Update Windows installation guide with virtual environment support

Changes:
- Add virtual environment setup as recommended installation method
- Keep legacy global installation options for experienced users
- Add Python version requirements (3.8+)
- Provide clear guidance on which installation method to choose
- Update running instructions for both virtual env and global installs
- Cross-reference README_VENV.md for detailed virtual environment docs

The guide now recommends the automated virtual environment setup while
preserving the original Windows-specific installer for users who prefer
global installation or need fallback options.

🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code)

Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>

INSTALL_WINDOWS.md

@@ -1,8 +1,39 @@
 # Windows Installation Guide
 
-## Quick Installation
+## Requirements
 
-If you're getting errors with the regular installation, use this Windows-specific installer:
+- **Python 3.8 or newer** (check with `python --version`)
+- Windows 10 or newer (older versions may work but aren't tested)
+
+## Recommended: Virtual Environment Setup (New!)
+
+**Best option for most users - completely isolated and automated:**
+
+```bash
+# Download/clone the project, then run:
+python setup_venv.py
+
+# Run the application:
+run_in_venv.bat
+# Or manually activate and run:
+activate.bat
+python run.py
+```
+
+The virtual environment setup will:
+- Create an isolated Python environment
+- Install all dependencies automatically
+- Handle MIDI library issues gracefully  
+- Create convenient activation scripts
+- Work in simulator mode if MIDI fails
+
+See [README_VENV.md](README_VENV.md) for detailed virtual environment documentation.
+
+## Legacy Installation Options
+
+### Quick Installation (Global Environment)
+
+If you prefer global installation or the virtual environment setup doesn't work, use this Windows-specific installer:
 
 ```bash
 python install_windows.py
@@ -89,7 +120,21 @@ except Exception as e:
 
 ## Running the Application
 
-Once installed, run:
+### Virtual Environment (Recommended)
+```bash
+# Option 1: Direct run (easiest)
+run_in_venv.bat
+
+# Option 2: Manual activation
+activate.bat
+python run.py
+
+# Option 3: PowerShell users
+.\activate.ps1
+python run.py
+```
+
+### Global Installation
 ```bash
 python run.py
 ```
@@ -100,4 +145,17 @@ The application will start in simulator mode by default, which works without any
 - All arpeggiator functionality
 - Complete GUI interface
 
-For hardware MIDI, select "Hardware Mode" in the Output Controls tab.
+For hardware MIDI, select "Hardware Mode" in the Output Controls tab.
+
+## Which Installation Method Should I Use?
+
+**Use Virtual Environment if:**
+- You're new to Python or want the easiest setup
+- You want to avoid conflicts with other Python projects
+- You want the most reliable installation experience
+- You plan to develop or modify the code
+
+**Use Global Installation if:**
+- You prefer installing packages system-wide
+- You're experienced with Python dependency management
+- You're already managing your Python environment manually