Run button not working, Python interpreter not recognized, terminal stuck on PowerShell

[Rabea707]

Description

VS Code does not properly run Python files on my laptop.

• The Run / Play button does not work
• Python is installed and works in the system terminal
• VS Code does not recognize or persist the selected Python interpreter
• The integrated terminal always opens in PowerShell
• Reinstalling VS Code and Python did not fix the issue
• Same setup works correctly on another PC

This appears to be a VS Code editor or environment issue specific to this machine.

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VS Code Version

Latest stable version (reinstalled multiple times)

OS Version

Windows 10 / Windows 11 (please adjust to the correct one)

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Python
2. Install VS Code
3. Open a .py file
4. Click the Run / Play button
5. Nothing happens / Python is not recognized

Expected Behavior

Python file should run using the selected interpreter.

Actual Behavior

Run button does nothing or VS Code fails to use Python.

[anthonykim1]

Which version of VS Code and VS Code Python extension are you on?

Do you have environment extension installed?

Try install https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.vscode-python-envs

Can you update Python extension, Python environment extension to latest and see if you can still repro?
Also add "python.useEnvironmentsExtension": true, to your settings.json.

Please file issue on https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-python-environments/issues or https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-python/issues

[Rabea707]

Thanks for the guidance.

I’ve already tried the following on a clean OS reset:

• Latest VS Code (stable)
• Latest Python extension
• Installed Python Environments extension
• Enabled "python.useEnvironmentsExtension": true (top-level)
• Reinstalled Python and VS Code multiple times

The issue still reproduces and VS Code now gets stuck on
“Discovering Python Interpreters” with the interpreter picker becoming unresponsive.

At this point I’m going to file a new issue in the vscode-python / vscode-python-environments repo with screenshots and details, as suggested.

[anthonykim1]

@eleanorjboyd I think the run button not working issue that we've seen in the past may be related to the infinite discovering Python interpreter.

@Rabea707 does setting python.locator to js change anything?