How to Install wxPython on Windows

Are you diving into Python GUI development and stumbled upon wxPython as a powerful library to build native-looking desktop apps? You’re in the right place.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to install wxPython on Windows — from understanding what you need beforehand to installing it using both Conda and PIP, and verifying everything works properly.

Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with Python GUI or an intermediate dev wanting to switch from Tkinter or PyQt to something more native-looking, this guide will take you step-by-step, human to human — no robotic commands, no complex jargon.

First Things First — What is wxPython?

Before we start throwing commands around, let’s take a moment to understand what wxPython is and why you might want to use it.

wxPython is a Python wrapper for the popular wxWidgets C++ library. It allows Python developers to create programs with a native look and feel across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s free, open-source, and highly customizable.

With wxPython, you can build fully functional GUI applications in Python with features like:

• Menus
• Toolbars
• Dialogs
• Buttons
• And much more

Now that you’re excited to dive into it, let’s prepare your system.

Pre-requisites: What You Need Before Installation

Installing wxPython is fairly straightforward, but a few things need to be in place before you proceed.

1. A Working Python Installation

• Ensure Python (3.7 to 3.11) is installed.
• You can check using the command:

bashCopyEditpython --version

or

bashCopyEditpython3 --version

• If you don’t have Python installed, grab the installer from the official site and make sure to check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” during installation.

2. PIP or Conda (Package Manager)

Depending on what route you’re taking (we’ll cover both), make sure one of these is installed:

• PIP: Comes with Python installation
• Conda: Comes with Anaconda/Miniconda installation

3. A Code Editor (Optional but Helpful)

Though not required for installation, having a good IDE like:

• VS Code
• PyCharm
• Spyder
• or even Jupyter Notebooks

…can make the coding experience way more pleasant.

Installing wxPython on Windows Using Conda

Why Use Conda?

If you’re using Anaconda or Miniconda, you’re probably already used to creating isolated environments and handling complex packages with ease. Installing wxPython with Conda is often easier and more stable, especially if you’re avoiding compilation issues.

Step 1: Open Anaconda Prompt

Head over to the Start Menu → search for Anaconda Prompt → right-click and choose Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Create a New Conda Environment (Optional but Recommended)

To keep your packages tidy:

bashCopyEditconda create -n wxpython_env python=3.10

Activate it:

bashCopyEditconda activate wxpython_env

Step 3: Install wxPython using Conda-Forge Channel

Here comes the magic:

bashCopyEditconda install -c conda-forge wxpython

What this command does:

• -c conda-forge: This tells Conda to use the Conda-Forge channel, which has the latest wxPython binaries.
• wxpython: This is the name of the package you want to install.

Wait for the dependencies to resolve, and let it finish installing.

Verifying wxPython Module Installation on Windows Using Conda

Once installed, it’s time to verify that everything went well.

Step 1: Open Python Shell Inside the Environment

In your Anaconda Prompt:

bashCopyEditpython

Step 2: Try Importing wx

pythonCopyEditimport wx
print(wx.version())

If you don’t get any errors and see the wxPython version printed, you’ve nailed it!

Step 3: Try a Mini GUI App (Optional)

Try this snippet to see a small window pop up:

pythonCopyEditimport wx

app = wx.App(False)
frame = wx.Frame(None, wx.ID_ANY, "Hello from wxPython using Conda!")
frame.Show(True)
app.MainLoop()

You should see a native Windows window appear. 🎉

Installing wxPython on Windows Using PIP

If you’re not using Anaconda or prefer Python’s default PIP package manager, no worries — wxPython is also available via PIP, but with a caveat.

Important:

• PIP installs a pre-built binary wheel for supported Python versions (3.7–3.11). Make sure you’re using a compatible version.
• PIP install may be heavier (~100MB+), and if it fails, it’s usually due to platform-specific build issues.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Search for CMD in your Start menu → right-click → Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Upgrade PIP

You don’t want to deal with outdated installers.

bashCopyEditpython -m pip install --upgrade pip

Step 3: Install wxPython

Run the following:

bashCopyEditpip install -U wxPython

This will download and install the appropriate wheel file for your platform.

💡 Tip: If you’re running into issues, try specifying the version manually:

bashCopyEditpip install wxPython==4.2.1

Verifying wxPython Module Installation on Windows Using PIP

Once installed, let’s verify everything works smoothly.

Step 1: Launch Python

Open a new terminal window and type:

bashCopyEditpython

Step 2: Try Importing wx

pythonCopyEditimport wx
print(wx.version())

If the import goes through without errors, congratulations — you’ve got wxPython installed via PIP.

Step 3: Run a Basic GUI Window

Here’s the same snippet we used earlier:

pythonCopyEditimport wx

app = wx.App(False)
frame = wx.Frame(None, wx.ID_ANY, "Hello from wxPython using PIP!")
frame.Show(True)
app.MainLoop()

You should see a GUI window pop up with your custom title.

Facing Issues? Common Errors and Fixes

Even though wxPython is fairly easy to install, you might hit a few snags. Let’s troubleshoot a few common issues:

1. ERROR: Failed building wheel for wxPython

This usually means your environment isn’t compatible (wrong Python version, platform mismatch).

Fix: Use the conda method or install a pre-built wheel:

bashCopyEditpip install -U wxPython==4.2.1

2. DLL load failed while importing wx

Could be a path or environment issue.

Fix: Make sure you’re using the correct Python version and avoid mixing conda and pip installations inside the same environment.

3. Installation stuck or extremely slow

This can happen if the wheel is large or your internet is slow.

Fix: Use a faster mirror, or download the wheel file manually from PyPI or Unofficial Windows Binaries.

Comparing Conda vs. PIP for wxPython

Feature	Conda Install	PIP Install
Stability	✅ High	⚠️ Sometimes fails
Speed	✅ Fast (Pre-built)	❌ Slower with large files
Python Version Range	3.7 – 3.11	3.7 – 3.11
Dependencies	✅ Handled automatically	⚠️ Manual intervention may be needed
Recommended for Beginners	✅ Yes	⚠️ Might be confusing

If you’re new or want a hassle-free experience, go with Conda. If you’re comfortable with Python and want more control or lighter environments, PIP works fine too.

Bonus: Some Useful wxPython Resources

Here are a few gems to continue your GUI-building journey:

• 📘 Official wxPython Docs
• 🛠️ wxPython Demo and Samples
• 📺 YouTube Channel: “wxPython Tutorials for Beginners”
• 📚 Book: “Creating GUI Applications with wxPython”

Final Thoughts

Installing wxPython on Windows might seem intimidating at first, but once you know the route — Conda or PIP — it’s a straightforward journey.

You’ve now learned:

• The prerequisites you need to have in place
• How to install wxPython using Conda
• How to verify installation using a simple GUI window
• How to install wxPython using PIP
• How to troubleshoot common problems
• And even where to go next!

Whether you’re building your first GUI calculator or your next desktop SaaS app, wxPython is a rock-solid choice for creating native, beautiful, and responsive desktop applications in Python.

Now, open your terminal, get wxPython running, and start crafting stunning apps!