[Solved 2026] ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘pkg_resources’ Fix

In this tutorial, we will show how to solve the Modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘pkg_resources’ error.

Also, we will explain what are the root causes of this error.

Prior to that pkg_resources is a module that is part of the setuptools library.

Wherein setuptools is a collection of enhancements to the Python distutils module that allows developers to more easily build and distribute Python packages.

Additionally, pkg_resources provides runtime support for working with installed Python packages.

What is modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘pkg_resources’?

Modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘pkg_resources’ error occurs when setuptools is not installed in your python environment.

Since the “pkg_resources” module is part of the setuptools library, which is used for packaging and distributing Python projects.

That provides functionality for managing Python package dependencies and metadata.

Therefore the error typically occurs when a Python script or application tries to import a module called “pkg_resources” but the module is not found in the Python environment.

How to solve modulenotfounderror: no module named pkg_resources

Root Causes of modulenotfounderror: no module named pkg_resources

The several causes of why this modulenotfounderror: no module named pkg_resources error occurs are the following:

• Missing or outdated setuptools
  • If you don’t have setuptools installed, or if it’s outdated, you might encounter the “No module named ‘pkg_resources’” error.
  • Additionally, setuptools is a package that provides tools for building, distributing, and installing Python packages.

•  Broken “pkg_resources” Module
  • If the “pkg resources” module’s files are not properly integrated into the Python environment.
  • As a result, the resource files are not accessible to the installed Python environment during the installation of any package.

• Conflicting package installations
  • Sometimes, you might have multiple installations of a package on your system, and Python might be trying to import the wrong one.
  • This can happen if you’ve installed a package using both pip and your system’s package manager, or if you have multiple versions of Python installed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Modulenotfounderror: no module named ‘pkg_resources’ error in Python can be caused by a variety of factors, including missing or outdated setuptools, broken “pkg_resources” module, and conflicting package installations.

To fix this error, you can try installing or upgrading setuptools, recreating egg-info, or uninstalling and reinstalling conflicting packages.

We hope that this article has provided you with the information you need to fix this error and continue working with Python packages.

If you are finding solutions to some errors you’re encountering we also have Modulenotfounderror: no module named nlk.

Diagnostic checklist for “No module named ‘pkg_resources'”

• Verify pip install target. Run pip show pkg_resources — if not installed, run pip install pkg_resources.
• Check the active Python interpreter. which python (mac/Linux) or where python (Windows). Both pip and python must point to the same environment.
• Check virtual environment activation. If you use venv/conda, activate before installing: source .venv/bin/activate.
• Rule out uppercase/lowercase. Python imports are case-sensitive: import PyPDF2 not import pypdf2.
• Rule out the pip-vs-package-name mismatch. Some packages install under a different name than you import (e.g. pip install beautifulsoup4 → import bs4).

Installing pkg_resources

# Standard pip install
pip install pkg_resources

# In a virtual environment (recommended)
python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate  # or .venv\Scripts\activate on Windows
pip install pkg_resources

# With uv (faster alternative)
uv pip install pkg_resources

Common causes for “No module named ‘pkg_resources'”

• Python interpreter mismatch. Multiple Python installations can confuse pip. Verify with which python and which pip.
• Virtual environment not activated. If the venv isn’t activated, pip installs to your system Python instead.
• Notebook kernel mismatch. Jupyter uses a kernel that may differ from your terminal Python. Use %pip install pkg_resources inside the notebook.
• Import name differs from install name. pip install beautifulsoup4 → import bs4. Check the package’s PyPI page.
• Windows PATH issues. Ensure Python is on PATH; use python -m pip install to invoke pip via the correct Python.

Working code example

# Verify install worked
import pkg_resources
print(getattr(pkg_resources, '__version__', 'no version attribute'))

Best practices

• Always use a virtual environment. Avoids most module-not-found errors.
• Use pip freeze to lock versions. pip freeze > requirements.txt makes your setup reproducible.
• Consider uv or Poetry. Modern package managers with better dep resolution and reproducibility.

Glay Eliver

Programmer & Technical Writer at PIES IT Solution

Glay Eliver is a programmer and writer at PIES IT Solution, author of over 600 tutorials at itsourcecode.com. Specializes in JavaScript tutorials, Microsoft Office how-tos (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and Python error debugging covering ImportError, TypeError, AttributeError, ModuleNotFoundError, and JavaScript ReferenceError. Authored several of the site’s highest-traffic Excel and MS Office reference articles.

Expertise: JavaScript · MS Excel · MS Word · MS PowerPoint · Python · Python ImportError · Python TypeError · Python AttributeError · ModuleNotFoundError · JavaScript ReferenceError · Pygame
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