How to access Anaconda command prompt in Windows 10 (64-bit)

Question

I had to install the 64-bit version of Anaconda with python 3.5 in Windows 10. I followed the default settings (AppData/Continuum/Anaconda3). However, after installation, I am unsure how to access the Anaconda command prompt so that I can use conda to install packages. I also attempted to install Anaconda 64 bit in C:/Program Files, but several of the python script did not like the space and it failed to install.

What can I do to access the Anaconda prompt?

Answer 1

If Anaconda Prompt is missing, you can create it by creating a shortcut file to Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe) and change its target to:

%windir%\System32\cmd.exe "/K" <Anaconda Location>\anaconda3\Scripts\activate.bat

Example:

%windir%\system32\cmd.exe "/K" C:\Users\user_1\AppData\Local\Continuum\anaconda3\Scripts\activate.bat

Answer 2

How to add Anaconda installation directory to your PATH variables

Adding Anaconda to your PATH variable will give you the ability to run a conda environment in any cmd or Powershell terminal window. Below are instructions on how to do that.

1. open environmental variables window

Do this by either going to my computer and then right-clicking the background for the context menu > "properties". On the left side open "advanced system settings" or just search for "env..." in the start menu ([Win]+[s] keys).

Then click on environment variables

If you struggle with this step read this explanation.

2. Edit Path in the user environmental variables section and add three new entries:

• D:\path\to\anaconda3
• D:\path\to\anaconda3\Scripts
• D:\path\to\anaconda3\Library\bin

D:\path\to\anaconda3 should be the folder where you have installed anaconda

Click [OK] on all opened windows.

If you did everything correctly, you can test a conda command by opening a new powershell window.

conda --version

This should output something like: conda 4.8.2

Answer 3

To run Anaconda Prompt using an icon, I made an icon and put:

%windir%\System32\cmd.exe "/K" C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\Scripts\activate.bat C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3 (The file location would be different in each computer.)

at icon -> right click -> Property -> Shortcut -> Target

I see %HOMEPATH% at icon -> right click -> Property -> Start in

Test environment
   OS: Windows 10
   Library: Anaconda 10 (64 bit)

Answer 4

After installing Anaconda3 on your system you need to add Anaconda to the PATH environment variable. This will allow you to access Anaconda with the 'conda' command from cmd.exe or PowerShell.

The link I provided below go through the three major issues with not recognized error. Which are:

1. Environment PATH for Conda is not set
2. Environment PATH is incorrectly added
3. Anaconda version is older than the version of the Anaconda Navigator

LINK: https://appuals.com/fix-conda-is-not-recognized-as-an-internal-or-external-command-operable-program-or-batch-file/

My issue was resolved following the steps for issue #2 Environment PATH is incorrectly added. I did not have all three file paths in my variable environment.

Answer 5

I added "\Anaconda3_64\" and "\Anaconda3_64\Scripts\" to the PATH variable. Then I can use conda from powershell or command prompt.

Answer 6

Go with the mouse to the Windows Icon (lower left) and start typing "Anaconda". There should show up some matching entries. Select "Anaconda Prompt". A new command window, named "Anaconda Prompt" will open. Now, you can work from there with Python, conda and other tools.