# error: python_requires='>=3.7' but the installed Python version is 3.6.9

- **ID:** `python/setuptools-python-requires-error`
- **Domain:** python
- **Category:** config_error
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

The package specifies a minimum Python version that is not satisfied by the current interpreter.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| 3.6 | active | — | — |
| 3.7 | active | — | — |
| 3.8 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Upgrade Python to a supported version** (95% success)
   ```
   Install Python 3.7+ from python.org or use a version manager like pyenv: `pyenv install 3.9.10 && pyenv global 3.9.10`
   ```
2. **Use a virtual environment with a compatible Python version** (90% success)
   ```
   `python3.7 -m venv myenv && source myenv/bin/activate && pip install package`
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Ignoring the error and forcing installation with --ignore-requires-python** — This flag does not exist; pip will still enforce python_requires. (90% fail)
- **Downgrading the package to an older version that supports Python 3.6** — The older version may have other issues or missing features. (50% fail)