How to run python from Windows cmd?

Question

I make a lot of python scripts - like blah.py, in my scripts directory, which is in the path. I want to just type "blah" to execute blah.py.

but when I do - the file opens in visual studio code?!

and I can't understand why - when I type

> ftype | grep -i python
Python.ArchiveFile="C:\WINDOWS\py.exe" "%L" %*
Python.CompiledFile="C:\WINDOWS\py.exe" "%L" %*
Python.File="C:\WINDOWS\py.exe" "%L" %*
Python.NoConArchiveFile="C:\WINDOWS\pyw.exe" "%L" %*
Python.NoConFile="C:\WINDOWS\pyw.exe" "%L" %*

and then

> assoc | grep -i .py
.py=Python.File
.pyc=Python.CompiledFile
.pyd=Python.Extension
.pyo=Python.CompiledFile
.pyw=Python.NoConFile
.pyz=Python.ArchiveFile
.pyzw=Python.NoConArchiveFile

so by my reading .py should be a Python.File, which should run C:\windows\py.exe.

any ideas? So far I'm having to make a .bat file corresponding to every single .py file - that just runs it :(

Answer 1

Given that you're most familiar with Unix, I'm not sure if you are comfortable with Regedit and the Windows registry.

So let's get you a simple well-regarded tool to handle this task without asking you to manually edit the Windows registry.

First download FileTypesMan from NirSoft. It's written by Nir Sofer, who is a well-known and trusted developer. It's not open-source (unfortunately), but Nir has been publishing free tools for over 15 years with an unblemished record.

Now follow these simple steps within FileTypesMan:

1. Find the .py file type in the top pane and click on it.
2. In the bottom pane, find the open action (Name column) and double-click it.
3. In the ensuing dialog box, change the command line to "C:\Windows\py.exe" "%1"
4. In that same dialog box, ensure the Default Action checkbox is checked and the Disabled checkbox is not checked, then click OK to close the dialog box.

Voilà. You're done.

You can now close FileTypesMan.

Depending on the installed version of Windows, you may need to restart the shell. If you don't know how to do that programmatically, just log off, and log back in. Or, if you prefer, reboot.

As Gerhard mentioned in the comments, there is a significant security risk to allowing scripts to run directly like this, but you mentioned you understand the risks and the tradeoffs are worth it to you. I simply recap those comments here in this answer to help people in the future in the event that the comments get deleted.

Answer 2

...I want to just type "blah" to execute blah.py
- You can try:

1. Add the path to the Python.exe binary

2. Add eXtensions .py and .pyw to the PathExt variable

3. Run your files

> Your_py_Script
> Your_pyw_Script

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• What is the PathExt Environment Variable in Windows?