Windows Not Recognising Python

Hi everyone,

 

I've installed the latest version of Python (3.9.2) from their website: https://www.python.org/downloads/

 

When I go to apps (Windows 10, 64-bit), both Python and Python Launcher show as installed, but when I run CMD, it keeps telling me 'Python was not found.'

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks.

Forget it - the answer was 'you have to download the Python app from the Windows app store.'

 

Because, of course, installing anything yourself would just be anarchy... I really need to consider Linux.

Forget it - the answer was 'you have to download the Python app from the Windows app store.'

that is NOT true.  you've got misinformation.  I have 8.x.x and I don't download ANYTHING from the ms store, EVER.  it works fine for me.  if you want good info, look at github threads.  all conversations you ever wanted to read are on that site.

Edited by ajetrumpet, 27 February 2021 - 11:43 PM.

It was a reply on Stack Overflow that fixed the issue I had. I wasn't the only one facing it. I consider it good information because it worked for me when trying to install from Python didn't.

I like the elegance of the Microsoft Store solution.

But just to give some background on why the problem occurred:
A default installation of Python, Java, and other languages via MSI installer from the official websites does not necessarily tell Windows where the main Python, etc executables are located.

When you install it, you have to pay careful attention to the options the installer offers you. Make sure to add Python, etc to the PATH variable. Sometimes the installer directly offers that option. Sometimes it does not tell you directly.

The PATH variable tells the Windows command prompt where Python is located (Im oversimplifying, but I think you get my point).

If you forget to add Python to the PATH during installation, you can add it later. For Windows Vista and higher, one way to do that is to type env into the Windows search bar, select Edit System Environment Variables. Find the PATH variable, select Edit, and add C:\Python\bin, or whatever the path to the main Python executable is located.

I have been doing it this way for a long time, so I take it for granted that this is the way things are done.
Now that I have explained it, it sounds like a real pain in the neck.

So, by all means, install it from the Microsoft Store.

But keep in mind that every installation method has its Pros and Cons.

The version from the Microsoft Store may or may not be exactly the same as the official version. This may or may not be a problem, depending on your needs.

If you have a problem later with the Microsoft Store in general, your Python installation may be affected later (but the same could be said of problems with Windows in general, or Linux in general).

Thanks for that detailed reply Cknoettg. That's really helpful.

@cknoettg PATH environment for the win.

Same holds true for Linux. Installing it doesn't always add it to your PATH.

The quick and dirty workaround is to cd into the directory where the executable is located in the terminal shell, and call it from there. 

I'll take Linux package managers over the Windows Store any day. Just 'sayin.