diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f6b685b8..3ee5bbcb 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -385,7 +385,10 @@ Download and install the following software:
 
 - [Python 2 or Python 3][python-win-download]. Be sure to pick the version
 corresponding to your Vim architecture. It is _Windows x86_ for a 32-bit Vim and
-_Windows x86-64_ for a 64-bit Vim. We recommend installing Python 3.
+_Windows x86-64_ for a 64-bit Vim. We recommend installing Python 3. 
+Additionally, the version of Python you install must match up exactly with the version of Python that Vim is looking for. Type `:version` and look 
+at the bottom of the page at the list of compiler flags. Look for flags that
+look similar to `-DDYNAMIC_PYTHON_DLL=\"python27.dll\"` and `-DDYNAMIC_PYTHON3_DLL=\"python35.dll\"`. The former indicates that Vim is looking for Python 2.7 and the latter indicates that Vim is looking for Python 3.5. You'll need one or the other installed, matching the version number exactly.
 - [CMake][cmake-download]. Add CMake executable to the PATH environment
 variable.
 - [Visual Studio][visual-studio-download]. Download the community edition.
@@ -542,6 +545,10 @@ process.
     critical because it must match the Python and the YCM libraries
     architectures. We recommend using a 64-bit Vim.
 
+    Additionally, the version of Python you install must match up exactly with the version of Python that Vim is looking for. Type `:version` and look 
+    at the bottom of the page at the list of compiler flags. Look for flags that
+    look similar to `-DDYNAMIC_PYTHON_DLL=\"python27.dll\"` and `-DDYNAMIC_PYTHON3_DLL=\"python35.dll\"`. The former indicates that Vim is looking for Python 2.7 and the latter indicates that Vim is looking for Python 3.5. You'll need one or the other installed, matching the version number exactly.
+
 2.  **Install YCM** with [Vundle][] (or [Pathogen][], but Vundle is a better
     idea). With Vundle, this would mean adding a `Plugin
     'Valloric/YouCompleteMe'` line to your [vimrc][].