diff --git a/build/runner/src/pyenv.rs b/build/runner/src/pyenv.rs
index 9d65626ca..efd58fd91 100644
--- a/build/runner/src/pyenv.rs
+++ b/build/runner/src/pyenv.rs
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ pub fn setup_pyenv(args: PyenvArgs) {
 
     // remove UV_* environment variables to avoid interference
     for (key, _) in std::env::vars() {
-        if key.starts_with("UV_") {
+        if key.starts_with("UV_") || key == "VIRTUAL_ENV" {
             command.env_remove(key);
         }
     }
diff --git a/qt/launcher/src/main.rs b/qt/launcher/src/main.rs
index d48adaf49..e1529f794 100644
--- a/qt/launcher/src/main.rs
+++ b/qt/launcher/src/main.rs
@@ -269,7 +269,7 @@ fn handle_version_install_or_update(state: &State, choice: MainMenuChoice) -> Re
 
     // remove UV_* environment variables to avoid interference
     for (key, _) in std::env::vars() {
-        if key.starts_with("UV_") {
+        if key.starts_with("UV_") || key == "VIRTUAL_ENV" {
             command.env_remove(key);
         }
     }