diff --git a/a00_qpip/plugin.py b/a00_qpip/plugin.py
index f57c287..7a54311 100644
--- a/a00_qpip/plugin.py
+++ b/a00_qpip/plugin.py
@@ -266,9 +266,39 @@ def pip_install_reqs(self, reqs_to_install):
         )
 
     def python_command(self):
-        # python is normally found at sys.executable, but there is an issue on windows qgis so use 'python' instead
-        # https://github.com/qgis/QGIS/issues/45646
-        return "python" if os.name == "nt" else sys.executable
+        if os.path.exists(os.path.join(sys.prefix, "conda-meta")):  # Conda
+            log("Attempt Conda install at 'python' shortcut")
+            return "python"
+
+        # python is normally found at sys.executable, but there is an issue on windows qgis so use 'python' instead: https://github.com/qgis/QGIS/issues/45646
+        # 'python' doesnt seem to work, using this method instead
+        if platform.system() == "Windows":  # Windows
+            base_path = sys.prefix
+            for file in ["python.exe", "python3.exe"]:
+                path = os.path.join(base_path, file)
+                if os.path.isfile(path):
+                    log(f"Attempt Windows install at {str(path)}")
+                    return path
+            path = sys.executable
+            log(f"Attempt Windows install at {str(path)}")
+            return path
+
+        # Same bug on mac as windows: https://github.com/opengisch/qpip/issues/34#issuecomment-2995221985
+        if platform.system() == "Darwin":  # Mac
+            base_path = os.path.join(sys.prefix, "bin")
+            for file in ["python", "python3"]:
+                path = os.path.join(base_path, file)
+                if os.path.isfile(path):
+                    log(f"Attempt MacOS install at {str(path)}")
+                    return path
+            path = sys.executable
+            log(f"Attempt MacOS install at {str(path)}")
+            return path
+
+        else:  # Fallback attempt
+            path = sys.executable
+            log(f"Attempt fallback install at {str(path)}")
+            return path
 
     def check(self):
         dialog, _ = self.check_deps()