My problem is that when trying to run NPM commands in my project, I’m getting an error related to Python. NPM is trying to access Python from an incorrect shortcut in the Start Menu (C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Python 3.12), which prevents it from functioning correctly. Even after deleting the shortcut and configuring the correct Python path, NPM continues to show the error "python is not a valid npm option."

I’ve already tried adjusting NPM configurations and ensuring Python is in the system PATH, but the problem persists. Any suggestions on how to permanently fix this error and make sure NPM uses Python correctly?

Deleting the incorrect Python shortcut from the Start Menu:

What I tried: I removed the Python shortcut that NPM was trying to access in the Start Menu (C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Python 3.12). What I expected: I hoped that by removing the shortcut, NPM would stop trying to access an invalid path and would work correctly with the Python installation. Setting the correct Python path in NPM using the command npm config set python:

What I tried: I manually configured NPM to use the correct path for Python (C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\python.exe). What I expected: I expected NPM to use the configured Python path and to run commands without errors, particularly fixing the "python is not a valid npm option" issue. Ensuring Python is in the system PATH:

What I tried: I checked that Python was added to the system PATH and that the command python --version worked in the terminal. What I expected: I expected Python to be accessible system-wide, which would allow NPM to detect it automatically when needed. Clearing the NPM cache:

What I tried: I ran the command npm cache clean --force to ensure there were no cached errors or issues interfering with the process. What I expected: I hoped that cleaning the cache would clear any incorrect or outdated configurations and allow NPM to function correctly.

My problem is that when trying to run NPM commands in my project, I’m getting an error related to Python. NPM is trying to access Python from an incorrect shortcut in the Start Menu (C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Python 3.12), which prevents it from functioning correctly. Even after deleting the shortcut and configuring the correct Python path, NPM continues to show the error "python is not a valid npm option."

I’ve already tried adjusting NPM configurations and ensuring Python is in the system PATH, but the problem persists. Any suggestions on how to permanently fix this error and make sure NPM uses Python correctly?

Deleting the incorrect Python shortcut from the Start Menu:

What I tried: I removed the Python shortcut that NPM was trying to access in the Start Menu (C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Python 3.12). What I expected: I hoped that by removing the shortcut, NPM would stop trying to access an invalid path and would work correctly with the Python installation. Setting the correct Python path in NPM using the command npm config set python:

What I tried: I manually configured NPM to use the correct path for Python (C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\python.exe). What I expected: I expected NPM to use the configured Python path and to run commands without errors, particularly fixing the "python is not a valid npm option" issue. Ensuring Python is in the system PATH:

What I tried: I checked that Python was added to the system PATH and that the command python --version worked in the terminal. What I expected: I expected Python to be accessible system-wide, which would allow NPM to detect it automatically when needed. Clearing the NPM cache:

What I tried: I ran the command npm cache clean --force to ensure there were no cached errors or issues interfering with the process. What I expected: I hoped that cleaning the cache would clear any incorrect or outdated configurations and allow NPM to function correctly.

• python
• reactjs
• npm

Share Improve this question Follow edited Jan 18 at 8:11 VLAZ 29.2k99 gold badges6363 silver badges8484 bronze badges asked Jan 17 at 18:29 Miquéias SantosMiquéias Santos 1111 bronze badge 2

• You mentioned "I manually configured NPM to use the correct path for Python (C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\python.exe)" - can you share how you did that? Also, what version of npm are you using? – Mureinik Commented Jan 17 at 18:36
• I press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. I go to the Advanced tab and click on Environment Variables. I locate the Path variable in the System Variables section and click Edit. Then, I click New and add the following paths: C:\Python[version]\Scripts\ C:\Python[version]\ Finally, I click OK to save. – Miquéias Santos Commented Jan 18 at 3:31

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Sorted by: Reset to default 0

You can tell npm where the Python executable is by editing the .npmrc file (either in the project's level or you home directory) and adding an entry for python:

python=C:\Users\Mike\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python313\python.exe