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gh-118860: docs: clarify custom build output directory in PCbuild/readme.txt #153382

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docs: clarify custom build output directory in PCbuild/readme.txt
pranavchoudhary-tech Jul 9, 2026
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docs: add news entry for 118860
pranavchoudhary-tech Jul 9, 2026
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1 change: 1 addition & 0 deletions Misc/NEWS.d/next/Build/2026-07-09-10-37-00.gh-issue-118860.abc123.rst
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Clarify the use of ``Py_OutDir`` and ``PC/layout`` for customizing the build output directory in ``PCbuild/readme.txt``.
11 changes: 11 additions & 0 deletions PCbuild/readme.txt
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Expand Up @@ -105,6 +105,17 @@ the 32-bit Win32 platform. It accepts several arguments to change
this behavior, try `build.bat -h` to learn more.


Custom Output Directory
-----------------------

If you want to move the build outputs to a different directory, do not use the standard MSBuild `/p:OutDir=` property, as CPython has many assumptions about where the source repository is relative to the built files.
Instead, you can override the output directory by setting `Py_OutDir` (for example, `build.bat "/p:Py_OutDir=C:\MyOutput"`).

However, be aware that the compiled binaries probably won't run directly from that location. If you want to make an install-shaped layout without creating the installer, build CPython normally first, and then use the `PC/layout` script with the runtime you just built:
python.bat PC/layout --<options>
Use `-h` with that command to see all available options for customizing the layout.


C Runtime
---------

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