Install for Python

Use CPython 3.9+ on Windows 10/11 x64, with Explorer running in an interactive user session. Install from PyPI:

python -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m pip install rusty-desktop-icons
python -c "import rusty_desktop_icons as rdi; print(rdi.__version__)"

Prebuilt wheels do not require Rust or Visual Studio. The package includes type stubs for editors/type checkers and installs loguru for native diagnostics. Installing/importing it does not move icons or launch a separate application.

Use python -m pip install --upgrade rusty-desktop-icons to upgrade. For an application release, pin the version you tested in your dependency lockfile.

When Installation Fails

  • Check that Python is 64-bit CPython and that pip belongs to the intended venv.

  • A missing compatible wheel may trigger a source build. That requires Rust 1.88+, Visual Studio C++ Build Tools and the Windows SDK.

  • macOS/Linux builds use a stub backend; successful installation does not provide desktop control there. Windows services/noninteractive sessions are not the target environment.

For work on the library itself, see contributor setup. For application usage, continue to the read-only quickstart.