Unable to set Python home directory

[linriss_nr]

I'm currently attempting to set up my Power BI desktop instance up to work with Python, and on the advice of some Python tutorials am trying to use a Python virtual environment instead of the global Python install in order to avoid package dependency clashes.

- I have Python installed

- I have created a Python virtual environment and installed pandas and matplotlib within it

- I am not using Anaconda (for which there is apparently a known issue)

When I open Power BI and go to the Python Scripting page in the options, Power BI will not let me browse for a Python home directory, or type a path directly into the "Set a Python home directory" box.

Instead of the normal Windows Explorer browse window, I get what looks like a legacy browse window that only shows the Desktop folder.  I cannot interact with this browse window to actually browse the folders (i.e. I can't open Desktop to see what's in it).

I also cannot edit the Set a "Python Home Directory" box - I can put the cursor in there, but can't type anything.

I've searched online and can't see any solutions for this - any help would be greatly appreciated, because at the moment I'm stuck at square one with Python and Power BI.

Strange browser window when trying to set Python Home Directory - does not actually allow folder browsing

Side note - I don't know if this is helpful, but I get exactly the same behaviour on the "R Scripting" options page if I try to set an R home directory.

[linriss_nr · Accepted solution]

Further update, following some additional research:

It turns out that this behaviour can affect various applications, and is caused by an error with OneDrive.

I followed the following advice found in this microsoft answers post to stop syncing my Desktop folder with OneDrive, and it resolved the issue in Power BI for me:

- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the Notification area and click Settings.
- Select the Backup tab, and click Manage Backup
- In the Manage folder backup dialog, click on the Stop backup link for "Desktop"
- Click Stop backup in the confirmation dialog that appears.

I now have full access to the files and folders on my PC when trying to set the Python Home Directory.

[linriss_nr]

Update:  It turns out that I can actually browse using the browse window, but only within the Desktop folder in my OneDrive.  I can't go any further up the tree.  I can't therefore point to any other part of my OneDrive or C:\ drive apart from my Desktop.

I'm using Power BI Desktop from the Windows Store by the way, not downloaded from the Power BI website.