Flow-Launcher/Flow.Launcher

BUG: FlowLauncher doesn't recognize Python if installed via MS Store

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#1951 opened on Mar 3, 2023

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Description

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Problem Description

I installed Python 3.11 on Windows 11 via MS Store, then tried to add it to my Python Path in Flow Launcher; several attempts caused errors, until I finally found a workaround.

To Reproduce

  1. In General -> Python Path, try to choose a folder via Select
  2. Navigate to the folder C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps, then select pythonw.exe
  3. Error: "pythonw The file cannot be accessed by the system."

Alternatively:

  1. In General -> Python Path, try to choose a folder via Select
  2. Navigate to the folder \Program Files\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.Python.3.11_3.11.752.0_x64__qbz5n2kfra8p0\, then select pythonw.exe
  3. Close and restart Flow Launcher
  4. Try to use a plugin based on Python -> Flow Launcher throws an error message indicating it thinks that the error lies with the Python plugin, rather than Flow Launcher itself. But the error itself is just an Access Denied error: "Flow.Launcher.Core.ExternalPlugins.FlowPluginException: An error occurred trying to start process 'C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.Python.3.11_3.11.752.0_x64__qbz5n2kfra8p0\pythonw.exe'"

Workaround:

  1. In General -> Python Path, manually enter the path C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\pythonw.exe
  2. Close and restart Flow Launcher
  3. Try to use a plugin based on Python -> it works

Side note to this workaround: entering the path "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\WindowsApps\pythonw.exe" somehow does not work; on restart, Flow Launcher thinks no Python path is set and asks me to set a Python path via the dialog from step 1, which does not work.

Screenshots

No response

Flow Launcher Version

1.14.0

Windows Build Number

10.0.22621.1265

Error Log

No response

Contributor guide

Tech stack
csharppython
Domain
desktop
Issue type
bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
half day
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
stale
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
windows file permissionspython installation on windowsflow launcher python path configuration
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
40
Research direction
The issue is about Flow Launcher failing to recognize Python installed via Microsoft Store due to access denied errors when selecting pythonw.exe from WindowsApps folder. The workaround is to manually enter the path to pythonw.exe in AppData. To fix, developers should investigate how Flow Launcher validates the Python path and handles file access. Key areas to explore: the Python plugin configuration in Flow Launcher's settings, the error handling in Flow.Launcher.Core.ExternalPlugins, and the usage of environment variables like %LOCALAPPDATA%. Also consider checking if the path points to an executable that is actually accessible. Potential solution: use a different method to verify Python executability, or add a check for MS Store installations. Refer to comments in the issue for additional context.