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How to build a Windows EXE from Python (a practical checklist)

A clean workflow to package Python apps into reliable EXE builds—common pitfalls included.

Published: 2025-12-19

1) Start with a clean environment

  • Create a fresh virtual environment for the build.
  • Install only what the app needs.
  • Use a single Qt binding (avoid multiple Qt packages in one build).

2) Choose your output type

  • onedir for faster startup and fewer runtime issues
  • onefile for easiest distribution (slower first launch)

3) Bundle assets deliberately

  • Use a spec file for icons/images/config.
  • Test paths in a frozen build.

4) Verify on a clean machine

Always test on a second PC or a Windows VM to catch missing DLLs and path assumptions.

If you want a guided UI for this workflow, try PyInstaller GUI.


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