Fix “Python Not Found” Issue After Installing Anaconda on Windows

Are you facing the frustrating error “Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store” after installing Anaconda? This happens due to incorrect system path settings and conflicts with Windows’ built-in Python alias. In this guide, I’ll show you how to properly set up Anaconda’s python and conda so you can use them seamlessly in the command line.

Step 1: Check Your Current Python Path

First, open Command Prompt (cmd) or PowerShell and type:

where python

If you see an output like this:

C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\python.exe
C:\anaconda\python.exe

This means that Windows is still prioritizing the Microsoft Store alias instead of your Anaconda installation.

Step 2: Disable Microsoft Store Python Alias

Windows sometimes redirects python to the Microsoft Store. To disable this:

1. Open Start Menu and search for “Manage App Execution Aliases”.
2. Find “Python.exe” and “Python3.exe”.
3. Turn them OFF.