win32com IntelliSense in VSCode: 5 Easy Steps for 2025

Step 1: Locate the `makepy.py` Script

The key to this entire process is a utility script included with pywin32 called makepy.py. Its job is to read a COM type library and generate the Python source code wrappers. First, you need to find it. It's typically located in your Python environment's `Lib\site-packages\win32com\client` directory.

Instead of hunting for it manually, you can run this simple Python snippet in your terminal to get the exact path:

python -c "import win32com, os; print(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(win32com.__file__), 'client', 'makepy.py'))"

Copy the path it prints. For example, it might look like: C:\Users\YourUser\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python311\Lib\site-packages\win32com\client\makepy.py. We'll refer to this as `<path_to_makepy.py>`.

Step 2: Identify the Target COM Library

Next, you need to know the exact name of the type library for the application you want to automate. The easiest way to find this is to run `makepy.py` without any arguments. Open your command prompt or terminal and run:

python <path_to_makepy.py>

This will open a GUI window listing all registered COM libraries on your system. Scroll through the list to find the one you need. For Microsoft Excel, it will be something like:

• Microsoft Excel 16.0 Object Library (9.6)

The version number (16.0) corresponds to Office 2016/2019/365. For Outlook, you'd look for Microsoft Outlook 16.0 Object Library. Note down the exact name.

Step 3: Generate the Python Wrappers (The Magic Step)

Now it's time to generate the code. In your terminal, run `makepy.py` again, but this time, pass the library name you found in Step 2 as an argument. It's best to wrap the library name in quotes.

Here is the command for Excel:

python <path_to_makepy.py> "Microsoft Excel 16.0 Object Library"

You'll see some output in the console as it generates the necessary files. The script will automatically place the generated Python modules in the correct cache directory. There's no need to specify an output file; the default behavior is what we want.

Step 4: Verify the Generated Cache

The generated files are stored in a special directory named `gen_py` inside your `win32com` package folder. You can find this directory at `Lib\site-packages\win32com\gen_py`.

Inside this folder, you should now see a new file and a subdirectory. For Excel, the file might be named `00020813-0000-0000-C000-000000000046x0x1x9.py`. The long hexadecimal string is the library's unique identifier (CLSID).

The presence of this file confirms that the cache has been successfully generated. Pylance will automatically discover these modules the next time it analyzes your project.

Step 5: Reload VSCode and Test Your New Superpowers

This final step is crucial. For VSCode and Pylance to recognize the newly generated files, you must reload the editor. The easiest way is to open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and type/select Developer: Reload Window.

Once reloaded, open a Python file and try it out! Create a simple script like this:

import win32com.client as win32

# Use EnsureDispatch for early binding
# This tells win32com to use the generated cache
excel = win32.gencache.EnsureDispatch('Excel.Application')

# --- TEST INTELLISENSE HERE ---
# Type "excel." and wait for suggestions
excel.Visible = True

# Type "excel.Workbooks." and see the methods
wb = excel.Workbooks.Add()

# Type "wb.ActiveSheet." to see more properties
ws = wb.ActiveSheet
ws.Cells(1, 1).Value = "IntelliSense Works!"

As you type excel., you should now see a full list of properties and methods like Visible, Workbooks, and Quit. Congratulations, you've successfully unlocked `win32com` IntelliSense!

Important Note: Use win32.gencache.EnsureDispatch() instead of the usual win32.Dispatch(). EnsureDispatch explicitly tells `win32com` to look for and use the statically generated wrapper files, which is what enables the IntelliSense connection.

Issue: IntelliSense Still Not Working?

• Reload VSCode: Have you tried turning it off and on again? Seriously, use Developer: Reload Window. This solves the problem 90% of the time.
• Check Python Interpreter: Ensure VSCode is using the same Python environment where you ran `makepy.py`. Check the interpreter path in the bottom-right corner of VSCode.
• Use `EnsureDispatch`: Double-check that your code uses `win32.gencache.EnsureDispatch('Excel.Application')` and not the standard `win32.Dispatch()`.
• Clear Pylance Cache: As a last resort, you can try clearing the Pylance cache. Open the Command Palette and find the command to do so.

Issue: Error: "Library not registered"

If you see this error when running `makepy.py`, it means the COM application is not properly registered on your system. This can happen if the application is corrupted or wasn't installed correctly. The best solution is to run the installer for the application (e.g., Microsoft Office) and choose the "Repair" option.

Issue: Choosing the Correct Library Version

In the `makepy.py` list, you might see multiple versions of a library (e.g., "Microsoft Excel 15.0 Object Library" and "16.0"). Always choose the highest version number that corresponds to the version of the software you have installed. Using an older library version for a newer application may result in missing methods or properties.