Python Installation issue

[RFHill]

I updated my Python version yesterday to 3.12.5. I installed it on my Windows 11 notebook and ran the installation as an Administrator.

After the installation I am seeing the following error when I launch Python at the command prompt.

Could not find platform independent libraries <prefix>

This is also causing issues with my PyCharm IDE.

Any ideas on how to resolve this? I thought of uninstalling both Python and PyCharm and then reinstalling, but if I can avoid all of that, I'd like to.

Thanks@!

[RFHill]

Just a follow up on this, after doing research the predominant solution appears to be to review the Path environment variable and make sure the correct path is identified. It should be in the \users\ subfolders. In my case the path listed as c:\windows\program files\Python312, so I updated the Path Environment to point to the scripts and exe in my \users\ subfolders.

However, that didn't make a difference. I'm still getting the error

Could not find platform independent libraries <prefix>

At this point, I'm wondering if I should uninstall Python and install the prior version, assuming there is an issue with this install.

Right now, I'm totally shut down from any Python development so I could use any tips you may have on resolving this.

Thanks.

[RFHill]

Okay, update on this issue...

I was able to correct this after much searching. I needed to add PYTHONHOME to my environment variables. Once I did that the error went away.

I'm not sure why the Python installation didn't do this, but at any rate, this solved the issue.

[pythonbrojts]

thanks for this