pythonw.exe: which program is it?
pythonw.exe is a program file that 24 Windows programs install, the best known being Miniforge3. The list below names each one with its publisher and install folder.
| App | Publisher | Latest version | Default install folder |
|---|---|---|---|
 Miniforge3 | conda-forge | 26.9.4-0 | — |
 Python 3.14 | Python Software Foundation | 3.14.7 | — |
 Mambaforge | conda-forge | 24.11.0-1 | — |
 Python 3.13 | Python Software Foundation | 3.13.15 | — |
 Python 3.12 | Python Software Foundation | 3.12.10 | — |
 Python 3.11 | Python Software Foundation | 3.11.9 | — |
 Python 3.10 | Python Software Foundation | 3.10.11 | — |
 Python Install Manager | Python Software Foundation | 26.4.240.0 | %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.PythonManager_25.1.240.0_x64__3847v3x7pw1km |
 Python 3.9 | Python Software Foundation | 3.9.13 | — |
 Python 3.8 | Python Software Foundation | 3.8.10 | — |
 Python 3.7 | Python Software Foundation | 3.7.9 | — |
 Python 3.6 | Python Software Foundation | 3.6.8 | — |
 Mambaforge-pypy3 | conda-forge | 24.11.0-1 | — |
 Miniforge-pypy3 | conda-forge | 24.11.0-1 | — |
 Python 3.5 | Python Software Foundation | 3.5.4 | — |
| Python Launcher | Python Software Foundation | 3.14.7 | . |
| Python 2 | Python Software Foundation | 2.7.18150 | — |
| Miniconda3 | Anaconda, Inc. | py314_26.9.4-0 | — |
| Anaconda3 | Anaconda, Inc. | 2026.07-1 | — |
| Python 3.2 | Python Software Foundation | 3.2.5 | — |
| Python 3.3 | Python Software Foundation | 3.3.5 | — |
| Python 3.1 | Python Software Foundation | 3.1.4 | — |
| Python 3.4 | Python Software Foundation | 3.4.4 | — |
| Python 3.0 | Python Software Foundation | 3.0.1 | — |
Frequently asked questions
Is pythonw.exe safe?
pythonw.exe is a normal part of Miniforge3 when it sits in the program's install folder and carries the publisher's digital signature. A file with the same name in another folder can be something else: check its signature and hash.
Where is pythonw.exe located?
By default the installer puts it in %ProgramFiles%\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.PythonManager_25.1.240.0_x64__3847v3x7pw1km. The folder can be changed during installation.
How do I remove pythonw.exe?
Uninstall Miniforge3 through Settings → Apps or with winget; the uninstaller removes pythonw.exe with it. Deleting the file alone leaves the rest of the program behind.