How to Resolve the No module named 'dlib' Error on Windows 10 with Python 3.7

A step-by-step guide to fixing the "No module named 'dlib'" error on Windows 10 for Python 3.7 users, including tips on using CMake and MSBuild.
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How to Resolve the No module named 'dlib' Error on Windows 10 with Python 3.7

Encountering the "No module named 'dlib'" error can be frustrating, especially when working with Python 3.7 on a Windows 10 machine. This post provides a straightforward guide to help you resolve this error by ensuring dlib is correctly installed and configured.

Why the Error Occurs

The "No module named 'dlib'" error typically arises when the dlib module is either not installed or not recognized by your Python interpreter. Installing dlib on Windows requires additional steps due to its dependencies on CMake and a C++ compiler.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, make sure you have the following:

CMake: Download and install CMake, which is a required tool for building the dlib library.

Visual Studio Build Tools: Ensure you have the MSBuild tool, which is part of the Visual Studio Build Tools. This tool is necessary for compiling dlib.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install CMake

Download CMake from the official website and follow the installation instructions.

Add CMake to your system's PATH during the installation process.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Build Tools

Download the Visual Studio Build Tools from the official website.

During the installation, select the "Desktop development with C++" workload.

Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 3: Install dlib for Python 3.7

Open a Command Prompt as Administrator.

Upgrade pip by running:

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Install dlib using the following command:

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Step 4: Verify the Installation

To ensure that dlib has been installed correctly, run the following command in your Python environment:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

If the command executes without any errors and prints the version of dlib, the installation was successful.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

CMake not found: Make sure CMake is added to your system's PATH. You can verify this by running cmake --version in Command Prompt.

Missing C++ compiler: Ensure the "Desktop development with C++" workload is selected during the Visual Studio Build Tools installation.

Permission errors: Run Command Prompt as Administrator when installing packages to avoid permission issues.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the "No module named 'dlib'" error on Windows 10 with Python 3.7. Properly configuring your build tools and dependencies will minimize installation issues and enhance your development experience.

If you encounter any further issues, reviewing the official documentation for CMake, MSBuild, and dlib can provide additional guidance.