diff --git a/.github/workflows/conda_build.yml b/.github/workflows/conda_build.yml
index 5087e81..4c9afdd 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/conda_build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/conda_build.yml
@@ -28,9 +28,6 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v3
-
-      - name: Install Python 3.10 in base environment
-        run: conda install --name base python=3.10
             
       - name: Setup Miniforge
         uses: conda-incubator/setup-miniconda@v3
@@ -39,9 +36,15 @@ jobs:
             miniforge-variant: Miniforge3
             miniforge-version: latest
             activate-environment: bc_builds
-            environment-file: ./.github/workflows/helpers/mambabuild.yml
-            conda-version: "23.5.0"
             use-mamba: true
+
+      - name: Ensure Python 3.10 is installed in base environment
+        run: mamba install --name base python=3.10
+        
+      - name: Update Conda and Mamba
+        run: |
+          mamba install --name base conda=23.5.0    # Update Conda to the desired version
+          mamba update --name base mamba            # Update Mamba
           
       - name: Update beyondcell environment
         run: mamba update -n bc_builds -f helpers/mambabuild.yml