Install Ansible with pip in a Virtual

Here is how to install Ansible using pip and virtualenv in 2026. This method works on any OS.

Prerequisites

# Ensure Python 3.10+ is installed
python3 --version

Install in Virtual Environment (Recommended)

# Create virtual environment
python3 -m venv ~/ansible-venv

# Activate
source ~/ansible-venv/bin/activate  # Linux/macOS
# .\ansible-venv\Scripts\activate    # Windows

# Install Ansible
pip install ansible

# Or install specific version
pip install ansible==9.0.0

# Or just ansible-core (minimal)
pip install ansible-core

Using pipx (Best for CLI Tools)

# Install pipx
python3 -m pip install --user pipx
python3 -m pipx ensurepath

# Install Ansible globally via pipx
pipx install --include-deps ansible

Verify

ansible --version
which ansible

Manage Versions

# Upgrade
pip install --upgrade ansible

# Install additional collections
ansible-galaxy collection install community.general
ansible-galaxy collection install amazon.aws
ansible-galaxy collection install azure.azcollection

# Requirements file
pip install -r requirements.txt
ansible-galaxy install -r requirements.yml

Related Resources

• Ansible Cheat Sheet
• Install Ansible on macOS
• Install Ansible on Windows WSL2