Set a Global Python Environment in Preferences

By default, the Python Environment Provider node creates temporary Pixi environments that are deleted when you close KNIME. To improve performance and avoid re-downloading libraries on every restart, use the Preferences page to configure permanent storage for your environments.

Make Pixi environments permanent

If you want to avoid re-downloading and re-creating environments every time you restart KNIME, follow these steps:

1. Go to File → Preferences.
2. Navigate to KNIME → Conda.
3. Locate the setting: "Store pixi environments temporarily".
4. Uncheck this box to persist environments on your disk.
5. Define a Base Directory: Click Browse and select a dedicated folder (e.g., C:/KNIME_Python_Envs).
6. Click Apply and Close.

Next steps

• Use the Python Environment Provider (Pixi): Set up a portable environment that works on desktop and web.
• Add Python packages: Edit the environment specification to include new libraries.
• The Pixi backend: Differences between the modern lock-file system and traditional Conda.