How does WinPython find and use winpython.ini #1423

I am trying to write a compiled wrapper that runs Python programs via WinPython, passing an environment similar to the environment that is set up by python.bat (which invokes env.bat). I can tell that I'm getting a different result because if I add an entry to the [environment] section of winpython.ini, then Python can read that value when executed through python.bat but not when executed through my compiled wrapper.

I have tried comparing the environments generated by my wrapper and by python.bat, and there is nothing different that seems like it could be relevant.

What am I missing?

Things I have double checked:

• sys.executable does have the correct value.
• Values passed into the environment of the subprocess by my executable wrapper are accessible by the Python code.

Why it matters for me:

I don't actually need to configure anything through winpython.ini, but the fact that the configuration is not being applied makes me concerned about what else might not work correctly for me using this process.