python / python/cpython

Cryptic `WinError` reported when subprocess execution fails with WSL path

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OS-windows topic-subprocess type-bug
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Based on the investigation below, the most pragmatic change we can make here is to enhance the exception handling around the _winapi.CreateProcess call in subprocess such that the reported WinError that is raised when the command given is on a WSL path at least reports the offending command (the way os.startfile already does).


Original bug report

ensurepip fails on Windows venv creation with WSL UNC path

Bug description:

Running Python 3.12.3 from the Windows Store via Windows PowerShell, attempting to create a Windows virtual environment under a WSL UNC path fails:

PS Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::\\wsl$\fedoraremix\home\acoghlan\_build_win64> $windows_python="$((Get-Command python3).Path)"
PS Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::\\wsl$\fedoraremix\home\acoghlan\_build_win64> & "$windows_python" --version
Python 3.12.3
PS Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::\\wsl$\fedoraremix\home\acoghlan\_build_win64> & $windows_python -Im venv --copies test_venv
Error: [WinError 1] Incorrect function
PS Microsoft.PowerShell.Core\FileSystem::\\wsl$\fedoraremix\home\acoghlan\_build_win64> & $windows_python -Im venv --copies \\wsl$\fedoraremix\home\acoghlan\_build_win64\test_venv
Error: [WinError 1] Incorrect function

(I initially thought this might be related to #102584 , as it has some similarities to #102496, but there were enough differences that it seemed worthwhile to file a dedicated issue. The investigation below strongly supports the idea that this is a different problem, specifically with ensurepip trying to invoke a subprocess when sys.executable is pointing at an executable stored in a WSL folder)

CPython versions tested on:

3.12

Operating systems tested on:

Windows

Linked PRs
  • gh-157713

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First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start at the subprocess entry point around the _winapi.CreateProcess call and review linked PR gh-157713 for the current implementation direction. Done means a failed command on a WSL path reports the offending command alongside the WinError, with the relevant subprocess behavior covered by tests.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
operating-systems
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
3/5
Estimated time
1-2 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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