diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d20fe2c0..c405fd8f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ The Desktop UI is the recommended way to use Auto Claude. It provides visual tas
 ### Prerequisites
 
 1. **Node.js 18+** - [Download Node.js](https://nodejs.org/)
-2. **Python 3.9+** - [Download Python](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
+2. **Python 3.10+** - [Download Python](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
 3. **Docker Desktop** - Required for the Memory Layer
 4. **Claude Code CLI** - `npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code`
 5. **Claude Subscription** - Requires [Claude Pro or Max](https://claude.ai/upgrade) for Claude Code access
diff --git a/auto-claude/run.py b/auto-claude/run.py
index f8936d74..689d682e 100644
--- a/auto-claude/run.py
+++ b/auto-claude/run.py
@@ -28,9 +28,19 @@ Prerequisites:
     - Claude Code CLI installed
 """
 
-import io
 import sys
 
+# Python version check - must be before any imports using 3.10+ syntax
+if sys.version_info < (3, 10):
+    sys.exit(
+        f"Error: Auto Claude requires Python 3.10 or higher.\n"
+        f"You are running Python {sys.version_info.major}.{sys.version_info.minor}.{sys.version_info.micro}\n"
+        f"\n"
+        f"Please upgrade Python: https://www.python.org/downloads/"
+    )
+
+import io
+
 # Configure safe encoding on Windows BEFORE any imports that might print
 # This handles both TTY and piped output (e.g., from Electron)
 if sys.platform == "win32":
diff --git a/auto-claude/runners/spec_runner.py b/auto-claude/runners/spec_runner.py
index c4426465..d0a6eb32 100644
--- a/auto-claude/runners/spec_runner.py
+++ b/auto-claude/runners/spec_runner.py
@@ -33,10 +33,20 @@ Usage:
     python auto-claude/spec_runner.py --task "Simple fix" --no-ai-assessment
 """
 
+import sys
+
+# Python version check - must be before any imports using 3.10+ syntax
+if sys.version_info < (3, 10):
+    sys.exit(
+        f"Error: Auto Claude requires Python 3.10 or higher.\n"
+        f"You are running Python {sys.version_info.major}.{sys.version_info.minor}.{sys.version_info.micro}\n"
+        f"\n"
+        f"Please upgrade Python: https://www.python.org/downloads/"
+    )
+
 import asyncio
 import io
 import os
-import sys
 from pathlib import Path
 
 # Configure safe encoding on Windows BEFORE any imports that might print