How-To: Using Anaconda - Add a Channel in Virtual Conda Environment via Anaconda Navigator

Summary

Add a Channel in a Conda Environment in Anaconda Navigator

Body

Question

How do I add a channel in a virtual conda environment in Anaconda Navigator graphical user interface?

 

Answer

Note:  To activate a virtual conda environment in Anaconda Navigator graphical user interface, see "How-To: Using Anaconda - Activate a Virtual Conda Environment via Graphical Interface

1. Search and Open Anaconda Navigator.

a. Enter "anaconda" in Windows Search bar.

b. Select Open from right hand column in search pop-up window.

Search results window for Anacaonda Navigator with search bar containing "andaconda" and "Open" in results highlighted

 

2. Anaconda Navigator application window.

Anaconda Navigator window

 

3. Add a channel for an environment.

Example environment: venv_3_13

a. Select Environments

b. Select venv_3_13

c. Select Channels.

Anaconda Navigator environments window with list of installed packages and Channels highlighted

 

4. Select "Add..." in Manage channels window.

Manage channels window displayed with Add highlighted.

 

5. Enter channel to add.

Example channel: conda-forge

Manage channels window with "conda-forge" as channel to add.

 

6. Select Update channels to begin adding the channel.

Manage Channels window with Update channels highlighted.

 

7. New channel is being added to configuration.

Package window updating channel configuration

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 2191
Created
Wed 3/18/26 2:45 PM
Modified
Mon 5/4/26 4:10 PM

Related Articles

Related Articles (3)

Backup a Conda Environment Configuration via Command Line Interface into a YAML formatted file.
A central guide for researchers to build stable and high-performance coding environments using the Conda ecosystem. It brings together best practices—such as choosing the right distribution and using "blueprints" to share work—to help you avoid technical conflicts and ensure your research can be perfectly recreated by others. By following these strategies, you can protect your productivity and make your software projects both portable and reliable.
Conda channels act like specialized "app stores" or online libraries where you can find and download different software packages for your projects. This article explains how to choose between major stores like the curated Anaconda Defaults or the massive, community-run Conda-Forge. It also covers how to set a "priority" for these stores so your computer always knows which one to check first to keep your software stable and up-to-date.