How to install Cursor AI code editor on Windows or Mac?
Step-by-step installation
Go to the official Cursor website and click the download button for Windows or macOS. The site detects your operating system automatically, but you can also choose a specific build if needed.
On Windows, open the downloaded .exe file and follow the setup wizard. On macOS, open the .dmg and drag the Cursor icon into your Applications folder.
After installation, launch Cursor. You can start using it immediately as a code editor, but to use AI features like chat and autocomplete, you'll need to sign in with a free account.
- Download from cursor.com (avoid third-party sites)
- Windows: run the .exe installer
- Mac: drag .dmg to Applications
- Launch and optionally sign in
System requirements and first launch
Cursor runs on Windows 10 or later (64-bit) and macOS 10.15 Catalina or later. It works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. A stable internet connection is needed for AI features.
On first launch, Cursor may ask to import settings and extensions from VS Code, which is handy if you're switching. You can also set up a keyboard shortcut or alias to open it from the terminal.
If you use a package manager like Homebrew on Mac, you can install Cursor with 'brew install --cask cursor'. On Windows, winget users can try 'winget install Cursor.Cursor'.
Common mistakes
- Downloading from an unofficial source, which may bundle adware or an outdated version.
- Thinking you need a paid plan to install or use the editor—installation is free and the free tier includes basic AI features.
- Skipping the sign-in step and then wondering why AI chat or autocomplete doesn't work.
