# What is PEP 773?

Windows has accumulated at least four ways to install Python: the MSI installer from python.org, the Windows Store package, NuGet, and the embeddable ZIP. Each has quirks. The MSI installer uses a legacy packaging format prone to path conflicts. The Store version restricts file access and prevents version selection. The `py.exe` launcher (from [PEP 397](https://peps.python.org/pep-0397/)) can switch between installed versions but cannot install them.

[PEP 773](https://peps.python.org/pep-0773/) replaces all of this with a single tool: **PyManager**.

## What PyManager does

PyManager combines the launcher and the installer into one program. The `py` command gains management subcommands alongside its existing ability to select and launch Python versions:

```console
> py install 3.12
> py install 3.13
> py list
  3.13.2  (default)
  3.12.9
> py -3.12 script.py
```

`py install` downloads and installs runtimes. `py list` shows what is available. `py uninstall` removes them. The `python` and `python3` commands continue to work as before, selecting the best available version automatically.

## Distribution and timeline

PyManager ships as an MSIX package available from both python.org and the Windows Store. An MSI option exists for environments without Store access. The PEP was accepted in April 2025. The traditional `.exe` installer and standalone `py.exe` launcher will be deprecated two years later, around April 2027.

## Relationship to other tools

PyManager operates at the runtime level: it installs and selects Python interpreters. It does not manage virtual environments or project dependencies. Tools like [uv](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/uv.md) and [conda](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/conda.md) remain the right choice for environment and package management, and both can work alongside PyManager-installed runtimes.

On macOS and Linux, [pyenv](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/reference/pyenv.md) plays a comparable role. PyManager differs in that it is maintained by the CPython core team and ships as part of the official Python distribution.

## Learn More

- [PEP 773 Specification](https://peps.python.org/pep-0773/)
- [How to install Python with uv](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/how-to/how-to-install-python-with-uv.md)
- [How to install uv on Windows](https://pydevtools.com/handbook/how-to/how-to-install-uv-on-windows.md)