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Tech riderRev. 20 Sept 2026

Miniforge

Ch 136.7of 27 Python Package Managers
  1. 1Runs onLinux, Mac, Windows
  2. 2CostsNot stated by the maker
  3. 3Lockfile supportYes
  4. 4Environment managementYes
  5. 5Private registryYes
  6. 6Supported platformscross-platform
5 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: conda-forge.org
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The Miniforge homepage

Overview

Miniforge is ranked #13 of 27 in Python package managers on Specifiction. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows.

Compared on Python package managers

Free plan
Yesconda-forge.org
Lockfile support
Yesconda-forge.org
Environment management
Yesconda-forge.org
Private registry
Yesconda-forge.org
Supported platforms
cross-platformconda-forge.org

Facts

Purpose
Miniforge is the preferred conda-forge installer and includes conda, mamba, and their dependencies.conda-forge.org · 4 Oct 2026
Package source
Packages in the base environment come from the conda-forge channel, which is set as the default and only channel.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Environments
Users can create isolated environments with conda create or mamba create.conda-forge.org · 4 Oct 2026
Package availability
The download page says thousands of packages are available in the conda-forge distribution.conda-forge.org · 4 Oct 2026
Platforms
The download page lists installers for Windows x86_64, macOS arm64 and x86_64, and Linux x86_64, aarch64, and ppc64le.conda-forge.org · 4 Oct 2026
Architecture support
The project says it emphasizes support for x86_64, ppc64le, and aarch64 CPU architectures, including Apple Silicon.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Base Python
The project README says the latest installers have Python 3.14 in the base environment and that other Python versions can be installed in separate environments.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
CI use
The README provides batch installation instructions for non-interactive use, including CI pipelines.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
macOS installer security
The project says its macOS PKG installers are signed and notarized with NumFOCUS certificates.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Testing
The README says installers are tested in CI against distributions including CentOS 7, Debian 11–13, and Ubuntu 18.04–24.04.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Windows limitation
The README says Windows commands are available in the Miniforge Prompt by default and warns that adding Miniforge to PATH may cause serious software conflicts.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Support
The conda-forge documentation directs users with bugs or questions to GitHub issues or the Zulip chatroom.conda-forge.org · 4 Oct 2026
Project scope
The project describes Miniforge as an entry point to the conda and mamba commands and says package-specific issues should be reported to the associated feedstock.github.com · 4 Oct 2026
Included tools
The installer includes conda, mamba, and their dependencies.conda-forge.org · 5 Oct 2026
Default package source
Packages in the base environment come from conda-forge, which is configured as the default and only channel.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Supported systems
Current installers are listed for Windows x86_64, macOS x86_64 and arm64, and Linux x86_64, aarch64, and ppc64le.conda-forge.org · 5 Oct 2026
Architecture focus
The project emphasizes support for x86_64, ppc64le, and aarch64 architectures, including Apple Silicon.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Minimum requirements
The README lists Windows 10 or later, macOS 11 or later, and Linux glibc 2.17 or later for x86_64, aarch64, and ppc64le installers.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Experimental builds
The README says Apple Silicon and Linux RISC-V builds are experimental and have not received the same testing as other platforms.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Signing
The macOS PKG installers are signed and notarized with NumFOCUS certificates.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
CI testing
The project says installers are tested in CI against a range of Linux distributions matching the installer architecture.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Windows usage
With the default Windows installer choices, conda and mamba are available in the Miniforge Prompt; adding Miniforge to PATH is optional and is not selected by default due to potential software conflicts.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
Installation limit
The project does not recommend installing Miniforge through Homebrew because repackaging can cause incompatibilities it does not test.github.com · 5 Oct 2026
License
The repository identifies Miniforge as BSD 3-Clause licensed.github.com · 5 Oct 2026

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