How to Install Manim on Windows (2026) | QuantumSketch
Install Manim on Windows: install Python 3.8+, FFmpeg, and MiKTeX, then run pip install manim. Full step-by-step with the common error fixes.
To install Manim on Windows, install Python 3.8+, FFmpeg, and MiKTeX, then run pip install manim inside a virtual environment. Below is the full sequence plus fixes for the errors beginners hit.
Step 1 — Python
Download Python 3.8+ from python.org and check "Add Python to PATH" during install. Verify:
python --version
Step 2 — Create a virtual environment
python -m venv manim-env
manim-env\Scripts\activate
A venv keeps Manim's dependencies isolated and prevents version clashes.
Step 3 — FFmpeg
FFmpeg encodes the rendered frames into MP4. Install via winget:
winget install Gyan.FFmpeg
Then open a new terminal and check ffmpeg -version. Missing it causes ffmpeg not found.
Step 4 — MiKTeX (LaTeX)
Install MiKTeX so Manim can typeset equations. Without it you'll hit LaTeX not found. MiKTeX auto-installs missing packages on first use.
Step 5 — Manim
pip install manim
manim checkhealth
manim checkhealth confirms Python, FFmpeg, and LaTeX are all detected — see the checkhealth guide.
Step 6 — Render a test
from manim import *
class Hello(Scene):
def construct(self):
self.play(Write(Text("It works!")))
manim -pql test.py Hello
-pql = preview, quick, low quality (fast first render).
Troubleshooting table
| Error | Fix |
|---|---|
| 'ffmpeg' not found | Install FFmpeg, new terminal |
| LaTeX not found | Install MiKTeX, new terminal |
| No module named manim | Activate the venv first — fix |
| Renders slowly | Use -ql while drafting — why |
Or skip all of this
Setup is the hardest part of Manim. QuantumSketch runs the whole stack in the cloud — no Python, FFmpeg, or MiKTeX to install. See Manim Without Code.
Written by Shihab Shahriar Antor · Shahriar Labs
FAQ
Q.What do I need to install Manim on Windows?
You need three things besides Manim itself: Python 3.8 or newer, FFmpeg for video encoding, and a LaTeX distribution (MiKTeX is the easiest on Windows) for rendering equations. The cleanest approach is to install Python from python.org with 'Add to PATH' checked, install FFmpeg via the winget package manager or Chocolatey, install MiKTeX from miktex.org, then create a virtual environment and run pip install manim. Installing into a venv rather than global Python avoids version conflicts later.
Q.Why does Manim fail to render after installing on Windows?
The two most common post-install failures are 'ffmpeg not found' and 'LaTeX not found,' both caused by those tools not being on your PATH. After installing FFmpeg and MiKTeX, open a brand-new terminal so the updated PATH loads, then run manim checkhealth to confirm each dependency is detected. If VS Code can run Manim from the terminal but not from the editor, point VS Code's Python interpreter to the virtual environment where you installed Manim.