How to Completely Uninstall Python on Your Windows PC

Do the Python purge to start anew

Diving intothe world of Python programmingis an exciting venture, allowing you to explore and create projects ranging from simple scripts to complex web apps. But sometimes, for a system cleanup or to install a different version, you may need to uninstallPython from your Windows PCcompletely.

Removing Python from your computer isn’t as straightforward as clicking “uninstall.” There are several steps to follow, and skipping even one can leave residual files on your system. Here’s how to completely uninstall Python from your Windows PC, leaving it clean and ready for whatever comes next.

Locate Your Python Installation

The first step is to locate where Python is installed on your PC. You can find the installation path by typing where python in theCommand Prompt.

It’s normal to see Python installed in multiple locations, and it’s usually due to how different versions and distributions of Python are installed. Remember the file paths since you’ll need them in a bit.

How toUninstall Python

To uninstall Python, start from the Settings app.

The uninstallation will begin and doesn’t take too long to complete. If necessary, repeat these steps for any other Python apps, such as the Python Launcher.

After you uninstall Python, head back to the Command Prompt and run the where python command again. If a file path containing Python is returned, it’s not completely uninstalled.

In our case, there’s something left over in the AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps file path. This is because the Python installer on Windows sets up the Python executable in this path when you select the “Add Python to PATH” option during installation.

In File Explorer, we have two files:python.exeandpython3.exe.

Let’s delete them.

They are now successfully uninstalled. You can double-check that you’re in the clear by running where python again. IfINFO: Could not find files for the given pattern(s)is returned, then Python is completely uninstalled from your PC.

Delete Your Pip Packages

When you uninstall Python using the standard uninstall process, it doesn’t automatically remove the pip packages you installed. These packages are stored in a separate directory that doesn’t get deleted during uninstallation.

You can delete the pip packages by opening File Explorer and navigating toAppData\Local\Porgrams. You’ll see a folder named “Python.”Right-click this folder and click the trash can icon from the context menu to delete it.

If you don’t delete this folder, you’ll have the same pip packages when reinstalling Python.

A Fresh Slate

Remember, it’s not just about the main Python uninstallation—don’t forget those Python and Python3 files that tend to stick around in your WindowsApps folder and the often-overlookedPip packagesnestled in their own directory. Ensuring these elements are also removed is crucial for a complete uninstallation.

And there you have it—a thorough Python purge. Now, your PC is ready for whatever comes next: a system cleanup, a fresh Python installation, or a brand-new programming language.

Marshall is a technical writer based in Tokyo, Japan. His bylines are found on VGKAMI, How-To Geek, PCWorld, Zapier, and many other online magazines.Read Marshall’s Full Bio

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How to Completely Uninstall Python on Your Windows PC#

Locate Your Python Installation#

How toUninstall Python#

Delete Your Pip Packages#

A Fresh Slate#