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PyQt6 + PyInstaller checklist (Windows): the common missing pieces

Hidden imports, Qt plugins, icons, and the pitfalls that cause blank windows or missing DLL errors.

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Checklist (the items that usually break builds)

  • Windowed mode: use the GUI/Windowed option for desktop apps.
  • Qt plugins: missing platforms plugins commonly cause startup failures.
  • Hidden imports: some PyQt modules and your dynamic imports must be included explicitly.
  • Clean builds: delete old build/ and dist/ when behavior is inconsistent.
  • Icon + metadata: set an icon and version info for a professional Windows appearance.

Fast troubleshooting flow

  1. Build onedir first.
  2. Run the EXE from a terminal once and capture the last error line.
  3. Add missing plugins/imports and rebuild.
  4. Only then switch to onefile if needed.

Tip: In PyInstaller GUI, keep a profile per project so each change is tracked and repeatable.

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