How to fix How to fix 'ModuleNotFoundError: No module named setuptools' in Python in Python

PythonINTERMEDIATEMEDIUM

setuptools is required to install packages from source. This error means setuptools is not installed in your Python environment.

What this error means

setuptools is a Python module that pip uses to install packages and build wheels. When you run pip install on a package with source code or compiled extensions, pip uses setuptools to handle the installation. If setuptools is missing, pip cannot proceed.

Typical symptoms

pip install fails with 'No module named setuptools'
Error occurs during package installation or build
Works with one Python version but not another
Fresh Python installation fails to install packages
ImportError mentions setuptools
pip commands fail immediately
Works after installing setuptools

Common causes

setuptools not installed in the Python environment
Using system Python without setuptools installed
Virtual environment created without setuptools
Pip bootstrap failed
setuptools accidentally uninstalled
Using Python from a minimal installation
Multiple Python versions with different setuptools availability

How to fix this error

1Verify the root cause

Review the error message above and identify which cause applies to your situation. Run additional diagnostics if needed.

2Apply the appropriate fix

Follow the corresponding solution from the causes section above.

3Retry the installation

Once you've addressed the root cause, try running 'pip install' again.

Related errors

Official resources & further reading

📚Python Official Documentation
📖
setuptools documentation(Official Docs)
💬
SO: No module named setuptools(Stack Overflow)
🐙
GitHub: setuptools repository(GitHub)
📖
pip installation guide(Official Docs)