Refresh Python dev environment docs for 2026 (#6501)

* Refresh Python docs: update to 3.14, fix VS build tools link, update Settings Sync to built-in

* Fix version-pinned wording in Python setup guide

Copilot flagged that coupling a specific version number to 'latest'
will become inaccurate as newer versions ship. Changes:
- Requirements bullet: 'Python 3.14 - The latest' -> 'The current stable (3.14 or later)'
- Manual install step: 'Install Python 3.14' -> 'Install Python' (link already searches generically)

Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>

* Add winget configure --enable prerequisite step to Python setup guide

The winget configure command requires extended features to be enabled
before it can run. Without this, users get:
  'Extended features are not enabled. Run winget configure --enable...'

Fix: split into 4 explicit steps — enable, configure, confirm, verify.
Also surfaced python --version as its own code block (was buried in prose).

Fixes real user report from testing the docs.

Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>

* Replace winget configure with winget install for Python setup

winget configure requires enabling extended features and relies on
an external config file (aka.ms/python-config) that can silently fail.

Replace with simple, reliable winget install commands:
  winget install Python.Python.3.14
  winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode

Also add 'restart terminal' step so PATH changes take effect,
and rename tab from 'WinGet Configuration' to 'WinGet'.

Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>

---------

Co-authored-by: Copilot <[email protected]>

Author: GrantMeStrength

hub/dev-environment/python.md

@@ -2,39 +2,46 @@
 title: Python on Windows for beginners
 description: A guide to help you get started if your brand new to using Python on Windows.
 ms.topic: get-started
-ms.date: 07/03/2025
+ms.date: 03/23/2026
 ms.custom: copilot-scenario-highlight
 ---
 
 # Set up your Python development environment on Windows
 
-Get your Python environment ready on Windows in minutes — set it up manually or automate everything with winget. You'll need the following:
+Get your Python environment ready on Windows in minutes — install from the command line with winget or set it up manually. You'll need the following:
 
-- **Python 3.13** – The latest Python runtime
+- **Python** – The current stable Python runtime (3.14 or later)
 - **Visual Studio Code** – A lightweight, powerful code editor
 - **Python extension for Visual Studio Code** – Adds Python language support, debugging, linting, and more
 
-#### [WinGet Configuration](#tab/winget)
+#### [WinGet](#tab/winget)
 
-The [WinGet configuration file](https://aka.ms/python-config) below installs everything listed above automatically.
+1. Open PowerShell in Windows Terminal and install Python:
 
-To get started:
+    ```powershell
+    winget install Python.Python.3.14
+    ```
 
-1. Open PowerShell in Windows Terminal and run the following command:
+2. Install Visual Studio Code:
 
     ```powershell
-    winget configure -f https://aka.ms/python-config
+    winget install Microsoft.VisualStudioCode
     ```
-2. When the configuration starts, a terminal window shows the setup steps and required installs. Review them, then confirm by selecting [Y] Yes or [N] No to continue.
 
-3. The required workloads are installed. Verify your setup by running `python --version`.
+3. Close and reopen PowerShell, then verify Python is installed:
+
+    ```powershell
+    python --version
+    ```
+
+4. Open VS Code and install the [Python extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python) from the VS Code Marketplace.
 
 You're now ready for Python development.
 
 
 #### [Manual installation](#tab/manual)
 
-1. **Install Python 3.13**: Install [Python 3 from the Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/search?query=python). The Microsoft Store version automatically configures your PATH and provides automatic updates. Once installed, open PowerShell and run `python --version` to verify.
+1. **Install Python**: Install [Python from the Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/search?query=python). The Microsoft Store version automatically configures your PATH and provides automatic updates. Once installed, open PowerShell and run `python --version` to verify.
 
 2. **Install Visual Studio Code**: Download and install [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com).
 
@@ -53,7 +60,7 @@ You're now ready for Python development.
 >
 > A common cause for trouble is trying to install into a location that you do not have permission to modify. For example, the default install location might require Administrative privileges, but by default Python will not have them. The best solution is to create a [virtual environment](https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/venv.html) and install there.
 >
-> Some packages include native code that requires a C or C++ compiler to install. In general, package developers should publish pre-compiled versions, but often do not. Some of these packages might work if you [install Build Tools for Visual Studio](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/#build-tools-for-visual-studio-2019) and select the C++ option, however in most cases you will need to contact the package developer.
+> Some packages include native code that requires a C or C++ compiler to install. In general, package developers should publish pre-compiled versions, but often do not. Some of these packages might work if you [install Build Tools for Visual Studio](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads/#build-tools-for-visual-studio) and select the C++ option, however in most cases you will need to contact the package developer.
 >
 > [Follow the discussion on StackOverflow](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4750806/how-do-i-install-pip-on-windows/12476379)
 
@@ -133,7 +140,7 @@ You're now ready for Python development.
 
 <details><summary>What if I need to work across different machines?</summary>
 
-> [Settings Sync](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Shan.code-settings-sync) allows you to synchronize your VS Code settings across different installations using GitHub. If you work on different machines, this helps keep your environment consistent across them.
+> VS Code has built-in [Settings Sync](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/configure/settings-sync) that lets you share your settings, keybindings, extensions, and more across machines using your GitHub or Microsoft account. No extension needed.
 
 </details>
 
@@ -156,4 +163,4 @@ You're now ready for Python development.
 > - [Debugging Python](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/debugging): Debugging is the process of identifying and removing errors from a computer program. This article covers how to initialize and configure debugging for Python with VS Code, how to set and validate breakpoints, attach a local script, perform debugging for different app types or on a remote computer, and some basic troubleshooting.
 > - [Unit testing Python](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/unit-testing): Covers some background explaining what unit testing means, an example walkthrough, enabling a test framework, creating and running your tests, debugging tests, and test configuration settings.
 
-</details>
+</details>