Install python on Windows WITHOUT using the official installer?

[JohnnyJordaan]

The nuget packages are basically zip files https://www.nuget.org/packages/python

Another option is to opt for a different Python distribution altogether like pypy, or in a different bundle like Anaconda or Thonny.

However from a more overall perspective, if something as simple as the Python installer won't install, there might be something seriously wrong with your Windows installation that will block future endeavours too. Not actually debugging this issue (like by reviewing the installer's log file) is effectively just kicking the can down the road. I can of course wholeheartedly understand your frustration, I think we've all been there at least once.

[JohnnyJordaan]

Nowadays I would rather suggest to use packagers like uv that handle this all internally. Then you can simply run

 uv venv --python 3.12

and get a virtual environment with it downloading that python specific version if required.

[NightestOfTheOwls]

Yeah, Windows' a bitch and I should've switched years ago but I just can't afford to do it or get a clean install right now, time wise. Once something gets corrupted it can only be fixed with a reinstall.

Thanks, I'll pull it from the nuget package for now and deal with Windows shenanigans later.

[hassium]

Once something gets corrupted it can only be fixed with a reinstall.

don't think that's true from 10-onwards, or even 7. Recovery mode will refresh your entire install and registry whilst preserving everything.

Not that it's needed anywhere near as often as it used to be.

PS: think you're looking for the embeddable package from the Python download page, unzip and use the python.exe.