Fix "Python backend exited with code 1"

Updated July 10, 2026 08:47

This error means LTX Desktop's local Python backend failed to start or crashed during initialization. It can have several causes — work through the steps below to resolve it.

This error can appear as:

Python backend exited with code 1
Failed to start Python backend
Error invoking remote method 'start-python-backend'

Step 1: Update LTX Desktop

Many backend startup errors were fixed in recent releases. Check that you're on the latest version before anything else. Download from the GitHub releases page.

Step 2: Restart cleanly

Quit LTX Desktop completely and reopen it. On Windows, try right-clicking the app and selecting Run as administrator — some startup failures are caused by file permission issues.

Step 3: Check ffmpeg

Some backend errors are caused by a missing or inaccessible ffmpeg installation. If your logs mention ffmpeg not found:

Install ffmpeg from ffmpeg.org.
Make sure it's accessible on your system PATH.
Restart LTX Desktop.

Step 4: Reinstall LTX Desktop

If the error persists:

Uninstall LTX Desktop.
On Windows, delete the app data folder before reinstalling: %LOCALAPPDATA%\LTXDesktop\

Clearing the app data folder resets your settings and may affect locally stored project state. Back up anything you want to keep before deleting it.

Reinstall using the latest installer.
Let the first-launch model download complete fully.

Step 5: Collect your logs

If none of the above resolves the issue, collect your logs and share them when reporting:

In-app: Help > View Logs
Windows: %LOCALAPPDATA%\LTXDesktop\logs\session_*.log
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/LTXDesktop/logs/session_*.log

Include your app version, OS version, GPU model and VRAM, and whether you're using local or API mode.

Get more help

If the error continues after updating, reinstalling, and checking dependencies, report it with your logs attached: