How to install Cursor AI code editor on Windows, Mac, and Linux

May 30, 2025

How to install Cursor AI code editor on Windows, Mac, and Linux
AI-Powered Development

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:

Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
macOS 10.15+ (Intel/Apple Silicon)
Linux (64-bit, AppImage)
4GB RAM minimum
Internet for AI features

Download Cursor AI

Visit the official website to download the latest version:

URL
https://cursor.com/download

Installation Instructions

Select your operating system below for detailed installation steps:

Installing Cursor AI on Windows

1

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).

Cursor AI download page for Windows showing download button and installation options Screenshot: Cursor download page for Windows
2

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.

3

Complete Installation

Follow the setup wizard: accept the license agreement, choose installation directory (or keep default), and select additional options like desktop shortcuts.

Command Line Alternative
winget install Anysphere.Cursor
4

Add to PATH (Optional)

To use Cursor from the command line, add it to your system PATH:

PowerShell
setx PATH "%PATH%;C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Programs\cursor\bin"

Installing Cursor AI on macOS

1

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.

Cursor AI download page for macOS displaying universal DMG file download option Screenshot: Cursor download page for macOS
2

Install the Application

Double-click the downloaded Cursor.dmg file, then drag the Cursor icon into your Applications folder.

3

Handle Security Prompt

On first launch, if macOS shows a security warning, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway".

Homebrew Alternative
brew install --cask cursor
4

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

1

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.

Cursor AI Linux download options showing AppImage and architecture selection Screenshot: Cursor download options for Linux
2

Make Executable

Navigate to your Downloads folder and make the AppImage executable:

Terminal
chmod +x ~/Downloads/Cursor-*.AppImage
3

Install Dependencies (Ubuntu/Debian)

For Ubuntu 22.04+ and Debian-based systems, install libfuse2:

Terminal
sudo apt install libfuse2
4

Move to Permanent Location (Optional)

For easier access, move the AppImage to /opt and create a desktop entry:

Terminal
sudo mv ~/Downloads/Cursor-*.AppImage /opt/cursor.appimage sudo chmod +x /opt/cursor.appimage
5

Create Desktop Entry

Create a .desktop file for menu integration:

Terminal
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

1

Keyboard Shortcuts

Select your preferred keyboard layout. VS Code shortcuts are recommended for most users.

2

AI Language

Choose your preferred language for AI interactions. English is default, but multiple languages are supported.

3

Import VS Code Settings

If you're migrating from VS Code, click "Import from VSCode" to transfer your extensions, themes, and settings.

4

Sign In or Create Account

Create a free account to access AI features. Pro features include unlimited GPT-4 usage and advanced capabilities.

Cursor AI welcome configuration screen showing keyboard layout and AI language options Screenshot: Cursor AI welcome configuration screen

Essential Cursor AI Shortcuts

Master these keyboard shortcuts to maximize your productivity with Cursor AI:

Code Generation

Windows/Linux
Ctrl + K
macOS
Cmd + K

Opens inline code generation. Type your request in natural language.

AI Chat Interface

Windows/Linux
Ctrl + L
macOS
Cmd + L

Opens the AI chat panel for questions about your codebase.

Accept AI Suggestions

All Platforms
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:

Terminal
./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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