Python not found 🐍 Python

Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store

Windows ran the Microsoft Store “App execution alias” instead of a real Python installation.

Seen on: Python

Meaning

Windows ships stub python.exe/python3.exe aliases. If Python isn’t installed or not on PATH, the stub prints this message.

Common causes

  • Python not installed
  • Installed without “Add python.exe to PATH”
  • App execution aliases shadowing the real install

⚡ Quick fix

  1. Install from python.org and tick “Add python.exe to PATH”
  2. Use the launcher: py -3
  3. Disable the aliases: Settings → Apps → Advanced app settings → App execution aliases

Detailed fix by platform

Windows

  1. py --list shows installed Pythons; where python shows which one runs

How to diagnose

  1. Installed — py --list
  2. PATH — where python

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