Orion Docs

Kernel and Python selection ​

Use this guide when Orion cannot find Jupyter, prompts repeatedly to create a managed environment, or you need to point the CLI at a specific Python installation.

Use Orion's managed environment (default) ​

On first run, Orion may offer to create ~/.orion/runtime/venv (Windows: %USERPROFILE%\.orion\runtime\venv) with Jupyter and orion-ui preinstalled.

Approve automatically:

bash
orion --yes

This is the simplest path if you do not need a custom conda stack.

Pick a different Python (npm CLI) ​

The npm orion-notebook CLI supports Python selection:

bash
orion --pick-python

Or persist a choice:

bash
orion config python pick
orion config python show
orion config python reset

The pip launcher does not include config or --pick-python. Use managed Jupyter or connect manually with --app-only.

Connect without CLI-managed Jupyter ​

  1. Start your own server: Connect to an external Jupyter server

  2. Or run Orion without starting Jupyter:

    bash
    orion --app-only

  3. Connect via the kernel selector in the UI.

Jupyter not installed ​

In the environment you want to use:

bash
python -m pip install jupyter_server

Then start the server with CORS allowed. See Fix Jupyter CORS connection errors.

Incompatible Jupyter Server ​

Orion requires Jupyter Server APIs for kernels, sessions, contents, and terminals. Upgrade:

bash
python -m pip install -U jupyter_server

Last updated May 2026.

Apache-2.0 Licensed