Python3.8 venv returned exit status 101

Question

I found similar posts, mostly related to linux on venv having an issue with working. python 3.8 venv missing activate command However, I am confused on how to solve it on window

Answer 1

I had the same problem (with both Python 3.7 and 3.8), I believe it was due to a Windows update when I enrolled in the Windows Insiders program, but that could have just been a coincidence.

PS C:\Users\Your Name\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python38> ./python -m venv c:\TEMP\py38-venv
Error: Command '['c:\\TEMP\\py38-venv\\Scripts\\python.exe', '-Im', 'ensurepip', '--upgrade', '--default-pip']' returned non-zero exit status 101.

This worked around the problem in my case:

• Uninstall Python.
• Install with the Custom option.
• Use the "Install for all users".

After this it worked fine:

PS C:\Utilities\PythonBase\Python38> .\python -m venv c:\temp\venv-py38
PS C:\Utilities\PythonBase\Python38>

Of course you'll have to go through and fix any venvs you've been using, but if you're in the same situation as me they won't have been working anyway.