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Hi, I'm wondering if anybody knows of a python compiler to make an exe with. I have tries cx_freeze and py2exe so far, but I haven't been able to get it to work. If anyone has any good python to exe compilers please post here. Thanks, 26bm

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Quick summary and pragmatic next steps. The OP tried py2exe and cx_Freeze and had trouble; and correctly pointed out those tools and related options. The remainder here condenses reliable, evergreen troubleshooting and sensible alternatives so the thread remains useful long after it was posted.

Common causes when a freeze tool “doesn’t work”

  • Architecture or interpreter mismatch (32‑bit vs 64‑bit Python).
  • Building with a different Python than the one used to run libraries (use the same virtualenv/interpreter).
  • Hidden imports or C extensions not detected by the packer.
  • Missing non‑Python data files (images, config files, DLLs).
  • Antivirus/SmartScreen blocking the produced EXE on first runs.
  • Trying onefile packaging before a working one‑folder build (onefile hides many errors).

Practical, fast workflow to isolate problems

  1. Create a minimal virtualenv and install only what the program needs.
  2. Build a trivial test script (print("hello")) to confirm the tool works.
  3. Build as a one‑folder first, verify the app runs, then switch to onefile.
  4. Read the packer’s console output or log for “missing” modules and add them as hidden imports or include files.
  5. Test the final EXE on a clean VM to catch redistributable/DLL issues.

Example (PyInstaller; recommended for quick testing and broad compatibility)

pip install pyinstaller
pyinstaller --clean --onefile --log-level=DEBUG path\to\myscript.py
# use --windowed for GUI apps (no console)

Alternatives and final checklist: PyInstaller is broadly usable; Nuitka produces native compiled binaries (different tradeoffs); newer tools (PyOxidizer, Briefcase) exist for more advanced builds. Checklist before concluding a tool “failed”: same interpreter/arch, build minimal example, inspect logs, include hidden imports/data files, verify on a clean system, and watch for antivirus interference. This complements the advice from and while giving concrete steps to find the actual cause.

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Member Avatar for snippsat
Edited by snippsat
Member Avatar for 26bm

thanks alot!

Member Avatar for james.lu.75491856

mark it solved, if you want

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