Feature or enhancement

Modify the PATHEXT variable on Windows Installer when the system-wide launcher py.exe is installed.

Pitch

I had an issue with executing the Python scripts from the PowerShell console - the script always opened a new console window. When I wrote .\script.py in Command Prompt (cmd.exe), it was executed in the same window, but in PowerShell console a new window was always opened. It used file association "C:\WINDOWS\py.exe" "%L" %* and when I tried to run it directly (py.exe .\script.py), it was executed in the same window even in PowerShell console. I reported it to PowerShell guys, and they recommended to set PATHEXT to add ;.PY at the end. So, I did it and the Python script started to run correctly in the same console window.

I checked the installer documentation and there is a note that you need to check Add Python to PATH, which I did not have checked (I am happy with how py.exe works). I just have the system-wide launcher installed. So I think it makes sense to modify PATHEXT when the system-wide launcher is installed, not only when the PATH is modified.

Previous discussion

I asked on discuss.python.org and it was advised by Steve Dower to report it here to track the idea.