Accidentally Deleted Python from macOS Ventura 13.6

In my effort to uninstall my current Python and replace it with Anaconda, I utilized the 'rm' command in the terminal to remove Python 3.11 specifically from the '/library/bin' directory. I took care to specify the version 3.11 and avoid affecting the version that macOS uses for its internal operations. However, despite removing only these files and also deleting Python 3 folder from the Applications in Finder, I am unable to locate any Python installation on my Mac. I executed the 'python --version' command across all user accounts, and none of them returned any version information, indicating that Python may no longer be present on my Mac. I haven't observed any performance issues, and I plan to install the latest version of Python 3 for my programming needs. I want to ensure that removing the macOS internal Python won't lead to any future problems or necessitate an OS reinstallation.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.5

Posted on Sep 25, 2023 1:33 PM

Reply

Similar questions

2 replies

Sep 25, 2023 1:49 PM in response to elnazjf

Apple never installed Python 3 with any macOS operating system, and removed the deprecated Python 2.7.* distribution from the operatings system beginning with Monterey 12.3. There is no location /Library/bin in macOS.


Since you explicitly refer to Python 3.11, you could only have installed that directly from Python.org; or a package installer directly, or indirectly if it were needed to satisfy some package dependency. Usually, this will place the Python.framework in /Library/Frameworks and link the executables from within the Python.framework back into /usr/local/bin.


I have been using Python for years and not once felt compelled to stab myself in the head with a sharp pencil and install Anaconda Python.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Accidentally Deleted Python from macOS Ventura 13.6

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.