Can’t Find A Default Python

Defaults in any programming language should be easy, they are the automatic entry that should come as standard. However, anyone working in programming will know that this isn’t always true.

If you come up with the error “Can’t Find A Default” in Python, then your whole code could be messed up.

Why Is The Error Code “Can’t Find Default Python” Coming Up?

Some people see the error “Can’t Find Default Python” and assume it is a Windows error because it has named the programming language. However, the error is coming from the Python launcher.

When the launcher is set off, it will inspect your Python files trying to find which version of the software you are using. If it is failing, that means there is a bug in the system. 

What Is A Default In Python

If you are confused about what a default is, let us explain. In programming, a “default” is the designated value that the software will use when a setting hasn’t been given one already. 

Normally, when a program is given a request, it will look at the information it is given and read it as it is. However, if there is information missing, it will “fill in the space” with a default.  

For example, let’s compare it to a written sentence in the English language. Suppose you said, “She’s at Sophie’s”.

This sentence really means “She’s at Sophie’s house.” The word “house” has been omitted, but the sentence structure is familiar to you, so you can assume that “house” is implied. It has become the default in this sentence.

Another example could be that Sophie is a child of divorced parents. Perhaps Sophie lives with her mother but sees her father semi-regularly.

If you said “She’s at Sophie’s”, the default would be her mother’s house. If you wanted to say the person was visiting Sophie who was staying at her father’s house, you would need to specify it.

A programming language works the same way, however, they normally have a default automatically set up. 

If you are launching python and it spits out the error “Can’t Find Default Python”, then there is an error in the system.

Method 1 To Fix The Issue

The first method to fix this error is to reset the ftype. This will mask the error and not fix it. While masked, the key element of the Python launcher will be disabled.

This could continue to create problems down the line, however, if you simply want to open Python, resetting the ftype is all you need to do.

You can check the ftype by inputting “ftype Python.File”. Do not input a value. The value you should be seeing is “Python.File=”C:\windows\py.exe” “%L” %*”.

Be aware that the “py.exe” is the Python launcher itself. This is the part that this method will ignore, therefore you may end up with a later version of Python.

Method 2 To Fix The Issue

If you want to fix the issue instead of bypassing it, you should try to edit the environment variable. You can do this by using this command – “set PYLAUNCH_DEBUF=1”.

Doing this will tell you exactly what the issue is. Once you have set off the command, type in “py” for a specific answer.

A common error is a missing piece of code. Normally this is “Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Python\PythonCore\3.7\InstallPath”.

How To Set A Default Path For Python – From Scratch

As we said before, defaults are normally automatically added to Python, however, if you wanted to create your own personalized default system, making the edits isn’t hard.

Why Should You Set A Path For Python In Windows

First off, if you are using Windows, then the default settings will not be an option for you. This is because there is no path from Python to Windows Path.

This “Path” contains a list of variables like a directory. When you type a command, the path uses this directory to find the variables. 

In Windows you need to add in a python executable, to access this area. You can do this by creating a path from Windows to the Python executable (python.exe).

Fail to do this and you may get the prompt: “C:\>python ‘python’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file.”

How To Select A Default Path During Installation?

Before you set Python up, you should use the option to add in a python path. To make sure everything goes smoothly, use this method:

1. Acquire your Python Installer from the original source – python.org
2. Once the installer is acquired, you will see a window. If not, wait until the window appears.
3. Before you press “install” press on the “Add Python X.X to your PATH” option.
4. Now press install.

It’s a simple process that shouldn’t be ignored.

How To Select A Default Path Manually?

If the above option isn’t working for you, or you want to add in a more specific default, then you should follow this plan instead.

1. First, you need to right-click on the navigation screen on Windows. It will either be “My PC” or “My Computer”. You’ll then receive a drop-down. Search for “Properties” and click.
2. Now you are given the settings, click “Advanced system settings”.
3. At the bottom of the advanced tab, you will find “Environment Variables…”. Click this button.
4. You’ll see a new window. Look under “System Variables”, and click on “New…”.
5. Now a new user dialog box should have appeared. Here you can put in the “Variable’s name” and the “Variable’s value”. Before you do this, you need to find the python paths. Copy and paste the path into the “Variable’s value” (end it with a semicolon), and then name it “path”.
6. Now press “OK”.

Your new default path has been set up

Summary

Save this page, so that if the error comes up again you have a way to solve the issue. Unfortunately, bugs can happen at any time, but as long as you know how to fix them, you can continue using your programming language.