# How to add Python to your system path with uv

Python versions installed by [uv](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/uv.md) are automatically added to your PATH. When you run `uv python install`, uv places versioned Python executables (like `python3.12`) in a directory on your PATH (typically `~/.local/bin` on macOS and Linux, or `%USERPROFILE%\.local\bin` on Windows).

## Installing a Python version

```bash
uv python install 3.12
```

After running the command, the versioned executable is available:

```console
$ python3.12 --version
Python 3.12.x
```

To also install unversioned `python` and `python3` executables, use the `--default` flag:

```bash
uv python install --default 3.12
```

Then verify:

```console
$ python --version
Python 3.12.x
```

{{< callout type="info" >}}
The `--default` flag is experimental and may change in future uv releases. The versioned executable installation (e.g. `python3.12`) is stable.
{{< /callout >}}

You can customize the installation directory with `UV_PYTHON_BIN_DIR` or the `XDG_BIN_HOME` environment variable. To skip PATH installation entirely, pass `--no-bin`.

## Managing multiple Python versions

You can install multiple versions at once:

```bash
uv python install 3.10 3.11 3.12
```

Each becomes a separate executable on PATH (`python3.10`, `python3.11`, `python3.12`).