Renaming python.exe to python3.exe for co-existence with python2 on Windows
<p>I would like to install both python 2.7 and python 3.5 on my Windows 10 PC. Both python executables use the same name <code>python.exe</code>.</p>

<p>Is it a good idea to change <code>python.exe</code> to <code>python3.exe</code> as a quick fix for co-existence? Are there any side-effects or other things that I need to be aware?</p>

<p>You don't need to rename anything for co-existence of different versions of Python.</p>

<p>The different versions of python are installed on different folders automatically.</p>

<p>When use the command prompt you can use the commands <code>py2</code> or <code>py3</code> to refer to the different versions of python. The next works too:</p>

<pre><code>C:\Users\user1&gt;py -2
</code></pre>

<p>and</p>

<pre><code>C:\Users\user1&gt;py -3
</code></pre>

<p>This also works with <code>pip2</code> and <code>pip3</code> for install new packages.</p>

<p>For more details, you can read this article: <a href="https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html?#python-launcher-for-windows" rel="nofollow" title="Python Launcher for Windows">Python Launcher for Windows</a>.</p>

python windows python-2.7 python-3.x