Fixing the "Environment location directory is not empty" error

Question

I was coding for my game and installed the Python 3.10 interpreter. I choose the interpreter amd suddenly my PyCharm 2023.1 said the error "Environment location directory is not empty". Click here for image

I tried to change to a second Python interpreter but PyCharm said that the interpreter is invalid and I can't click OK.

Graptolite

Change the "Location" field. E.g., E:\Custom\Concepts\PyCharm Projects\SpaceBattle\.venv This way the virtual environment will be stored inside .venv folder in your project. – Catcall

Answer 1

I tried manually creating virtual environment inside of .venv and then adding the interpreter. Turns out this causes the issue mentioned.

Instead, delete the .venv and then select location as mentioned by @Pavel Karateev, pycharm will create virtual environment for you, no need of manually creating it.

Knipe

Answer 2

For anyone looking for a solution for this in the 2023/2024 version, write /venv after your folder's address. For example: If your folder's address is like OP's E:/Custom/Concepts/Pycharm Projects/SpaceBattle, write this instead E:/Custom/Concepts/Pycharm Projects/SpaceBattle/venv

This way Pycharm allows the creation of a new virtual environment.

PS - It feels like a bug, but it is what it is :)

Sordid

Answer 3

If you already have a .../Pycharm Projects/.../venv, and are still getting the same error, you need to set a new folder for a new virtual environment.

e.g., .../PCP/.../venv2

Then, you should see the red error disappear. Then choose the new interpreter, and it should update.

Pandit

Answer 4

For someone still facing this issue, just navigate to your repository path, delete the venv folder(this is created by the interpreter) and add a new interpreter(this will automatically create a new evnv folder under your repository).

Jilleen