Distributing Python programs

In 2019 I have been using PyInstaller mostly, works very well for all of my Python scripts I wish to convert to a single runnable exe.

another alternative you can try is Portable python.

You could use something like py2exe to convert your Python program into an executable.

You have the options presented thus far: Portable Python and Py2Exe. Either can be pretty good.

My suggestion: encourage your friends to install Python! As you know, it's free, and simple to install and download. If they want your application bad enough, installing Python will be a no-brainer.