Canopy will not notify you when updates are available. You can check this article for a new Canopy version, or check the current version directly on the Canopy download page.
Canopy 2.1 supports both Python 2.7 and Python 3.5.
The current Canopy version is 2.1.9, released April 23, 2018. We recommend and request that all Canopy 2 users update to this version, which provides much more robust installation of Python environments, especially when under load from anti-virus scanners. See
- Canopy 2.1 documentation -- Installation and Quick Start
- "Failure during runtime or package installation"
- "Canopy Release Notes"
- Canopy 2 Knowledge Base articles
Users of Canopy version 1 will need to fully uninstall Canopy and should also delete the other Canopy v1 directories, before installing Canopy version 2. See Updating from Canopy v1 to Canopy v2.
Existing users of Canopy version 2 do not need to uninstall their previous installation. This will be done by the newer installer.
Which Canopy installer should I download?
Your choice of installer determines your default Canopy User Python environment, but if you have an internet connection, this is not a restrictive choice, because you can subsequently create different additional environments from the Canopy Preferences dialog, without re-installing. See "Managing and switching between Python 2.7 and 3.5 environments".
Python 2.7 or Python 3.5?
Python 2.7 has reached end of life and many packages are no longer updated for Python 2.7. However if you are using legacy Python 2.7 software, you can download the Python 2.7 version of Canopy As just described, this choice is not restrictive. You can update from an installation that defaults to Python 2.7, to one that defaults to Python 3.5, or vice-versa. The active Canopy User Python environment will be replaced on subsequent startup only if you so request, or you can replace it later from the Tools menu => Troubleshoot => Reset Python Environment.
If you choose Python 3.5, then we strongly recommend that immediately after installation, you install the package "PyQt", for higher quality graphics (unless your employer forbids you from using GPL-licensed software).
Standard or Full package set? (Subscribers only)
Most users should download the Standard installer to save disk space, time, and unnecessary package, and use the Package Manager to install any additional packages that they need. The notable exceptions would be:
- If you are installing on an isolated / internet-disconnected system.
- If you are a sysadmin installing for multiple users, especially with a Managed Common Install.
You can update from a Canopy 2 installation that defaults to a Standard package set to one that defaults to a Full package set, or vice-versa. The active Canopy User Python environment will be replaced on subsequent startup only if you so request, or you can replace it later from the Tools menu => Troubleshoot => Reset Python Environment.
64-bit or 32-bit architecture? (Windows only)
Most users should download the 64-bit installer. The notable exceptions would be:
- If you are installing on 32-bit Windows (rare).
- If you are installing on an isolated / internet-disconnected system and you need 32-bit Python.
- If you are a sysadmin installing for multiple users who only need 32-bit Python (rare).
- To update an existing installation of 32-bit Canopy v2.
Note that in Canopy 2.1, in addition to determining your default Canopy User Python environment, this installer choice also determines the architecture of the Canopy application.
Please do not enter support requests in article comments
Please use article comments for suggestions to improve the article. See "How to submit Enthought Canopy/EPD support requests".
Article updated for Canopy 1.7