Python not found when installing esp-idf vscode extension (VSC-641)

Hello. I am having a lot of issues while installing esp-idf extension for VS code.

I have downloaded Python from the link below: https://www.python.org/downloads/

And select a default installation path, which in my case is: C:\Users\Lukas\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python39

I then followed the esp-idf extension installation procedure for the vscode. I have selected epxress instalation with the following parameters:

After the installation of the extension, it returns me an error message:

Installing ESP-IDF extension python packages in C:\Users\Lukas\.espressif\python_env\idf4.2_py3.9_env\Scripts\python.exe ...


No Python at 'C:\Users\Lukas\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.Python.3.9_qbz5n2kfra8p0\python.exe'
Command failed: "C:\Users\Lukas\.espressif\python_env\idf4.2_py3.9_env\Scripts\python.exe" -m pip install --no-warn-script-location  -r "c:\Users\Lukas\.vscode\extensions\espressif.esp-idf-extension-1.0.3\requirements.txt"
No Python at 'C:\Users\Lukas\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.Python.3.9_qbz5n2kfra8p0\python.exe'
Command failed: "C:\Users\Lukas\.espressif\python_env\idf4.2_py3.9_env\Scripts\python.exe" -m pip install --no-warn-script-location  -r "c:\Users\Lukas\.vscode\extensions\espressif.esp-idf-extension-1.0.3\requirements.txt"
No Python at 'C:\Users\Lukas\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.Python.3.9_qbz5n2kfra8p0\python.exe'

It seems like it is looking for at a completely different location to where it is supposed to look: 'C:\Users\Lukas\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\PythonSoftwareFoundation.Python I do not understand how did visual studio got this location from.

From what I know, this python destination is default when the python is downloaded and installed from the windows microsoft store. Perhaps I have done it years ago but since then I have done many things ( deleted and reinstalled python multiple times and etc… )…

Can someone suggest a ways to debug this issue? Also, can someone explain what is the point of creating a virtual python environment? I do not really understand what does that mean. Can the extension not use the normal Python that I have installed on my pc without using virtual environment?

Things I have done:

1. Reinstall esp-idf extension
2. Reinstall python
3. Add the python path in my user variables:

1. Added a python destination in global variables for the python:

1. Updaded global paths with the destination i have created in the preivous point (4. )

Appreciate any help solving this issue

[krupis]

Hello. Sorry for the delayed response, I have been away for the weekend. I have deleted the python_env folder contents and tried to reinstall the esp-idf extension again. It did fix the issue. I am now able to sucesfully build and flash my ESP32 device without any issues. Thank you very much.

[brianignacio5]

The virtual environment should be somewhere in C:\Users\Lukas\.espressif\python_env\idf4.2_py3.9_env based on your logs.