How to fix "'jupyter' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file" when running Jupyter on Windows?

Question

I have installed Jupyter on Windows 10, Python 3.x via

$ pip install jupyter

The installation works fine, even though I did restart the terminal.

But trying to run

$ jupyter notebook

gives the following error

'jupyter' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

How and where do I find the executable for Jupyter?

Answer 1

I had the exact same problem and it was driving me crazy. Other answers provide a solution, but they don't explain why you and I are having this problem.

I will try to explain why this is happening and then provide some solutions.

You can go to the end to see the TL;DR.

1)What's going on? Why is this error happening?

I'll try to make a step-by-step answer so everything is explained clearly. If you think it's too basic at the beginning, go to the end of this post.

I'll first start with common things like running the python shell from the terminal or running pip. You'll see why you can do that from the terminal and we'll end up on why and how you can run the jupyter notebook from the terminal as well.

Ready? Let's start!

---

Have you ever wondered why you can type python in the terminal (command prompt) and suddenly start the Python interpreter?

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.18363.1440]
(c) 2019 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME>python
Python 3.9.1 (tags/v3.9.1:1e5d33e, Dec  7 2020, 17:08:21) [MSC v.1927 64 bit (AMD64)] on win32
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

You probably already know (but maybe don't) that this is because Python was added to the Windows PATH environment variable. You probably did it at installation time or afterwards.

But, what is this PATH environment variable?

It basically allows you to run any executables, that are located inside the paths specified in the variable, at the command prompt without having to give the full path to the executable.

You can check the content of that PATH variable with:

>>> import sys
>>> for path in sys.path:
        print(path)

C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\python39.zip
C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\DLLs
C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\lib
C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39
C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\lib\site-packages
... (some other paths were taken out for clarity)

You can see this folder: C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39. This is the place where Python version 3.9 is installed. Let's check its content:

<DIR>   DLLs
<DIR>   Doc
<DIR>   etc
<DIR>   include
<DIR>   Lib
<DIR>   libs
<DIR>   Scripts
<DIR>   share
<DIR>   tcl
<DIR>   Tools
        LICENSE.txt
        NEWS.txt
        python.exe
        python3.dll
        python39.dll
        pythonw.exe
        vcruntime140.dll
        vcruntime140_1.dll

Voilà! We have the python.exe file (an executable). We have a Python executable file in the PATH, that's why you can start the Python interpreter from the terminal with just typing python. If this wasn't the case you would have to type the full path to the executable file in the terminal:

C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME> C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\python)

Instead of just:

C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME> python

---

And what about when you use pip?

It's the same principle. You can run pip from the terminal because there is a pip executable file in the PATH variable.

If you go to C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\Scripts\ (which is in the PATH showed above) you'll see many executables files. One of them is pip. Actually I have three versions: pip, pip3.9 and pip3.

The Scripts folder allows exectuable files to be run from the terminal. Like pip or other libraries that you intend to run directly from the terminal. The Scripts folder:

...is not intended for you, it's for scripts that are installed as components of modules that you install. For example, pip is a module, but it also has a wrapper script by the same name, pip, which will be installed in that directory.

If you put something there and it is properly in your PATH, then it should be executable

That wrapper script would be the pip executable file. When this executable file is run, it locates the pip folder in the Python installation folder and runs pip.

But you could also run pip directly from the installation folder (C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\Lib\site-packages), without needing the executable pip file.

But, how can you do it?

I'm glad you ask. There is a Python way to run modules as the main module (without the need to import it).

python -m pip

When you run a module directly its name becomes __main__. What -m does is:

Search sys.path for the named module and execute its contents as the __main__ module.

What is __main__?

'__main__' is the name of the scope in which top-level code executes.

A module’s __name__ is set equal to '__main__' when read from standard input, a script, or from an interactive prompt. ...

I guess that the pip executable does something similar, or at least, has the same effect: to start pip.

---

2)What does this have to do with the Jupyter Notebook?!

Think of the Jupyter Notebook as the same as pip. If you want to run jupyter in the terminal, you need an executable that it's on the PATH.

We have already seen that the executables of modules like pip or jupyter are located here C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\Scripts\.

If I check the content of the folder I see this:

easy_install-3.9.exe
easy_install.exe
f2py.exe
jsonschema.exe
jupyter-bundlerextension.exe
jupyter-console.exe
jupyter-nbconvert.exe
jupyter-nbextension.exe
jupyter-notebook.exe
jupyter-qtconsole.exe
jupyter-serverextension.exe
jupyter-trust.exe
pip.exe
pip3.9.exe
pip3.exe

I see the already mentioned pip, pip3.9 and pip3. But I don't see jupyter (the word "jupyter" alone).

If I type jupyter in the terminal I get the error that started all:

'jupyter' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Finally we've reached an answer to your question!!!

---

'jupyter' is not recognized as a command because there is no executable file in the Scripts folder called jupyter.

---

So, let's try a different executable. What about jupyter-notebook?

BINGO! The notebook is running!

Serving notebooks from local directory:
C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\Scripts
Jupyter Notebook 6.3.0 is running at:
http://localhost:8888/?token=... (edited)
or http://127.0.0.1:8888/?token=... (edited)
Use Control-C to stop this server and shut down all kernels (twice to skip confirmation).

I don't know why I don't have a jupyter executable called 'jupyter'. The official documentation says to use jupyter notebook on the terminal, but it seems that in some cases it doesn't work. And I think it has to do with what I mentioned above: there is no jupyter exectuable in the Scripts folder.

---

If you remember, I told you that you can run pip as the main module using python -m pip.

It happens that you can do the same with jupyter.We just need to know how to call it. As in with pip, we have to check the folder where 3rd party libraries are installed: C:\Users\YOUR-USERNAME\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\Lib\site-packages.

You'll see jupyter_console, but this just creates an interactive notebook in the terminal, not exactly what you were looking for. You're also going to find folders ending with .dist.info, like jupyter_console-6.4.0.dist-info. This is just metadata of the Wheel Binary Package builder. You'll also see a folder like jupyterlab_pygments, but that's for JupyterLab. We want to use the classic Jupyter notebook.

What we want is to run notebook. How do we know this?

You'll see in the folder site-packages the folder (package) notebook. Inside there is a file called __main__.py:

#__main__.py
if __name__ == '__main__':
    from notebook import notebookapp as app
    app.launch_new_instance()

It's calling notebookapp.py which is a "A tornado based Jupyter notebook server." Yes, this is what we need.

We can see that launch_new_instance in the notebookapp calls launch_instance(), which "launches an instance of a Jupyter Application".

Perfect! We are in the correct folder. To run the jupyter notebook from the Python interactive shell we have to run the notebook package with:

python -m notebook

---

3)*** SUMMARY: SOLUTION ***

tl;dr:

I have explained and showed why this error is happening.

Now let's summarize the solutions:

1. To know the name of the jupyter executable (in the Scripts folder), so you can run directly from the terminal (Command Prompt) as:

    jupyter notebook
   

or as:

    jupyter-notebook

Or whatever name you have.

2. Run the notebook as the main module from Python:

    python -m notebook
   

I hope this helps you as much as it helped me. I'm open to your comments and suggestions.

Answer 2

For those who NEED jupyter notebook to work, specially for R kernel in Jupyter notebook. if jupyter command is not recognized is because it is not in path.

In my case, pip install jupyter put jupyter.exe in

C:\Users\user\AppData\ Roaming\Python\Python312\Scripts

instead of

C:\Users\user\AppData\ Local\Programs\Python\Python312\Scripts

So from Roaming copy

and paste them into Local

Or even easier, add Roaming to your PATH.

Answer 3

First check where your python is installed by heading over to

C:\Users\**username**\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\Scripts

this is the path usually you will find python installed. After this type in

cd..  to get one step out of the Scripts folder

After this install jupyter in here using:

$ pip install jupyter

The installation was fine and when I tried to open the jupyter notebook, it gave me the following error.

'jupiter is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

I checked a lot of resources but still, I faced the same problem. After doing a lot of stuff from the internet, I myself figured out that maybe due to some updates(for some users) it won't open by typing the command

jupyter notebook

Instead, you have to type

jupyter-notebook

The only thing I was missing was this Hyphen-minus.

Answer 4

Adding jupyter notebook to System Environment Variable will probably fix this issue

Answer 5

I had the same issue and installed jupyter using pip on windows 10. I was actually trying to install an R kernel for jupyter and it did not work. Eventually the solution from Hao Liang at jupyter-client has to be installed but “jupyter kernelspec --version” exited with code 127 worked.

However if you want to be able to run "jupyter notebook" please try the following.

1. Find the location of the jupyter file, by looking at the location returned after typing pip show jupyter in ms-dos prompt. For me it was c:\program files (x86)\microsoft visual studio\shared\python39_64\lib\site-packages
   in that folder there is a file jupyter.py that is the root command that call the different jupyter modules.

2. Add the location of the file to the PATH (using system environment variable)

3. If not done already add the folder of the python exectuable to the PATH too (for me it was c:\program files (x86)\microsoft visual studio\shared\python39_64).

4. Now add python file extensions to the PATHEXT environment variable (adding ".PY;" to PATHEXT)

5. In a command prompt run as administrator, run the following two commands:

   assoc .py=Python.File

   ftype Python.File=c:\program files (x86)\microsoft visual studio\shared\python39_64\\python.exe "%1" %*

6. Open a new command and type "jupyter notebook", it should now work.

Answer 6

you can should type in your windows command-line python -m notebook

if you can another response than you can re-install the jupyter pip install jupyter ,

After complete the successful installation type again in your command-line python -m notebook...

Answer 7

I know there are so many answers here, but this might help others.

1. Set the environment variables for your username.

2. check whether the notebook is installed, jupyter --version This will list all the Jupyter core packages

3. if the notebook says "not installed", execute the below command pip install notebook

Answer 8

If you are doing it through pip installation,

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Python\<yourpythonfolder>\Scripts

Adding this to your path is missing for 'jupyter notebook' command to run

Answer 9

You can add the following to your path

C:\[Python Installation path]\Scripts

e.g. C:\Python27\Scripts

It will start working for jupyter and every other pip install you will do here on.

Answer 10

I just found that error when I first intalled and run the jupyter notebook. Then I found the executable (.exe) file from C:\Users\<user-name>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39\Scripts. The actual file name was "jupyter-notebook". The installation guide says it as "jupyter notebook" to run the server. You have to run the command "jupyter-notebook" in the command line and it will be run. Thanks!

Answer 11

Had the same issue. Finally searched where jupyter.exe directory was located on my computer. For some reason it was under C:\VTRoot\HarddiskVolume4\Users[user]\AppData\Local\Programs\Python

Whereas the Python is C:\Users[user]\AppData\Local\Programs\Python

So I copied full Python39 folder from VTRoot to main Python39 python folder in AppData. And the issue is solved.

Answer 12

Add system variable path, this path is where jupyter and other scripts are located

PATH -->

`C:\Users\<userName>\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python39\Scripts`

Like in my laptop PATH is:

"C:\Users\developer\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python39\Scripts"

After that, You will be able to run jupyter from any folder & any directory by running the below command

jupyter notebook

Answer 13

First run this command

pip install jupyter

then add system variable path , this path is where jupyter and other scripts are located

PATH = C:\Users<userName>\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python38\Scripts

e.g PATH=C:\Users\HP\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python38\Scripts

After that we can run jupyter from any folder/directory

jupyter notebook

Answer 14

To install I used "pip install notebook" in windows command line

To run python -m notebook did not work for me, but python3 -m notebook worked

Answer 15

first you should make sure that you are put your python path in your system variables .. Then try run this

python -m pip install jupyter --user

and then run this

py -m notebook or  jupyter notebook

Answer 16

Please try either of these commands first;

$ py -m notebook
$ python -m notebook

for jupyterlab users

py -m jupyterlab

Otherwise

$ python -m pip install jupyter --user
$ jupyter notebook

If this does not work.

pip does not add jupyter directly to path for local.

The output from

$ which python
/c/Users/<username>/AppData/Local/Programs/Python/Python35-32/python

After some digging I found a executable for jupyter in the folder:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python35\Scripts\jupyter.exe

Difference between local and roaming folder

So if you want to be able to execute a program via command line, you need to add it into the %PATH variable. Here is a powershell script to do it. BE SURE TO ADD THE ";" before adding the new path.

$ [Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable("Path", $env:Path + ";C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python35\Scripts", [EnvironmentVariableTarget]::User)

Update:

if you are using python3, switch out python with python3 but I encourage you to use pyenv instead :)

Answer 17

I just installed JupyterLab on top of my Python 3.8/pip enabled Win10 machine, so I ran into these startup problem with windows. If everything is ok (check that you have PATH for Python, eg. C:\Users[Username]\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python38-32\Scripts) you simply run:

jupyter-lab.exe

and that's it.

Cheers

Answer 18

If you are absolutely sure that your Python library path is in your system variables (and you can find that path when you pip install Jupyter, you just have to read a bit) and you still experience "command not found or recognized" errors in Windows, you can try:

python -m notebook

For my Windows at least (Windows 10 Pro), having the python -m is the only way I can run my Python packages from command line without running into some sort of error

Fatal error in launcher: Unable to create process using ' "

or

Errno 'THIS_PROGRAM' not found

Answer 19

you can create a batch file and search for Jupiter in your windows search and ooen its properties and you will get this string. D:\anaconda3\python.exe D:\anaconda3\cwp.py D:\anaconda3 D:\anaconda3\python.exe D:\anaconda3\Scripts\jupyter-notebook-script.py "%USERPROFILE%/" after getting this you can create a jupitor.bat file with this content it that and you can save that file in a script folder in d or any drive and add the path of your script file in your environmental path

and then you can easly call this by typing jupitor in cmd.

Answer 20

I was facing the same issue in windows7, as i just recoverd my computer with the help of recovery point and after that notebook just stopped working. I tried to change the path setting but nothing was working so I just simply uninstalled the python with the application from which it was installed and after that I installed it again. After that I installed jupyter notebook again and then it worked fine. Thanks

Answer 21

Check whether you have given python PATH in environmental variables properly.
If not, then set python path. Then use:

$ python -m notebook

Answer 22

I have two python version installed: 1. Python 3.8.2: This was installed independently 2. Python 3.7.6: This was installed along with Anaconda 3

Multiple versions caused conflict even after setting the path variables correctly.

I have uninstalled the Python 3.8.2 and after restart, the command

jupyter notebook

Worked perfectly :)

Answer 23

100% working solution:

Follow these steps:

1. Open the folder where you downloaded "python-3.8.2-amd64.exe" setup or any other version of python package

2. Double click on "python-3.8.2-amd64.exe'

3. Click "Modify"

4. You will see "Optional features"

5. Click "next"

6. Select "Add python to environment variables"

7. Click "install"

8. Then u can run jupyter in any desired folder u desire

    E.g  open "cmd" command prompt

    Type : 
    E: 

    E:\>jupyter notebook

    It will get started without showing

    'Jupyter' is not recognized

Thanks

Answer 24

In Python 3.7.6 for Windows 10. After installation, I use these commands.

1. pip install notebook
2. python -m notebook

OR

C:\Users\Hamza\AppData\Local\Packages\PythonSoftwareFoundation.Python.3.7_qbz5n2kfra8p0\LocalCache\local-packages\Python37\Scripts .

For my pc python-scripts are located in the above path. You can add this path in environment variables. Then run command.

1. jupyter notebook

Answer 25

If you have installed jupyter with "python -m pip install jupyter" command instead of "$ pip install jupyter" command then follow these steps:

1. Create a notepad
2. Change its extension from ".txt" to ".ipynb"
3. Right click it and click "open with"
4. In the pop up, go to - C:\Users\<"windows_user_name">\AppData\Roaming\Python\Python38\Scripts
5. Click on "jupyter-lab.exe"

Answer 26

## windows CMD

for default install (just check "add path" and "next" when installing)

python -m notebook

for custom install in C:\

jupyter notebook

Answer 27

Problem for me was that I was running the jupyter command from the wrong directory.

Once I navigated to the path containing the script, everything worked.

Path- C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Shared\Python37_64\Scripts

Answer 28

In windows 10: If you used anaconda3 for Jupyter notebook installation and forgot to check the box to add the environment variables to the system during installation, you need to add the following environment variables to the "Path" variable manually: (search windows settings for Edit environment variables")

Environment variables for Anaconda3

Answer 29

I added

 c:\users\[user]\appdata\roaming\python\python37\site-packages

to the path and it worked.

Answer 30

Here is how I resolved stated issue, hope it helps:

1. install python 3.7 using official website for python, while installing include installing PATH by checking it's box

2. after that open cmd (be sure to open it after step 1) and write: pip install jupyter ENTER

3. now you should be able to open jupyter notebook by using command: jupyter notebook

Seems simple, but it may as well help.