Now Windows users can download Python from the Microsoft Store.
Let's hope that this will pave the way for removing the dependency on Windows Installer (.MSI) packages that are generated by the CPython team each year.
Python 3.7 in the MS Store
For those who are not familiar, Windows does not provide a native installation of Python like most Linux and Unix systems. This is why users need the CPython developers.
Fortunately, the team has released an official Python package in the Microsoft Store. However, this also has some drawbacks.
First, this version for the Microsoft Store is a simple installation of Python, which is suitable for running scripts, packages and using IDLE or other development environments.
Second, the restrictions for Microsoft Store apps prevent Python scripts from gaining full write access to shared locations such as TEMP and the registry. However, you can choose to install the full installer from the Python website.
Another well-known issue with the py.exe launcher is that it cannot be used to launch Python if you install it from the Microsoft Store.
Due to the aforementioned reasons, this package is currently considered a “evaluation” version and therefore the stability of all its features is not guaranteed.
However there are also positives, as Python 3.7 in the MS Store brings many useful tools for the Windows 10 environment. You can choose to start Python from the Menu/Command Prompt/PowerShell.
Although it is still recommended to install the full version of Python, this development is interesting. And, we would really like to see the full version of Python in the Microsoft Store, without the current restrictions.
