diff --git a/src/depends.py b/src/depends.py
index 03e297f1..75be30e0 100755
--- a/src/depends.py
+++ b/src/depends.py
@@ -421,8 +421,8 @@ def check_dependencies(verbose=False, optional=False):
     if sys.hexversion >= 0x3000000:
         logger.error(
             'PyBitmessage does not support Python 3+. Python 2.7.4'
-            ' or greater is required.')
-        has_all_dependencies = False
+            ' or greater is required. Python 2.7.18 is recommended.')
+        sys.exit()
 
     check_functions = [check_ripemd160, check_sqlite, check_openssl]
     if optional: