n8n npm installation for Windows is broken for Python node

[suranjits-cmd]

Bug Description

After installing npm package of n8n in Windows 10 I have created an Workflow which contains a Python code node. This node repeated giving me error that - "Python runner unavailable: Virtual environment is missing from this system...". Further investigation reveals that -

1. In task-runner-process-py.js file '.venv/bin/python' path is hardcoded which is a LINUX path.
2. The path '@n8n/task-runner-python' is missing from the npm installation but this is used in the JS file.

As a result Python script is not running in the workflow.

To Reproduce

1. Install n8n npm package for Windows
2. run n8n server
3. Create a workflow with a Python code node.
4. Try to run a test run of the default Python code.

Expected behavior

Python script should run properly without any error like - "Python runner unavailable: Virtual environment is missing from this system
Internal mode is intended only for debugging."

Debug Info

1. In command prompt run the command -
   type "C:\Users<username>\AppData\Roaming\npm\node_modules\n8n\dist\task-runners\task-runner-process-py.js"
   See the hardcoded paths mentioned in "Bug Description".

Operating System

Windows 10

n8n Version

2.9.2

Node.js Version

24.11.1

Database

SQLite (default)

Execution mode

main (default)

Hosting

self hosted

[n8n-assistant]

Hey @suranjits-cmd,

Thank you for reaching out! We’ve received your issue and are looking into it. To help us track this internally, we’ve created a Linear ticket with the reference: "GHC-7019".

We’ll keep you updated as we make progress, but if you have any additional details or context to share, feel free to add them here - it’s always helpful!

Thanks for your patience and for bringing this to our attention.

---

For INTERNAL use only: GHC-7019

[shortstacked]

@suranjits-cmd Hey, Python Code Node requires the task runner sidecar container — it doesn't work with just npx n8n or a single Docker container. The simplest way to get Python working is with Docker Compose using two containers (n8n + the runners image).

Save this as docker-compose.yml and run docker compose up:

services:
  n8n:
    image: docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
    environment:
      - N8N_RUNNERS_MODE=external
      - N8N_RUNNERS_BROKER_LISTEN_ADDRESS=0.0.0.0
      - N8N_RUNNERS_AUTH_TOKEN=change-me
    ports:
      - 5678:5678

  runners:
    image: docker.n8n.io/n8nio/runners
    environment:
      - N8N_RUNNERS_TASK_BROKER_URI=http://n8n:5679
      - N8N_RUNNERS_AUTH_TOKEN=change-me
    depends_on:
      - n8n

For more hosting options (Postgres, Kubernetes, etc.) see n8n-io/n8n-hosting.

Alternatively, if you have the repo cloned and want a one-command stack (spins up n8n + runners + networking via testcontainers):

TEST_IMAGE_N8N=n8nio/n8n:latest pnpm stack

Docs: https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/configuration/task-runners/#setting-up-external-mode