Update python in base conda environment

Question

I have a clean Anaconda installation that, for some reason, came with Python 3.8.8, while I know the latest stable release should be 3.10. If I run

conda update python

I'm asked if I want to install 3.8.12.

I know I can create a new environment with

conda create -n py310 python=3.10

However I'd like to "replace" the base 3.8.8 environment with a new 3.10 one. Is it possible to update python in the base environment? If not, can I create a new environment and then replace the base environment with the new one?

Answer 1

I think this is a deliberate choice in conda, to keep on the same minor version of Python. If you would like to update to a new minor version, you can do

conda install python=3.X

However, Python 3.10 may not be a good choice (or even possible) in your base environment, because it is possible that not all dependencies have been built for 3.10 yet. You'll probably have better luck with Python 3.9.