Python Launcher and Files Won't Open - Python 3.13.2 + Windows 11

Python Help
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1

Hello all! I have been trying to teach myself Python and ran into some issues with installation.

When I first installed Python, everything worked as expected (launcher opened, files saved etc.), except the system couldn’t seem to recognize or find pip to download packages. I tried a number of solutions posted here and elsewhere. Eventually, I decided to uninstall python and reinstall.

Upon reinstallation (the second time mind you), I can see that everything is installed correctly and all paths are set up: the version is listed correctly when requested through cmd; the paths are listed and correct; the launcher folder is visible (this was a problem on first reinstallation); the python shell opens in cmd style and works for simple commands (e.g., 2+2, returns 4). However, python launcher will NOT open and is not searchable in cmd or start bar. In addition, python files I already have from when I first installed python will NOT open. So, I currently do not have access to actually create and save scripts. Only access to the shell.

I have tried all solutions I can find and think of: repaired the installation, updated the paths even though they were correct, toggled off python app installer under the aliases settings, updated my user permission settings. Nothing seems to work. When I try to open a python file or launcher, a new window screen flashes like the system is considering opening something but then ultimately, nothing happens.

Please help! I just want to learn python and am feeling really discouraged now.

2

What do you mean by the Python launcher, py? Or do you want an IDE such as Idle or VS Code?

Can you give an example?. If the problem’s in a cmd terminal, what does echo %PATH% print?

3

Hello,

if you downloaded IDLE v3.13, it should be located here:

C:\Program Files\Python313\Lib\idlelib\idle.pyw

RIght-click on the idle.pyw module and create a shortcut. This is the Python editor. I would recommend using PyCharm, to be honest. It is so much easier to use. There is a community version that is free for download. It comes with a built-in pip for package downloading as well as with a built-in CMD terminal. However, do download IDLE as you will need it to configure PyCharm with the latest interpreter (Python v3.13).

What did you type in the search bar? Did you type idle? If you did, it shoudl have come up. Note that Python modules cannot be opened directly simply by clicking on them as you would, say, a Word document or excel file. You actually have to open them from a Python editor (IDLE, PyCharm, etc., as in: File > Open).

Here is the PyCharm download page. Scroll to the lower half and the option to download the community edition is there.

Good luck and welcome to Python.