The Python launcher for Windows is a utility which aids in locating and executing of different Python versions.
It allows scripts (or the command-line) to indicate a preference for a specific Python version, and will locate and execute that version.
Unlike the PATH variable, the launcher will correctly select the most appropriate version of Python.
It will prefer per-user installations over system-wide ones, and orders by language version rather than using the most recently installed version.
The launcher was originally specified in PEP 397.
Publisher’s description
What is Python Launcher?
Python Launcher by Python Software Foundation is open-source Windows software in the languages & sdks category.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides MSI installers for 32-bit Windows. The main installer is 565 KB. Installation asks for administrator rights. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches. An MSI package is available for deployment with Group Policy, Intune or Configuration Manager.
Updates and version history
The current version is 3.14.7, released on August 5, 2026. The version history goes back to July 8, 2025: 89 releases, all linked to the official files. That is about 31 releases a year.
Popularity and file types
On Windows it registers 7 file types, including .py, .pyw, .pyc, .pyd and .pyo. Similar programs include Go Programming Language, LLVM and Deno.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Open source: the code can be inspected and built by anyone
- MSI package for managed deployment
- Documented silent install
- Frequent updates (about 31 a year)
- Small download (565 KB)
Cons
- No native ARM64 build
- 32-bit only
- Installation needs administrator rights
In short: Python Launcher is an open-source languages & sdk tool for 32-bit PCs. It is actively maintained. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is Python Launcher safe to download?
- The file is served by python.org, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
E0FE589EB1C7D4E474C7D2AC2D9D2655F6FBA28079C93FD6F6819E423CEFD96A· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 22, 2026)
- The source code is public
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 89 versions ›89 versions over 3 years · about 31 a year
| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.14.7Latest | August 5, 2026 | 565 KB | 32-bit MSI |
| 3.13.5 | June 11, 2025 | 561 KB | 32-bit MSI |
| 3.13.4 | July 8, 2025 | 565 KB | 32-bit MSI |
| 3.13.3 | July 8, 2025 | 565 KB | 32-bit MSI |
| 3.13.2 | July 8, 2025 | 565 KB | 32-bit MSI |
| 3.13.1 | July 8, 2025 | 565 KB | 32-bit MSI |
| 3.13.0 | July 8, 2025 | 553 KB | 32-bit MSI |
| 3.12.10 | July 8, 2025 | 561 KB | 32-bit MSI |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id Python.Launcher -emsiexec /i launcher.msi /qn /norestartmsiexec /x {E81C7963-7B6A-4296-9368-C4CA4D78470A} /qn /norestartProgram files (.exe): py.exe, python.exe, pythonw.exe, pyw.exe
Related guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Information
- Publisher
- Python Software Foundation
- Category
- Languages & SDKs
- Licence
- PSF-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 32-bit
- Installer
- MSI
- Version
- 3.14.7
- Released
- August 5, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- October 4, 2023
- Versions listed
- 89
- Updates / year
- 31.4
- Website
- python.org
- winget ID
- Python.Launcher
- MSI product code
- {E81C7963-7B6A-4296-9368-C4CA4D78470A}
File types it opens (7)
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to Python Launcher
See all ›-
Go Programming Language1.27.0An open source programming language that makes it simple to build secure, scalable systems.Open source2.1M ↓ -
Open source2.8M ↓ -
Open source249.7K ↓ -
Open source3.7M ↓ -
Yarn1.22.22Yarn is a package manager that doubles down as project manager. Whether you work on one-shot projects or large monorepos, as a hobbyist or an enterprise user, we've got you covered.Open source1.9M ↓ -
Open source263.6K ↓ -
Open source1.4M ↓ -
Ccache4.14.1Ccache is a compiler cache. It speeds up recompilation by caching previous compilations and detecting when the same compilation is being done again.Open source2.2M ↓
Frequently asked questions
Is Python Launcher free?
Yes. Python Launcher is open-source software under the PSF-2.0 licence.
Is Python Launcher safe to download?
The download comes from python.org, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install Python Launcher with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can Python Launcher be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer, including msiexec for the MSI package.
Does Python Launcher run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 32-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of Python Launcher?
The versions page lists all 89 versions with links to their official installer files, back to July 8, 2025.
What are alternatives to Python Launcher?
Go Programming Language, LLVM, Deno, CMake and Yarn. The alternatives page compares them.
