Python venv Cheat Sheet/Upgrade an existing environment after Python upgrade

Upgrade the environment after the base interpreter changed.

Section: Create environments

Upgrade an existing environment after Python upgrade

bash
bash
python -m venv --upgrade .venv
Explanation

Use this when the underlying Python installation was upgraded and you want the environment updated.

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.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Create with python3
Use python3 explicitly on systems where python points elsewhere.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Customize the shell prompt name
Set the prompt label shown when the environment is active.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Show venv help
Display available venv command-line options.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Create with Windows py launcher
Create an environment using the Windows Python launcher.
OpenIn sheetpowershellsame section
Create with a specific Python version
Use a specific interpreter to choose the base Python version.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section