Windows – Typing “python” on Windows 10 (version 1903) command prompt opens Microsoft store

While you're in a Python 2.4.5 session, use this to locate the Python.exe that gets picked up:

import sys
print sys.executable

If you want to play with multiple versions, you cannot rely on %PATH%. Instead you could create separate batch files that call the version you want (make sure the batch files themselves are on the PATH though). For example, for 2.7.2 you could create a PY27.BAT that simply contains:

@C:\Python27\Python.exe $*

Call py.exe instead of python:

• py -3.6 will open a 3.6 shell;
• py -3.5 will open a 3.5 shell;
• py (check the version of an open shell: it could depend on installation and further settings).

Source: Python Launcher for Windows

New in version 3.3.

The Python launcher for Windows is a utility which aids in locating and executing of different Python versions. It allows scripts (or the command-line) to indicate a preference for a specific Python version, and will locate and execute that version.

Unlike the PATH variable, the launcher will correctly select the most appropriate version of Python. It will prefer per-user installations over system-wide ones, and orders by language version rather than using the most recently installed version.