The embedded distribution of Python is a zipfile that holds a minimal Python interpreter. Its purpose is to provide a Python environment for other programs, rather than being used directly by end users.

When extracted from the zipfile, the environment is essentially isolated from the underlying OS, that is, the Python environment is self-contained. The standard library is pre-compiled into bytecode and all Python-related .exe and .dll files are included. However, pip, documentation files and the Tcl/tk environment are not included. Because Tcl/tk is not available, the IDLE development environment and associated Tkinter files are not available for use.

In addition, the Microsoft C runtime is not included with the embedded distribution. While it is frequently installed on the user's system from other software or via Windows Update, it is ultimately up to the program installer to ensure that it is available for Python's use.

Necessary third-party Python packages need to be installed by the program installer, in addition to the embedded Python environment. As pip is not available, these packages should be included with the overall application so they are updated whenever the application itself is updated.