To update Python 3 installed via the Microsoft Store, open the Start menu, search for "Microsoft Store," and launch the application. Click on your user profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Get updates." This triggers a system-wide check for available updates for all installed apps, including Python, ensuring you receive the latest version without manual intervention or reinstallation.
Understanding Microsoft Store App Updates
Applications distributed through the Microsoft Store operate as Universal Windows Platform (UWP) packages. Unlike traditional executables downloaded from websites, these apps are managed by the Windows operating system itself. The primary mechanism for keeping them current is the built-in update service within the Store app. When a new version of Python is published to the store, it becomes available for download through this centralized hub. Users do not need to visit the Python Software Foundation website or manage complex environment variables manually for basic version updates. The Store handles the file integrity, permissions, and registry entries required for the UWP package structure.
Manual Update Procedure
The most reliable method to ensure you have the latest Python release is to perform a manual check through the Microsoft Store interface. This approach gives you immediate visibility into whether an update is pending or if your installation is already current. Follow these steps to initiate the process:
- Press the
Windows Key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
- Type "Microsoft Store" into the search bar and click the application icon to launch it.
- Locate the user profile icon in the upper right-hand corner of the window and click it.
- Select the "Get updates" option from the dropdown menu that appears.
- Click the "Get updates" button again in the subsequent dialog box to start the process.
Once initiated, the Store will scan for any pending updates. If an update for Python 3 is available, it will appear in the list with a "Download" button. Clicking this button begins the installation. During this time, keep your computer connected to the internet and avoid shutting down the system. Once the download completes, the Store will automatically install the new version. You may be prompted to restart your device to finalize the changes, depending on the scope of the update files being replaced.
Automating the Update Process
While manual checks are effective, many users prefer to automate this task to ensure they never miss a critical security patch or feature update. The Microsoft Store has a setting that allows applications to update themselves in the background. To enable this, return to the user profile menu in the Microsoft Store. Look for the "App updates" section and toggle the switch to "On." This ensures that whenever you connect to the internet, the Store silently downloads and installs updates for all your UWP apps, including Python.
Additionally, you can configure Windows Update settings to assist with this process. Although Python is primarily managed by the Store, certain framework dependencies might be tied to system-level updates. Ensuring that your Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation is fully updated provides a stable environment for these apps to function correctly. Navigate to Settings, then Update & Security, and check for Windows updates regularly. This holistic approach reduces the likelihood of compatibility issues between the OS and the Python runtime.
Verifying the Installed Version
After completing the update process, it is crucial to verify that the correct version is now active. Open a command prompt or PowerShell window. Type
python --version and press Enter. The output should display the new version number that was just installed. If the version number remains unchanged, it is possible that the old version is still cached in your system PATH, or the update did not complete successfully. In such cases, try restarting your terminal session. If the issue persists, consider checking the Microsoft Store library to confirm the status of the Python app. For developers managing multiple environments, using virtual environments is recommended to isolate project-specific dependencies regardless of the global Python version.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, the update process may fail due to network restrictions or corrupted cache files. If the Microsoft Store reports an error during the update, clearing the store cache can often resolve the issue. Press
Windows Key + R, type
wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This command clears the local cache and restarts the Store app automatically. After the process completes, attempt the update again. Another common issue arises when users have both the Microsoft Store version and a traditional installer version of Python on their machine. These two installations can conflict, leading to unpredictable behavior. It is best practice to maintain only one installation method per major version to avoid PATH conflicts. If you encounter persistent errors, reviewing the event viewer logs or seeking help from the community resources linked below can provide further insights.
For those needing to manage serial communications after updating, see
How to Install pyserial Module and Handle Serial Port Connections in Windows 11. Additionally, if you face permission errors related to WindowsApps directories during future installations, refer to
Error: Unable to Access 'C:\ProgramFiles\WindowsAppsDirectory' during Python 3.11 Installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update Python via the command line?
No, the Microsoft Store version of Python does not support direct command-line updates like pip or apt. You must use the graphical interface of the Microsoft Store app or rely on its automatic background update settings. Attempting to use external package managers to update the core interpreter will result in errors because the Store manages the package identity.
Why does my Python version not change after clicking update?
This often happens because the command prompt or terminal window was open before the update completed. These sessions cache the environment variables at startup. Close all terminal windows and reopen them to force a refresh of the system PATH. If the issue persists, check if another version of Python is taking precedence in your environment variables.
Is it safe to delete the old Python folder after updating?
Generally, no. The Microsoft Store manages the installation directory within
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps, which is protected and hidden. You cannot and should not manually delete these folders. The Store automatically removes older versions when a new one is installed. Manual deletion can break the application registration and prevent future updates.
Will updating Python break my existing scripts?
Minor version updates (e.g., 3.9 to 3.10) are usually backward compatible, but breaking changes can occur between major versions. It is highly recommended to test your critical scripts in a controlled environment after updating. Using virtual environments helps isolate dependencies, making upgrades less risky for specific projects. Always backup your code before performing significant version jumps.