Anaconda had not updated Python internally to 3.6, but later versions of Anaconda has a Python 3.6 version here.

a) Method 1

  1. If you wanted to update, you will type conda update python

  2. To update Anaconda, type conda update conda

  3. If you want to upgrade between major python versions, like 3.5 to 3.6, you'll have to do

    conda install python=$pythonversion$
    

b) Method 2 - Create a new environment (the better method)

conda create --name py36 python=3.6

c) To get the absolute latest Python (3.6.5 at time of writing)

conda create --name py365 python=3.6.5 --channel conda-forge

You can see all this from here.

Also, refer to this for force upgrading.

Answer from Moulick on Stack Overflow
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Conda
docs.conda.io › projects › conda › en › stable › user-guide › tasks › manage-python.html
Managing Python — conda 26.3.2 documentation
conda config --add channels conda-forge conda config --set channel_priority strict conda create -n pypy pypy conda activate pypy · To switch to an environment that has different version of Python, activate the environment. To update Python to the latest version in your environment, run:
Discussions

How do I update python with miniconda? - Anaconda & Miniconda - Anaconda Forum
I need to install python 3.11. But I have other tools, cadquery and such that I’m currently working on, that are all using 3.9, and so I don’t want to mess with anything that might screw them up. So I guess it’s not really an update so much as needing both versions in parallel. More on forum.anaconda.com
🌐 forum.anaconda.com
0
May 8, 2023
`conda update python` does not actually update the python version
Current Behavior I am trying to update to a newer version of python (3.8 -> 3.9) in one of the conda environments. However, trying to do so, conda wants to update all sorts of packages installed in the environment, but not the actual Pyt... More on github.com
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4
April 24, 2021
Not able to update python and conda to latest version using anaconda prompt - Anaconda & Miniconda - Anaconda Forum
I have done conda update conda ,it shows Collecting package metadata (current_repodata.json): done Solving environment: done ==> WARNING: A newer version of conda exists. <== current version: 4.10.3 latest version: … More on forum.anaconda.com
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August 25, 2023
Upgrading python - How do I ... ? - Conda Community Forum
How can I upgrade my python 3.1 to the newest version? I have miniconda installed and just updated that. Once I upgrade, will it be accessible in all my conda environments? Many thanks! More on conda.discourse.group
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0
June 7, 2024
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/learnpython › is it possible to upgrade python in anaconda?
r/learnpython on Reddit: Is it possible to upgrade Python in Anaconda?
January 30, 2023 -

I noticed in answering a question that my Python was at 3.7.something, so I thought I'd upgrade. I wanted to experiment with the walrus operator, which began with 3.8. I run Python in Spyder, launched from Anaconda. My package management is done with conda.

So I did this:

conda update anaconda  (worked fine, but I noticed all the python stuff was "py37*")
conda install spyder=5.3.3 (all requested packages already installed)

Launched Python to check: I'm at 3.7.13.

So I tried this:

conda install -c anaconda python=3.10

As with most of my installs, it detected conflicts. I got this message. "Found conflicts! Looking for incompatible packages. This can take several minutes. Press CTRL-C to abort."

At this point it's been running at least 3 days. This happened also when I tried with 3.11 but I interrupted it after a day or two. I'm curious to see what happens so I'm letting it run to completion.

Should I be able to upgrade past 3.7 in Anaconda? What does it mean when a conda install that "can take several minutes" runs for days?

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Anaconda Forum
forum.anaconda.com › product help › anaconda & miniconda
How do I update python with miniconda? - Anaconda & Miniconda - Anaconda Forum
May 8, 2023 - I need to install python 3.11. But I have other tools, cadquery and such that I’m currently working on, that are all using 3.9, and so I don’t want to mess with anything that might screw them up. So I guess it’s not re…
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GitHub
github.com › conda › conda › issues › 10634
`conda update python` does not actually update the python version · Issue #10634 · conda/conda
April 24, 2021 - (myenv) % conda update -d python ~ Collecting package metadata (current_repodata.json): done Solving environment: / Warning: 2 possible package resolutions (only showing differing packages): - conda-forge/noarch::decorator-4.4.2-py_0, ...
Author   MatusGasparik
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DataCamp
datacamp.com › tutorial › pip-upgrade-python
How to Upgrade Pip and Python in Windows, MacOS, and Linux | DataCamp
December 23, 2025 - The first step is to update the package list. You can do this by opening your terminal and running the following command: ... You can then upgrade Python by installing the latest version.
Find elsewhere
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Acgeospatial
acgeospatial.co.uk › python-geospatial-workflows-prt4-anaconda-update37
Python for Geospatial work flows part 4: Updating from Python 3.6 to 3.7 with Anaconda – acgeospatial
April 6, 2020 - Then download the latest version and install. Allow yourself ~20mins to uninstall and reinstall. ... Boom! Python 3.7.7!
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Anaconda Forum
forum.anaconda.com › product help › anaconda & miniconda
Not able to update python and conda to latest version using anaconda prompt - Anaconda & Miniconda - Anaconda Forum
August 25, 2023 - I have done conda update conda ,it shows Collecting package metadata (current_repodata.json): done Solving environment: done ==> WARNING: A newer version of conda exists. <== current version: 4.10.3 latest version: …
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Saturn Cloud
saturncloud.io › blog › updating-to-python-37-using-anaconda-a-guide
Updating to Python 3.7 Using Anaconda: A Comprehensive Guide | Saturn Cloud Blog
November 18, 2023 - It’s recommended to create a new environment when updating Python to avoid conflicts with your existing packages. Use the following command: ... Here, py37 is the name of the new environment, and python=3.7 specifies the Python version.
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Conda
docs.conda.io › projects › conda › en › 23.9.x › user-guide › tasks › manage-python.html
Managing Python — conda 23.9.1.dev1 documentation
conda config --add channels conda-forge conda config --set channel_priority strict conda create -n pypy pypy conda activate pypy · To switch to an environment that has different version of Python, activate the environment. Use the terminal or an Anaconda Prompt for the following steps. If you are in an environment with Python version 3.4.2, the following command updates Python to the latest version in the 3.4 branch:
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Saturn Cloud
saturncloud.io › blog › how-to-create-a-conda-environment-with-a-specific-python-version
How to Create a Conda Environment with a Specific Python Version | Saturn Cloud Blog
October 23, 2023 - This is particularly vital when working on collaborative projects, where maintaining alignment regarding Python versions and package dependencies is paramount. If you haven’t installed Conda yet, you can download it from the official website to download the version compatible with your operating system.
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Medium
medium.com › @loucapener › how-to-update-your-python-version-using-anaconda-cc993b2c66dc
How to update your Python version using Anaconda | by Louise Capener | Medium
July 26, 2021 - How to update your Python version using Anaconda If you’re fairly new to coding you might be intimidated when a library or module requires a python version that you don’t have. Like me, you might …
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Conda Community
conda.discourse.group › users › how do i ... ?
Upgrading python - How do I ... ? - Conda Community Forum
June 7, 2024 - How can I upgrade my python 3.1 to the newest version? I have miniconda installed and just updated that. Once I upgrade, will it be accessible in all my conda environments? Many thanks!
🌐
Nocomplexity
nocomplexity.com › documents › pythonbook › updatepython.html
Update Python Version using Conda — Simplify Python Coding
Activate the conda environment you wish to update. Within this environment, run the installation command, specifying the currently installed minor version: ... This will update your Python version to the latest 3.13.x release available in the conda channels, ensuring you remain on the 3.13 ...
Top answer
1 of 4
40

Inside of conda environment, you can update python to latest as follow:

conda update python

Or you can upgrade or downgrade the environment python version:

conda install python=3.10

Updating or Upgrading Python

2 of 4
27

Open conda shell prompt. (On Windows Anaconda Powershell Prompt)

You first check

conda search python

You will get all the supported versions. It may look like:

Loading channels: done
# Name                       Version           Build  Channel
python                        2.7.13     h1b6d89f_16  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.13     h9912b81_15  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.13     hb034564_12  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h2765ee6_18  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h3e68818_15  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h4084c39_22  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h4a10d90_30  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h4a10d90_31  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h59f5a59_20  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h819644d_16  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.14     h8c3f1cb_23  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.15      h2880e7c_2  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.15      h2880e7c_3  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.15      h2880e7c_4  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.15     hcb6e200_15  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.15      hcb6e200_5  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.15      hcb6e200_7  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.15      he216670_0  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.16      hcb6e200_0  pkgs/main
python                        2.7.17      h930f6bb_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.4     h1357f44_23  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.4     hc495aa9_21  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.4     hd3c4935_11  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.4     hdec4e59_20  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.4     hedc2606_15  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.5      h0c2934d_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.5      h0c2934d_1  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.5      h0c2934d_2  pkgs/main
python                         3.5.6      he025d50_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.2     h09676a0_15  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.2     h6679aeb_11  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.3      h210ce5f_2  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.3      h3389d20_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.3      h3b118a2_4  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.3      h9e2ca53_1  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.4      h0c2934d_2  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.4      h0c2934d_3  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.4      h6538335_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.4      h6538335_1  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.5      h0c2934d_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.6      hea74fb7_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.7      h33f27b4_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.7      h33f27b4_1  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.7      h9f7ef89_2  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.8      h9f7ef89_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.8      h9f7ef89_1  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.8      h9f7ef89_7  pkgs/main
python                         3.6.9      h5500b2f_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.0      hea74fb7_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.1      h33f27b4_3  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.1      h33f27b4_4  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.1      h8c8aaf0_6  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.1      he44a216_5  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.2      h8c8aaf0_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.2     h8c8aaf0_10  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.2      h8c8aaf0_2  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.3      h8c8aaf0_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.3      h8c8aaf0_1  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.4      h5263a28_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.7.5      h8c8aaf0_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.8.0      hff0d562_0  pkgs/main
python                         3.8.0      hff0d562_1  pkgs/main
python                         3.8.0      hff0d562_2  pkgs/main

Then simple select the version conda install python=3.8.0 if this is the last version.

🌐
Conda
docs.conda.io › projects › conda › en › 23.1.x › user-guide › tasks › manage-python.html
Managing Python — conda 23.1.0 documentation
conda config --add channels conda-forge conda config --set channel_priority strict conda create -n pypy pypy conda activate pypy · To switch to an environment that has different version of Python, activate the environment. Use the terminal or an Anaconda Prompt for the following steps. If you are in an environment with Python version 3.4.2, the following command updates Python to the latest version in the 3.4 branch:
🌐
Conda
docs.conda.io › projects › conda › en › stable › user-guide › tasks › manage-conda.html
Determining your conda version
==> WARNING: A newer version of conda exists. <== current version: 4.6.13 latest version: 4.8.0 · Update conda by running: conda update --name base conda
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Anaconda
anaconda.com › docs › getting-started › working-with-conda › packages › update-packages
Updating conda packages - Anaconda
To update multiple packages, list the packages separated by a space: ... Replace each <PACKAGE> with the name of a package you want to update. If you need to update a package to a specific version, use the conda install command instead.
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Anaconda Forum
forum.anaconda.com › product help › packages & environments
Do I need to update conda? - Packages & Environments - Anaconda Forum
April 26, 2023 - I am currently running Anaconda with conda version 4.12.0. Occasionally I will get the following warning: ==> WARNING: A newer version of conda exists. <== current version: 4.12.0 latest version: 23.3.1 Please upda…