Cannot open downloaded Python file

Question

Hi,

I am attempting to open a downloaded Python file which contains solutions to exercises. Every time I try to open it, a pop-up window flashes briefly on screen before disappearing.

How do I resolve this?

Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hello, RonanH_86

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

Hello, thank you for your feedback here, it looks like you are having problems opening Python files.

To help you better, can you ask if the Python file you are opening is a source file or a copy sent from another source etc., in general the flashing popup window could be a file exception. I will provide you some troubleshooting suggestions for you first:

1. Make sure Python is installed

First, make sure Python is installed on your computer.

Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open a command prompt.

Enter the following command at the command prompt:

python --version

If a version message like Python 3.x.x is returned, then Python is installed correctly. If not, go to python.org to download and install Python.

2. Running Python from the Command Prompt

Running a Python file from the command prompt allows you to see possible error messages without having the window close quickly.

Open a command prompt:

Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the command prompt.

Navigate to the directory where the Python files are located:

Use the cd command to enter the folder where the Python files are stored. For example, if the files are in the C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads folder, type:

cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads

Then press Enter, and the command prompt will display the current directory.

Run the Python file:

Enter the following command to run the Python file, assuming your file name is yourfile.py:

python yourfile.py

After running, if the script has errors, they will be displayed in the command prompt window and you can see the detailed error message.

3. Adding a pause statement

If you want the window not to close automatically even if the script has no errors, you can add a pause statement to the end of the Python script. That way, when the program finishes executing, you'll be prompted to press the key to continue.

Add the following code to the end of your Python file:

input(“Press Enter to exit...”)

This line of code will cause the Python program to pause at the end and wait for you to press Enter before closing the window.

4. File Association Settings

Sometimes the file associations on Windows systems can be incorrect, causing the .py file to close automatically when you double-click on it. You can fix the file association settings:

Right-click on the .py file and select Open as > Select another application.

In the pop-up window, select Python (if Python is not shown, click More Applications to select Python).

Check Always use this application to open .py files, and then click OK.

5. Check for other errors

If you encounter an error when running from the command prompt, double-check the error message. There may be something wrong with the file, such as a missing library or a syntax error.

Best regards

Bobhe | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Hi Bobhe,

Thank you for your reply.

Regarding your question, I don't know if it is a source file or copy sent from another source, and I don't know how to find that out.

Regarding the troubleshooting steps:

1. I get the message "Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store, or disable this shortcut from Settings > Manage App Execution Aliases".
2. I get the message "Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store, or disable this shortcut from Settings > Manage App Execution Aliases."

However, I have confirmed that I have correctly downloaded and installed Python 3.13.1-amd64.

I have not yet proceeded to the subsequent steps.

Thank you,

Ronan