Python 2 and 3 in Powershell

Question

I have both versions on my PC because I'm working through different tutorials, (I'm still a noob). I've seen a couple of similar questions on here, but nothing specific to Powershell.

When I run python in Powershell it brings up 2.7, but how do I specify that I want Python 3? Are there other issues that I need to be aware of? For example when running scripts from notepad++?

Thanks for getting back so quick. I tried that, but it comes back with an error. — YesIAmThatGuy, Aug 18 '16 at 10:52
Check your path variable and see what the python bin path order is. I bet your python 2.7 will be listed first. You can specify the full path to python.exe to make sure you are running the correct version, or change your system path environment variable. — jurgenb, Aug 18 '16 at 10:58
Thanks, that sounds like it could be the trick. Are there any resources I could look at to help me do this? — YesIAmThatGuy, Aug 18 '16 at 11:01
Yay! Thanks wOxxOm! `py -3` worked, and I can use `py -2` for the v2. :) — YesIAmThatGuy, Aug 18 '16 at 11:28

score 5 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:08

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The command "py" (if v2 is the default) or "py -2" should launch Python 2.7, "py -3" should launch Python 3. See here for the details.

I've found this post as well. It might be helpful.

This one will help you check the current version you are using, if you desire to change that see here.

Should you want to pop out of the shell.

Cheers and have fun with Python ;)

edited May 23 '17 at 12:08

Community

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answered Aug 18 '16 at 11:42

Remy J

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score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 18 '16 at 10:59

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You can install Python3 via Chocolatey, AFAIK it will bring python3 command into your realm. Do not forget to uninstall previously installed Python3 before it.

Also, you may try to create alias for Python3, see Microsoft doc.

answered Aug 18 '16 at 10:59

Bohdan Ivanov

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Thanks, I was about to do that, but [Chocolatey](https://github.com/chocolatey/chocolatey-coreteampackages/issues/106) seems to no longer be trusted, so I'm hesitant. I'd like to create an alias, but unfortunately I can't figure out how to run Python 3 in the first place. – YesIAmThatGuy Aug 18 '16 at 11:19

Python 2 and 3 in Powershell

2 Answers2