Python venv Cheat Sheet/Create with Windows py launcher

Create an environment using the Windows Python launcher.

Section: Create environments

Create with Windows py launcher

powershell
powershell
py -m venv .venv
Explanation

On Windows, `py` is often the most reliable way to target the installed Python interpreter.

Learn the surrounding workflow

Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

Same sheet · prioritizing Create environments
Create a .venv environment
Create a conventional project-local virtual environment.
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Create with python3
Use python3 explicitly on systems where python points elsewhere.
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Create with a specific Python version
Use a specific interpreter to choose the base Python version.
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Create in a custom directory
Create a venv anywhere, not just in the project root.
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Create without pip
Skip pip bootstrap during environment creation.
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Create with system site packages
Allow access to packages installed in the base interpreter.
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