Python Not Found Error: How to Fix 'python was not found run without arguments' Error in Your System?
Published: 2023-06-08 14:03:35

When you encounter the "python was not found run without arguments" error, it means that your system cannot find the Python interpreter. This can occur for several reasons.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vq20csf3mh7il5bu6v27.png)


## Causes of the 'python was not found run without arguments' error
One possible reason is that Python is not installed on your system. Another reason could be that the system has an incorrect or outdated path to the Python interpreter.

In either case, attempting to run a Python script without specifying the path to the Python interpreter will result in this error message. It is important to resolve this error promptly, as it will prevent you from executing any Python code on your system.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mxx1zfwryv75mp8fokil.png)


### Missing or corrupt Python installation
If you encounter the error message 'python was not found run without arguments' on your system, it is likely that your Python installation is either missing or corrupt.

This can happen if you have recently updated your operating system or removed Python from your system.

To fix this error, you need to reinstall Python on your system. You can download the latest version of Python from the official website and install it again. Make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully and add Python to your system path. Once you have reinstalled Python, try running your Python program again to see if the error has been resolved.

To fix a missing or corrupt Python installation, you can follow these steps:

1. Reinstall Python: Download the latest version of Python from the official Python website (python.org) and run the installer. Choose the option to repair or reinstall Python to fix any missing or corrupted files.

2. Check PATH environment variable: Ensure that the Python installation directory is added to the PATH environment variable. This allows the system to locate the Python executable. You can add the path manually or use the installer to do it automatically.

3. Verify installation integrity: After reinstalling Python, verify its integrity by opening a command prompt and running the command python --version. It should display the installed Python version without any errors.

4. Update Python packages: If you have a working Python installation but encounter issues with specific packages, you can try updating them using the package manager, such as pip. Run pip install --upgrade <package_name> to update the desired package.

5. Clean uninstall and reinstall: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, you may need to perform a clean uninstall of Python. Remove the Python installation directory, delete related environment variables, and uninstall Python through the Control Panel. Then, reinstall Python from scratch.

6. Seek community support: If you're still experiencing problems, consider seeking help from the Python community. Post your issue on relevant forums, Q&A websites, or developer communities where experienced Python users can provide guidance and assistance.

Remember to backup any important files or projects before making any changes to your Python installation.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2z22l92h1icmsqspb9mg.png)


### Incorrect PATH environment variable
The PATH environment variable is a set of directories containing executable programs that the operating system can run.

When you try to run a Python program, the operating system searches for the Python interpreter using the directories listed in the PATH variable. If the PATH variable is set incorrectly, the operating system may not be able to find the Python interpreter, leading to the 'python not found' error.

To fix this error, you need to ensure that the PATH variable contains the correct directories where Python is installed.

To fix the "Python Not Found" error caused by an incorrect PATH environment variable, you can follow these steps:

1. Verify Python installation: First, ensure that Python is installed correctly on your system. Check the installation directory and make note of the Python version you have installed.

2. Locate Python installation directory: Find the directory where Python is installed on your computer. Typically, it is located in "C:\PythonXX" (where "XX" represents the Python version, such as 37 for Python 3.7).

3. Update PATH environment variable: Open the Start menu, right-click on "Computer" or "This PC," and select "Properties." Then, click on "Advanced system settings" or "System Properties" and navigate to the "Advanced" tab. Click on "Environment Variables."

4. Edit PATH variable: In the "Environment Variables" window, find the "PATH" variable in the "System variables" section and select "Edit." Add a new entry or modify the existing entry to include the Python installation directory. For example, add "C:\PythonXX" to the list of paths.

5. Verify changes: Open a new command prompt window and type python --version to check if the Python executable can now be found. It should display the installed Python version without any errors.

6. Restart if necessary: In some cases, changes to the PATH variable may require a system restart to take effect. If the "Python Not Found" error persists, try restarting your computer and check again.

By updating the PATH environment variable with the correct Python installation directory, you should be able to resolve the "Python Not Found" error and access Python from the command prompt or any other application that relies on it.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xoutgofio13apvg5yhtt.png)


### Typo in the command
Sometimes, the 'python not found error' can occur due to a typo in the command. Ensure that you have typed the correct command in the terminal. The command should be 'python' followed by the file name with the '.py' extension.

If there is a mistake in the file name or the command, you will get the 'python not found error'. Double-check the spelling and the syntax of the command before running it. If you are using a virtual environment, ensure that you have activated it before running the command.

### Missing or corrupt Python installation
If you encounter the error message 'python was not found run without arguments' on your system, it is likely that your Python installation is either missing or corrupt. This can happen if you have recently updated your operating system or removed Python from your system.

To fix this error, you need to reinstall Python on your system. You can download the latest version of Python from the official website and install it again. Make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully and add Python to your system path. Once you have reinstalled Python, try running your Python program again to see if the error has been resolved.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b526kz2dvtace6or2u6p.png)


## Avoiding 'python was not found run without arguments' with Online Python IDE
A lot of installation-related issues such as 'python was not found run without arguments' can be avoided by having a consistent and stable environment setup, especially if you're coding across different devices.

There are online Python compilers available that could help you simplify the installation and configuration process, as the [online Python compiler](https://www.lightly-dev.com/python/) is already set up with a preconfigured development environment.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pntd72ylhsdtxir6mcyr.png)


In Lightly, you can also work side-by-side with an AI assistant for debugging and code completion to make your coding process smoother and bug-free. The online Python compiler in Lightly is prebuilt with coding essentials from terminal access, cloud storage, databases, syntax highlighting, GitHub integration, and more. You can also install dependencies as you need.

[Python Not Found Error: How to Fix 'python was not found run without arguments' Error in Your System?](https://www.lightly-dev.com/blog/fix-python-not-found-error/)