Many users on the Windows operating system are facing ‘PiP is not recognized as an internal or external command’ issue while installing the Python packages on their computers. PiP stands for Pip Installs Packages. This is an essential package for Python. The latest Python versions can’t operate successfully without this PiP.
We have investigated this PiP issue and found two reasons behind this issue. Either PiP is not added to the system or the installation file path is not properly assigned to your device. Whatever the cause be, we have prepared some salient fixes to overcome the issue.
Prominent Fixes for “PiP is Not Recognized” Error
If you are using Python commands on the Command Prompt and getting restricted, then you should go through the fixes given below. You’ll do good if you apply these fixes according to the order provided.
Fix 1: Check Whether PiP Is Included to Path Variable
If you are confused about whether Pip is added to the PATH variable, you have to try this hack out. This fix should be your first choice as it will prevent you from applying unnecessary fixes. This will save you time and effort. Let’s check out the guidelines, now.
- Press Windows and R keys from the keyboard, simultaneously. Fill the Run box with ‘cmd’ and click the OK button. This will launch a Command Prompt window.
- Type down the following command in the Command Prompt: echo %PATH%. Press Enter. This will show up the locations that are included in the PATH variable.
- Check if you can locate something similar to C:\Python37\Scripts. Well, it depends on the version of Python that you have installed. If you can locate the installation path then PiP is already included in the PATH variable. Then you can move to the fixes from Fix 4.
If you can’t locate such a file, then you have to go through all the upcoming fixes listed below. You have to include the PiP to the PATH variable, to get Python working fine.
Fix 2: Add PiP By Using the Windows GUI
If you have applied the Fix 1 and found out that PiP is not added to the PATH variable then you have to add this. Make sure that you have already installed the Python distribution. You have to use the Windows GUI to implement this process.
- Firstly, you need to launch the Run dialog box. Press and hold the Windows and R keys to do that.
- Next, fill the Open box with ‘sysdm.cpl’ and press Enter. This will show up the window of System Properties.
- Head towards the Advanced tab. Choose the Environment Variables option. Then click on the System Variables option. Next, select the Path and choose the Edit button.
- When the Edit window opens, choose the New option. You need to add the path where Pip is installed.
- After you have added the path, you can now launch the Command Prompt. Start installing the Python package that includes PiP.
Hopefully, you don’t notice the ‘Pip is not recognized’ issue anymore.
Fix 3: Add PiP By Using the Command Prompt
If you haven’t found the solution by using Fix 2 then you can try this method. This fix will solve the error quicker as you have to use the Command Prompt and execute a simple command. Let’s apply the guidelines as cited below.
- Press the Windows and R keys at the same time to launch the Run dialog box.
- Type ‘cmd’ in the Open box and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt window.
- Type the following command in the Command Prompt: setx PATH “%PATH%;C:\Python37\Scripts”. This will depend on the version of Python that you are using.
Check if you have included PiP in the PATH variable. Otherwise, you have to move on to the next fixes.
Fix 4: Expand Python Without Adding the PiP Variable
If you want to exclude PiP while installing Python packages, you can surely do it through the Command Prompt. Use the following instructions to execute the task.
- Press the Windows and R keys to launch the Run dialog box. Fill the Open box with ‘cmd’. Afterward, hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.
- You have to type the following command: python -m pip install [package_name]. Mention the package name within the brackets. Press Enter.
This should solve the issue.
Alternative Way:
We have another similar fix but the fix is a bit longer. Stick to the guidelines below to implement the fix.
- Open the Run dialog box using the Windows and R key at the same time. Next, open the Command Prompt by typing ‘cmd’ and hitting Enter.
- When the Command Prompt opens, type the following command: cd C:\python installs. Press Enter. The file name can change according to the location of the Python.whl file.
- You have to run the following command to get the Python package without PiP. C:\python37\scripts\pip.exe install [package].whl. Make sure that you use the Python version that you have installed. Also, take care when you place the package name in the place of [package].
Check if the same error message appears. If yes, then please carry on with the fixes mentioned next.
Fix 5: Make Sure That PiP is Added to Python Package
Before you are thinking of a reinstallation of the Python package, you should give this fix a try. You can easily rectify the installation procedure and add the PiP installation. Go through the set of easy guidelines below to implement the fix.
- Open the Run prompt. You can use the shortcut keys: Windows+R. Then, type ‘appwiz.cpl’ there. Click the Ok button to enter the Programs and Features window.
- After that, locate the Python installation and right-click on it. Choose the Change option from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Modify option on the Modify Setup window. You have to check the box next to PiP under the Optional Features window. Next, click the Install button to initialize the installation.
When the rectification completes, open up a Command Prompt window and check if the issue disappears.
Fix 6: Reinstall Python With the Help of the Executable Installer
Well, if none of the above fixes is useful then you might need a reinstallation of the Python package. This will definitely resolve the ‘PiP is not recognized as an internal or external command’ issue.
- Press and hold the Windows and R keys to launch the Run dialog box. Type ‘appwiz.cpl’ there and hit the Enter key. The Programs and Features window should appear.
- Locate the Python package under the Programs and Features window. As soon as you find it, right-click on the program and opt for the Uninstall option.
- When the uninstallation completes, reboot your Windows PC.
- Next, you have to download the latest Python executable installer package from its official website. Ensure that you choose the right installer according to the version and architecture of your device’s operating system.
- Open up the package and check the box next to the Add Python to PATH option. Next, select the Customize Installations option.
- When the Optional Features screen appears, make sure that the checkbox next to PiP is checked. Continue with the Next option. You may leave the default location.
- When it comes to the Advanced Options window, click on the Install button. Reboot your PC when the installation completes. Try to install a Python package through the Command Prompt.
- If you are still getting the error message, use the following command in the Command Prompt window: python -m ensurepip –default-pip. Press Enter.
The issue should resolve now.
Summing Up
Hopefully, the guide was able to fix the ‘PiP is not recognized’ issue. But if you are using Python 3.6 or older versions, then you might need to install PiP, manually. Python 3.6 doesn’t support the automatic installation of PiP.
