py2exe
Freezes Python scripts into standalone Windows executables.
Pricing
Free tier
Flat rate
Adoption
→StableLicense
Open Source
Data freshness
Aging · Jun 8, 2026Overview
What is py2exe?
Py2exe is a tool that converts Python scripts into executable files for Windows. This allows developers to distribute their applications without requiring the end-user to install Python.
Key differentiator
“Py2exe stands out by offering a straightforward way to convert Python scripts into standalone Windows executables, making it ideal for developers who need to distribute their applications without the dependency on Python installations.”
Capability profile
Capability Radar
Honest assessment
Strengths & Weaknesses
↑ Strengths
↓ Weaknesses
py2exe may not fully support the latest versions of Python or certain modern libraries, leading to compatibility issues.
Users often need to manually configure various settings in order to successfully convert scripts into executables, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.
The resulting executable may not perform as efficiently as a natively compiled application due to the underlying Python interpreter still being in use.
Documentation is sparse, and troubleshooting issues can be difficult without extensive community resources or examples.
Fit analysis
Who is it for?
✓ Best for
Python developers looking to distribute their applications on Windows without requiring the end-user to install Python.
Developers who need to create portable versions of Python-based tools or utilities for distribution.
✕ Not a fit for
Projects that require cross-platform support beyond Windows.
Applications that heavily rely on dynamic updates and frequent changes, as executables are static.
Cost structure
Pricing
Free Tier
Available
Open source — free to use
Starts at
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise
None
Performance benchmarks
How Fast Is It?
Ecosystem
Relationships
Next step
Get Started with py2exe
Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.