How to Bypass the Microsoft Store Hijack When Running Python on Windows

You installed Python. You know it’s installed. But when you open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type python, Windows responds with this gem:

“Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store…”

No. Absolutely not.

This happens because Windows, in its infinite wisdom, includes a fake python.exe shim that tries to route all Python commands through the Microsoft Store unless you explicitly bypass it.
Here’s how to shut that down.

Step-by-Step: Actually Run Python, Not Microsoft Store Garbage

1. Confirm Python Is Installed

First, check that Python is really there:

  • Hit Win + S, type “Add or Remove Programs”, and confirm Python shows up.
  • Or navigate to:
    C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3x
    (Exact path will vary based on version.)
  • Inside that folder should be python.exe and pythonw.exe

If not, install Python directly from:

https://www.python.org/downloads

Avoid the Microsoft Store version.

2. Check What Happens in Command Prompt

Open a new Command Prompt (not PowerShell). Type:

where python

If the result is something like:

C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\python.exe

That’s the fake one. You’re being hijacked.

3. Fix Your System PATH

Go to:

  • Start > Settings > System > About
  • Click Advanced system settings
  • Under the Advanced tab, click Environment Variables

Under System Variables, find Path, click Edit.

Now make sure of two things:
The actual Python install path is listed, e.g.:

C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3x\

Move that line above the Microsoft Store line (WindowsApps)
Or, if you’re not using any apps from the Windows Store, you can remove this line entirely:

C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps

Click OK > OK > OK.

4. Restart Command Prompt

Close all terminals. Open a fresh Command Prompt and run:

python --version

It should now return something like:

Python 3.12.1

No more Microsoft Store prompts. Just Python.

Bonus: Fix PowerShell Too

PowerShell can also get caught by the same PATH mess. Close and reopen it, or run:

Get-Command python

Make sure it points to your real install path, not WindowsApps.

Done.

You now have real Python on Windows without Microsoft’s detours. PATH issues like this are one of the most common causes of broken command-line tools, and fixing them is a solid example of actual troubleshooting: identify the hijack, fix the priority order, and confirm it’s working.