When working with Python in PyCharm, you may encounter the “externally-managed-environment” error while trying to install or manage Python packages. This error is caused by restrictions in certain Python package managers like pip
when used in environments that are externally managed (e.g., system-wide Python installations or environments created by package managers like Conda or apt). Understanding this issue and resolving it is essential for keeping your Python projects running smoothly.
In this article, we'll explore what causes the "externally-managed-environment" error, how to fix it, and how to avoid it in the future.
This error occurs because of a recent change in Python's package management policy. Starting with Python 3.12 and later pip
versions, Python restricts direct modifications to system-level environments or those managed by external package managers. This restriction prevents users from unintentionally breaking critical system dependencies by modifying these environments.
For example:
apt
on Ubuntu or dnf
on Fedora), Python considers it an "externally-managed environment."When you try to install a package using pip
in such environments, you may see an error message like:
error: externally-managed-environment
--break-system-packages
FlagIf you're sure that installing the package won’t harm your system, you can bypass the restriction using the --break-system-packages
flag. This flag forces pip
to proceed despite the externally managed environment.
pip install <package-name> --break-system-packages
numpy
:pip install numpy --break-system-packages
⚠️ Warning: Use this option with caution. Installing or modifying system-managed environments may break system tools that depend on specific Python versions or packages.
Creating a virtual environment (venv) is the recommended way to avoid this issue. Virtual environments isolate dependencies for your project, ensuring that system-wide settings remain untouched.
Once the virtual environment is created, PyCharm will configure it as the project’s Python interpreter. You can now install packages using pip without any restrictions:
pip install <package-name>
cd /path/to/your/project
python -m venv venv
venv\Scripts\activate
source venv/bin/activate
pip install <package-name>
--user
Flag)If you can’t create a virtual environment or don’t want to modify the system Python environment, you can use the --user
flag. This installs packages locally for the current user, bypassing the system-level restriction.
--user
flag:pip install <package-name> --user
pip install requests --user
If you're working in a Conda environment (e.g., Anaconda or Miniconda), you can use conda install
instead of pip
. Conda environments are also isolated and avoid the "externally-managed-environment" error.
conda activate my_env
conda install
command:conda install <package-name>
conda install pandas
If you want to use both pip
and Conda in the same environment, be cautious to avoid conflicts.
If you’re using the system-wide Python installation (e.g., /usr/bin/python
on Linux), consider installing Python independently to avoid this error.
/opt/python
).This isolates your Python environment from the system version, preventing the "externally-managed-environment" error.
Sometimes, upgrading pip
or Python can resolve the issue.
pip install --upgrade pip
sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3
brew
:brew upgrade python
If the issue persists, ensure PyCharm is using the correct interpreter.
Always Use Virtual Environments
Virtual environments provide isolation and prevent conflicts between projects and system-level packages.
Avoid Modifying System Python
Never install or modify packages in the system-wide Python installation unless absolutely necessary.
Update Tools Regularly
Keep your Python version, pip, and package managers updated to avoid compatibility issues.
Use PyCharm’s Integrated Tools
PyCharm’s package manager streamlines the installation process, ensuring compatibility with your project interpreter.
Document Environment Setup
Keep track of which Python interpreter and virtual environment each project uses. This makes troubleshooting easier.
The "externally-managed-environment" error in PyCharm can be frustrating, but it exists to protect your system from potential harm caused by unmanaged installations. By understanding its causes and following the solutions outlined above—such as using virtual environments, user installations, or the --break-system-packages
flag—you can resolve the issue and continue coding without interruption.