diff --git a/tests/test_core.py b/tests/test_core.py
index b07db51..3705811 100644
--- a/tests/test_core.py
+++ b/tests/test_core.py
@@ -227,8 +227,11 @@ def test_diagnostics_redacts_token_args():
 # --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
 # 6. Dependency / PATH checking
 # --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
-def test_dep_check_finds_python3():
-    assert c.check_dependency({"command": "python3"})["status"] == "ok"
+def test_dep_check_finds_python():
+    # "python3" does not exist on a stock Windows install; "warn" (found only
+    # on an augmented PATH) still proves resolution works on a real machine.
+    cmd = "python" if os.name == "nt" else "python3"
+    assert c.check_dependency({"command": cmd})["status"] in ("ok", "warn")
 
 
 def test_dep_check_flags_missing():