Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.PYW
File Type
Python GUI File
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .pyw file format
A .pyw file is a Python source code file designed primarily for graphical user interface (GUI) applications on Windows. The key difference between .py and .pyw files lies in how they are executed. When a .py file is run, a console window is typically opened to display any output or error messages.…
File extension
.PYW
File type
Python GUI File
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .pyw file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .pyw.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .pyw file?
File extension details and usage information
A .pyw file is a Python source code file designed primarily for graphical user interface (GUI) applications on Windows. The key difference between .py and .pyw files lies in how they are executed. When a .py file is run, a console window is typically opened to display any output or error messages. In contrast, a .pyw file is executed without opening a console window. This makes it ideal for GUI applications where the user interacts with windows and controls rather than a command-line interface. The .pyw extension tells the Windows operating system to launch the script using pythonw.exe, which is the Windows GUI version of the Python interpreter. This interpreter suppresses the console window, allowing the GUI application to run seamlessly in the background or as a standalone application without a visible console. This is particularly useful for applications intended to run in the system tray or perform background tasks without disturbing the user's workflow. The code within a .pyw file is standard Python code and can utilize any Python library, including GUI frameworks like Tkinter, PyQt, or wxPython.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .pyw files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .pyw files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .pyw file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .pyw file.
Why can't I open a .pyw file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .pyw format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .pyw files
To open a .pyw file, use software that supports this file format.
- Python Interpreter (with pythonw.exe)
- IDLE
- PyCharm
- Visual Studio Code (with Python extension)
- Sublime Text (with Python plugin)
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .pyw file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.