stuck again.

I Want This Cheat Sheet!

🛠 This tutorial doesn't work anymore? Report the issue here, so that I can update it!

Want to chat with other Raspberry Pi enthusiasts? Join the community, share your current projects and ask for help
directly in the forums.

You may also like:

Your Python script can have a GUI, here's how
Managing Python libraries the right way
Programming your Raspberry Pi camera with Python
Using GPIO pins with Python doesn't have to be complicated
Master Python on Raspberry Pi (ebook)

Final thoughts
I hope this post made how the Python versions work on Raspberry Pi clear for you. You now know that there are at least
two versions installed and that you can easily switch between them by changing the command you use.

Also, make sure to install the modules related to the Python version you use (python-gpiozero and python3-gpiozero are
two different packages). PIP also has two versions (pip and pip3). It can be misleading for beginners, but it’s really useful
once you are used to.

Let me know in the community if you have any related question about Python on Raspberry Pi.
Meanwhile, feel free to check my other tutorials on Python on this website:

How to Learn to Program in Python with a Raspberry Pi?

How to program Minecraft with Python on a Raspberry Pi?
How to Make a Discord Bot on Raspberry Pi? (Python easy method)

[Link] 7/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

I also have a list of 15 projects with Python on Raspberry Pi that you can check if you need some inspiration.

Whenever you’re ready, here are other ways I can help you:

The RaspberryTips Community: If you want to hang out with me and other Raspberry Pi fans, you can join the
community. I share exclusive tutorials and behind-the-scenes content there. Premium members can also visit the
website without ads.

Master your Raspberry Pi in 30 days: If you are looking for the best tips to become an expert on Raspberry Pi,
this book is for you. Learn useful Linux skills and practice multiple projects with step-by-step guides.

The Raspberry Pi Bootcamp: Understand everything about the Raspberry Pi, stop searching for help all the
time, and finally enjoy completing your projects.

Master Python on Raspberry Pi: Create, understand, and improve any Python script for your Raspberry Pi.
Learn the essentials step-by-step without losing time understanding useless concepts.

You can also find all my recommendations for tools and hardware on this page.

How would you rate this article?

Click on a star to rate it!

Also: Looking for a fun challenge? Start building your first Raspberry Pi robot!


Average rating 3.7 / 5. Vote count: 3

Patrick Fromaget

I'm the lead author and owner of [Link].

My goal is to help you with your Raspberry Pi problems using detailed guides and tutorials.

[Link] 8/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

In real life, I'm a Linux system administrator with web developer experience.

PREVIOUS NEXT

How to Install Gentoo on Raspberry Pi: the Ultimate Guide How to Download Files on Linux Using Terminal

Similar Posts

Pi & Should You Learn Linux or Python first? How to Read and Write RFID Tag
Raspberry Pi

5 Comments

Binyamin says:
June 1, 2022 at 3:43 pm

Thank you for buteaful tutorial

In my case I was still missing SSL module,
so I had to go back and install dependecies:

sudo apt-get install build-essential checkinstall

sudo apt-get install libreadline-gplv2-dev libncursesw5-dev libssl-dev libsqlite3-dev tk-dev libgdbm-dev
libc6-dev libbz2-dev

Jay k says:
June 15, 2022 at 11:00 am

[Link] 9/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

Thanks for the guide it worked without errors but after following all the steps i got the error in pip. I used pip3.7 to look at all the
libraries pre installed and also to install the libraries required. I got the following error

pi@raspberrypi:/ $ pip3.7 list

Package Version
———- ——-
pip 19.0.3
setuptools 40.8.0
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “/usr/local/bin/pip3.7”, line 10, in <module>
[Link](main())
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/__init__.py”, line 78, in main
return [Link](cmd_args)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/cli/base_command.py”, line 228, in main
timeout=min(5, [Link])
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/cli/base_command.py”, line 93, in _build_session
insecure_hosts=options.trusted_hosts,
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/[Link]”, line 344, in __init__
[Link][“User-Agent”] = user_agent()
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/[Link]”, line 108, in user_agent
zip([“name”, “version”, “id”], distro.linux_distribution()),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 120, in linux_distribution
return _distro.linux_distribution(full_distribution_name)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 675, in linux_distribution
[Link](),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 735, in version
self.lsb_release_attr(‘release’),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 892, in lsb_release_attr
return self._lsb_release_info.get(attribute, ”)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 550, in __get__
ret = obj.__dict__[self._fname] = self._f(obj)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 998, in _lsb_release_info
stdout = subprocess.check_output(cmd, stderr=devnull)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/[Link]”, line 395, in check_output
**kwargs).stdout
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/[Link]”, line 487, in run
output=stdout, stderr=stderr)
[Link]: Command ‘(‘lsb_release’, ‘-a’)’ returned non-zero exit status 1.

so what to do now please help!!!

Jay k says:
June 15, 2022 at 11:22 am

And this the error I’m getting if I try to install a library

pi@raspberrypi:/ $ pip3.7 install numpy

Exception:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/cli/base_command.py”, line 179, in main
status = [Link](options, args)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/commands/[Link]”, line 255, in run
with self._build_session(options) as session:
[Link] 10/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/cli/base_command.py”, line 93, in _build_session

insecure_hosts=options.trusted_hosts,
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/[Link]”, line 344, in __init__
[Link][“User-Agent”] = user_agent()
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/[Link]”, line 108, in user_agent
zip([“name”, “version”, “id”], distro.linux_distribution()),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 120, in linux_distribution
return _distro.linux_distribution(full_distribution_name)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 675, in linux_distribution
[Link](),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 735, in version
self.lsb_release_attr(‘release’),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 892, in lsb_release_attr
return self._lsb_release_info.get(attribute, ”)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 550, in __get__
ret = obj.__dict__[self._fname] = self._f(obj)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 998, in _lsb_release_info
stdout = subprocess.check_output(cmd, stderr=devnull)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/[Link]”, line 395, in check_output
**kwargs).stdout
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/[Link]”, line 487, in run
output=stdout, stderr=stderr)
[Link]: Command ‘(‘lsb_release’, ‘-a’)’ returned non-zero exit status 1.
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “/usr/local/bin/pip3.7”, line 10, in <module>
[Link](main())
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/__init__.py”, line 78, in main
return [Link](cmd_args)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/cli/base_command.py”, line 228, in main
timeout=min(5, [Link])
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/cli/base_command.py”, line 93, in _build_session
insecure_hosts=options.trusted_hosts,
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/[Link]”, line 344, in __init__
[Link][“User-Agent”] = user_agent()
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_internal/[Link]”, line 108, in user_agent
zip([“name”, “version”, “id”], distro.linux_distribution()),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 120, in linux_distribution
return _distro.linux_distribution(full_distribution_name)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 675, in linux_distribution
[Link](),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 735, in version
self.lsb_release_attr(‘release’),
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 892, in lsb_release_attr
return self._lsb_release_info.get(attribute, ”)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 550, in __get__
ret = obj.__dict__[self._fname] = self._f(obj)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/site-packages/pip/_vendor/[Link]”, line 998, in _lsb_release_info
stdout = subprocess.check_output(cmd, stderr=devnull)
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/[Link]”, line 395, in check_output
**kwargs).stdout
File “/usr/local/lib/python3.7/[Link]”, line 487, in run
output=stdout, stderr=stderr)
[Link]: Command ‘(‘lsb_release’, ‘-a’)’ returned non-zero exit status 1.

[Link] 11/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

nephi says:
August 15, 2022 at 11:51 pm

followed your steps and I was able to download the current version 3.10.6 and get the file but I cant get the system to install that
version it says im still using 3.7.3. ~/Python-3.10.6 $ python3 –version
Python 3.7.3

Patrick Fromaget says:

August 16, 2022 at 10:04 am

You can use python3.10 instead of python3.

Or update the symbolic link for python3, something like that:

cd /usr/bin/
sudo unlink python3
sudo ln -s /usr/bin/python3.10 python3

The easiest way is probably to uninstall Python 3.7 if you don’t need it anymore.

Comments are closed.

Search

Welcome

Welcome! I'm Patrick – a Linux professional with a soft spot for the Raspberry Pi. Here, I share projects, tips, and lessons I've
picked up on my journey. Whether you're a beginner or an enthusiast like me, I'm sure you'll find something helpful and inspiring
here!

About RaspberryTips About me

My Python Cheat Sheet

Grab your one page summary of the Python syntax for your projects!

[Link] 12/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

Free Download

Join The Community

Chat with other Raspberry Pi users

Ask for advices
Get access to exclusive content
Browse the website without ads
and more...

Join now!

[Link] 13/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 14/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 15/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 16/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 17/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 18/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 19/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 20/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 21/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 22/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 23/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 24/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

Resources Social Company

Private Community About RaspberryTips

The Raspberry Pi Bootcamp About Patrick

Master Raspberry Pi in 30 days Privacy Policy

Master Python on Raspberry Pi Terms and Conditions

Master Linux commands Write for us

Recommended products Affiliate Program

Newsletter Contact

© 2025 RaspberryTips. WebInpact, 12 Rue de la Part-Dieu, 69003 Lyon (France). All rights reserved.

Version française - Versión española

This site is owned and operated by WebInpact. [Link] is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed

to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to [Link]. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for

referring traffic and business to these companies.

Raspberry Pi is a trademark of the Raspberry Pi Foundation

All content on this website, including text and images, is the intellectual property of WebInpact and is protected by copyright. Reproduction or redistribution of this content

without permission is prohibited.

Update Privacy Settings

[Link] 25/26
3/28/25, 2:23 PM How To Install the Latest Python Version on Raspberry Pi? – RaspberryTips

[Link] 26/26