Install PyQt with pip command on windows 10

PyQt-installation.md

About

Installation guide to PyQt4 and PyQt5 on windows 10. Works with Python 3.7.3 32-bit and Python 3.7.3 64-bit (tested)

Installing

1. Verify that python is installed and runnning by typing python --version on the command line.
2. Verify that you have not installed PyQt before pip list.
3. pip install PyQt5 this will install PyQt5.
4. pip install pyqt5-tools this will install the designer.exe in your Scripts folder.
5. If you need PyQt4 you will need to download the Windows wheel package. Choose your package according to your Python version. Example, if you are running Python 3.7.3 32-bits you should choose PyQt4‑4.11.4‑cp37‑cp37m‑win32.whl. To know your Python version you can type on the command line python -VV (Double -V argument gives more info on the vesion). You can also check the thread on StackOverflow.
6. Run C:\path\where\wheel\is\> pip install PyQt4‑4.11.4‑cp37‑cp37m‑win32.whl. The path will probably be the downloads folder C:\Users\<user>\Downloads.
7. If you are going to use designer or pyuic from PyQt4 with the command line you will need to add the path to PyQt4 folder to your path and probably move it over the python scripts so it gets read first.
   • First you need to search for the location of designer.exe in the PyQt4 folder. It should be in the Lib\site-packages folder as in the example below C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python37\Lib\site-packages\PyQt4

     

   • Then you need to add the location to your path

     

   • Finally you will need to move it above the python scripts

     

8. Type designer on the command line to start designer.exe (Note: if you had a command line open while updating your path, you first need to close it so the changes can take effect). You can verify that the version you are using is PyQt4 by going to Help > About Qt on the application bar menu. The first line should be This program uses Qt version 4.8.7. or something similar.
   • If your system is running on high-DPI your QtDesigner could look very small
   • To adjust the settings, you can right-click on the QtDesigner icon (you should pin it to the taskbar!) and go to the Properties tab

     

   • Then, you want to go to the Compatibility tab and click on Change high DPI settings

     

   • Tick Override high DPI scaling behavior and choose System from the dropbox. Click on OK and then on Apply

     

   • Finally, you can run again designer and while the resolution might be pixelated, you will be able to actually see something without forcing your eyes!

Happy coding

If you have a suggestion, comment or just found this guide useful, please let me know on the comments!