Where Does Python IDLE Store Settings?
IDLE .idlerc directory with config-main.cfg, keybinds and themes on every desktop OS.
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IDLE keeps its settings in an .idlerc directory in your home folder on every platform: main config, key sets, themes and recent files. Scripts live wherever you save them and never enter this folder.
Corrupt configs cause the classic IDLE_sidlesilent failure to launch. Deleting .idlerc is the documented revival ritual.
Where IDLE stores this, by platform
~/.idlerc
Holds config-main.cfg, config-keys.cfg, config-highlight.cfg and recent-files.lst. Delete the folder with IDLE closed to reset everything to stock.
%USERPROFILE%\.idlerc
Same files as Linux, in a dot folder inside your user profile. Show hidden items in File Explorer to see it.
Frequently asked questions
IDLE will not start. How do I fix it?
Delete the .idlerc folder above with IDLE closed. A corrupt config is the usual cause and defaults regenerate cleanly.
Where are IDLE custom themes?
In config-highlight.cfg inside .idlerc. Copy that file to move themes between machines.
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