What If VS Code Does Not Recognize My Python Installation?

Fix the issue where VS Code does not recognize Python. Ensure Python is installed, correctly added to PATH, and selected as the right interpreter.

Introduction

If VS Code does not recognize your Python installation, you may see errors like "Python not found" or missing interpreters. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Step 1: Verify That Python Is Installed

  • Open a terminal outside VS Code (Command Prompt or Terminal) and check if Python is installed: python --version
  • If this command returns an error, install Python from python.org and restart your system.

Step 2: Ensure Python Is Added to the System PATH

  • If Python is installed but not recognized, check whether it is added to the system PATH.
  • On Windows, run: where python
  • On macOS/Linux, run: which python
  • If no result appears, manually add Python to the system PATH.

Windows: Add Python to PATH

  • Search for “Edit the system environment variables” and open it.
  • Click “Environment Variables” → Under “System Variables,” find “Path” and click “Edit”.
  • Click “New” and add the Python installation path, e.g., C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\
  • Click “OK” and restart your system.

macOS/Linux: Add Python to PATH

  • Open a terminal and edit your shell configuration file: 
    nano ~/.bashrc  # For Bash users
nano ~/.zshrc   # For Zsh users
  • Add this line at the end of the file: export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"
  • Save the file and apply the changes: source ~/.bashrc # Or use source ~/.zshrc

    • Step 3: Select the Correct Python Interpreter in VS Code

    • Open VS Code.
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS).
    • Type “Python: Select Interpreter” and press Enter.
    • Choose the correct Python installation from the list.

    Step 4: Reload VS Code and Verify

    • Restart VS Code after selecting the correct Python interpreter.
    • Open a new terminal inside VS Code and check if Python is recognized: python --version
    • If Python is detected correctly, you are all set!

    Final Thoughts

    If VS Code does not recognize your Python installation, ensure Python is installed, added to PATH, and selected correctly inside VS Code. Restarting your system or reinstalling Python may help resolve persistent issues.

    Next Step: Learn how to fix issues with pip not being found: pip Is Not Found. How Do I Fix It?

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