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

New developers try to check the version of Python on their computer, but get the error message: Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store. In this article, we will go together to detect the causes and fix the problem. Please slide down and have a look!

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

As you open the Command Prompt and try to check the Python version on your computer, the error shows up. Here is the command that leads to the issue:

py –version

or

python –version

or 

python3 –version

The message is like this:

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

There are 2 main causes that lead to the issue: Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store.

You have not installed Python on your computer

New developers think that Python is installed on the computer by default. It is a wrong thought. You need to install Python by yourself to create programs with it. 

If Python is not on your device, it is understandable that your computer can not detect Python. That leads to the issue: Python was not found.

You did not set up your environment variables correctly

You are sure that you have installed Python on your computer. However, the issue still occurs. Probably, you have set up the environment variables (path variables) incorrectly. Wrong installation may cause the operating system on your computer to not be able to find the Python.

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

As you determine the cause of Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store, we will move on to the solutions.

There are 2 ways to solve this issue.

Download and install Python on your computer

If you have not installed Python yet, start downloading and installing it on your device right away.  It is not hard to install Python. All you need to do is access the python.org website:

https://www.python.org/downloads/

Here, you can choose the version of Python and download it. We recommend you install Python 3.x.x and above.

After the download is completed, you open the file to start the installation. As the installation finishes, you can start using Python or check the version of it in Command Prompt.

Set up proper environment variables

Setting up proper environment variables is necessary as it helps your operating system to detect Python. Luckily, it is not difficult to do this work.

You will need to open the Run on your computer, by pressing Windows + R keys at the same time. As the Run shows up, you input ‘’sysdm.cpl’’.  Click on OK and the System Properties will open.

You tap on the tab: Advanced, move on to Environment Variables at the end of System Properties.

Right under the table: User Variables, you choose Path. Tap on Edit to start customizing the path.

You will have to input the paths for the installation of Python.

Please notice that the default paths for Python installation are below:

After the adjustments, you have to turn your computer off. As you turn your device on the next time, there will be no more issue: Python was not found.

Summary

In conclusion, if you have not installed Python on your computer, or set up incorrect environment variables for Python installation, your computer will not be able to detect Python. That leads to the issue: Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store. You need to install Python or adjust environment variables following our tips above, and the problem is solved.

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