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How to Solve "ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'psutil'" in Python

The error ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'psutil' in Python indicates that the psutil library, which provides information on running processes and system utilization, is not installed in your current Python environment.

This guide provides a complete guide to installing psutil, troubleshooting common installation problems, and configuring popular IDEs (VS Code, PyCharm) and Jupyter Notebook for use with psutil.

Installing psutil (The Basic Solution)​

The standard way to install psutil is using pip:

pip install psutil

  • Multiple Python Versions: If you have multiple Python versions, use pip3 (or a specific version like pip3.9):

    pip3 install psutil

  • Permissions Errors: If you get permission errors:

    sudo pip3 install psutil  # Linux/macOS (Use with caution!)
    pip install psutil --user # Install for current user only

    Using virtual environments (explained below) is the best way to avoid permission problems.

  • python -m pip: If pip isn't directly in your PATH, use:

    python -m pip install psutil # Or python3 -m pip, or py -m pip

  • Conda: If you are using Anaconda, you should use the following command to install psutil:

    conda install -c conda-forge psutil

Verifying the Installation​

After installing, verify that psutil is accessible:

import psutil

print(psutil.cpu_times())
for x in range(3):
  psutil.cpu_percent(interval=1)
  • This code will import the library, and call some methods on it to confirm that it has been correctly installed.

If this script runs without a ModuleNotFoundError, psutil is installed. If you still get an error, continue to troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting ModuleNotFoundError​

Virtual Environments (Essential)​

Always use virtual environments:

  1. Create: python3 -m venv venv (or python -m venv venv, py -m venv venv)
  2. Activate:
    • Linux/macOS: source venv/bin/activate
    • Windows (cmd): venv\Scripts\activate.bat
    • Windows (PowerShell): venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
      • If you get errors in PowerShell try running Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser.
  3. Install: pip install psutil (inside the activated environment).

Your terminal prompt should change (e.g., (venv) $).

Multiple Python Versions:​

  • Check: python --version (or python3 --version)
  • Correct pip: Use pip, pip3, pip3.x, or python -m pip to match your intended Python version.

IDE Configuration (VS Code, PyCharm)​

Configure your IDE to use the correct interpreter/environment.

Jupyter Notebook​

Install within a notebook cell:

!pip install psutil

Ensure your Jupyter kernel uses the right environment.

Naming Conflicts​

Never name your files psutil.py.

Reinstalling psutil​

pip uninstall psutil
pip install psutil

Installation Instructions for Specific Environments​

Windows:​

  • Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  • Use pip install psutil (or py -m pip install psutil).

macOS / Linux:​

  • Open your Terminal
  • Use pip3 install psutil

Anaconda:​

  • Use conda install -c conda-forge psutil

Jupyter Notebook (within a cell):​

!pip install psutil

Conclusion​

The ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'psutil' error is usually easy to resolve.

The key steps are to install psutil using pip, always use virtual environments, and ensure your IDE or Jupyter Notebook is using the correct Python environment where psutil is installed.

By following these steps, you can use psutil to monitor system and process information in your Python programs.

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