How to install Cursor AI code editor on Windows, Mac, and Linux
May 30, 2025
How to Install Cursor AI on Windows, Mac & Linux
Transform your coding experience with the next-generation AI code editor trusted by developers at OpenAI, Perplexity, and leading tech companies worldwide.
What Is Cursor AI?
Cursor AI is revolutionizing software development by seamlessly integrating advanced AI capabilities directly into your coding environment. Built on the foundation of Visual Studio Code, Cursor combines familiar functionality with cutting-edge AI features including GPT-4 and Claude integration.
AI-Powered Coding
Intelligent code completion that predicts multi-line edits and understands your entire codebase context.
Natural Language
Write code using plain English instructions and let AI transform your ideas into functional code.
SOC 2 Certified
Your code remains private and secure with enterprise-grade security and optional privacy mode.
System Requirements
Before installing Cursor AI, ensure your system meets these requirements for optimal performance:
Download Cursor AI
Visit the official website to download the latest version:
https://cursor.com/download
Installation Instructions
Select your operating system below for detailed installation steps:
Installing Cursor AI on Windows
Download the Installer
Navigate to cursor.com and click "Download for Windows". The site will automatically detect your system and provide the correct .exe file (approximately 200MB).
Screenshot: Cursor download page for Windows
Run the Installer
Locate the downloaded Cursor-Setup.exe file in your Downloads folder and double-click to run. If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes" to allow installation.
Complete Installation
Follow the setup wizard: accept the license agreement, choose installation directory (or keep default), and select additional options like desktop shortcuts.
winget install Anysphere.Cursor
Add to PATH (Optional)
To use Cursor from the command line, add it to your system PATH:
setx PATH "%PATH%;C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Programs\cursor\bin"
Installing Cursor AI on macOS
Download the DMG File
Visit cursor.com and click "Download for macOS". You'll receive a universal .dmg file compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) processors.
Screenshot: Cursor download page for macOS
Install the Application
Double-click the downloaded Cursor.dmg file, then drag the Cursor icon into your Applications folder.
Handle Security Prompt
On first launch, if macOS shows a security warning, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway".
brew install --cask cursor
Enable Command Line
To use 'cursor' command in Terminal, open Cursor and go to View → Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P), then type "Install 'cursor' command in PATH".
Installing Cursor AI on Linux
Download AppImage
Go to cursor.com/downloads and click "Linux" to download the AppImage file. Choose x86_64 for 64-bit systems or aarch64 for ARM-based systems.
Screenshot: Cursor download options for Linux
Make Executable
Navigate to your Downloads folder and make the AppImage executable:
chmod +x ~/Downloads/Cursor-*.AppImage
Install Dependencies (Ubuntu/Debian)
For Ubuntu 22.04+ and Debian-based systems, install libfuse2:
sudo apt install libfuse2
Move to Permanent Location (Optional)
For easier access, move the AppImage to /opt and create a desktop entry:
sudo mv ~/Downloads/Cursor-*.AppImage /opt/cursor.appimage
sudo chmod +x /opt/cursor.appimage
Create Desktop Entry
Create a .desktop file for menu integration:
cat > ~/.local/share/applications/cursor.desktop << EOF
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Cursor
Exec=/opt/cursor.appimage --no-sandbox
Icon=/opt/cursor.png
Type=Application
Categories=Development;
EOF
⚠️ Important Note for Ubuntu Users
Do NOT install the 'fuse' package on Ubuntu 22.04+, as it may cause system instability. Only install 'libfuse2' as shown above.
First Launch Configuration
When you launch Cursor AI for the first time, you'll be guided through initial setup:
Welcome Screen Options
Keyboard Shortcuts
Select your preferred keyboard layout. VS Code shortcuts are recommended for most users.
AI Language
Choose your preferred language for AI interactions. English is default, but multiple languages are supported.
Import VS Code Settings
If you're migrating from VS Code, click "Import from VSCode" to transfer your extensions, themes, and settings.
Sign In or Create Account
Create a free account to access AI features. Pro features include unlimited GPT-4 usage and advanced capabilities.
Screenshot: Cursor AI welcome configuration screen
Essential Cursor AI Shortcuts
Master these keyboard shortcuts to maximize your productivity with Cursor AI:
Code Generation
Ctrl + K
Cmd + K
Opens inline code generation. Type your request in natural language.
AI Chat Interface
Ctrl + L
Cmd + L
Opens the AI chat panel for questions about your codebase.
Accept AI Suggestions
Tab
Accept AI code suggestions and auto-completions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Windows Issues
"Cursor is not recognized as internal command"
Solution: Add Cursor to your PATH environment variable using the command provided in the installation steps.
Antivirus Blocking Installation
Solution: Temporarily disable antivirus or add Cursor as an exception in your security settings.
macOS Issues
"Cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer"
Solution: Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → click "Open Anyway" for Cursor.
Cursor Command Not Found in Terminal
Solution: Open Cursor, press Cmd+Shift+P, and run "Install 'cursor' command in PATH".
Linux Issues
AppImage Won't Run
Solution: Ensure the file has execute permissions and libfuse2 is installed.
Sandbox Errors
Solution: Run with --no-sandbox flag:
./Cursor-*.AppImage --no-sandbox
Ready to Transform Your Coding Experience?
Join thousands of developers who are already coding faster and smarter with Cursor AI. Whether you're building your next startup or contributing to open source, Cursor helps you write better code in less time.
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