Technical guide

How to Change Default Python Version in Ubuntu

Switch default Python version on Ubuntu: configure update-alternatives --config python3, manage system symlinks, and set up isolated virtualenv.

By lynxbeedev · August 17, 2024 · Updated August 12, 2026 · 1 min read

Linux Software Development Linux Commands Command Line Tools

Managing multiple installed Python versions on Ubuntu Linux is handled cleanly using Debian update-alternatives system utilities.

update-alternatives Commands

Terminal Commandsbash

# Register Python 3.10 and 3.12 in update-alternatives
sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/bin/python3.10 1
sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/python3 python3 /usr/bin/python3.12 2
 
# Interactive menu to select default Python version
sudo update-alternatives --config python3

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update-alternatives Commands

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